The group behind a new space in Melbourne's western suburbs wants people who want to build things.

The Footscray Maker Lab (FML) is to hold its first public open day on October 19 and is looking for trial members.

Based in a warehouse in an industrial area of West Footscray, the space provides tools for metalworking, woodworking and electronics.

Board member Matt Rowbottom said FML would be an opportunity for city people to have access to the kind of workshops found in country Australia.

"I grew up with a workshop on a farm," he said.

"I see that in the city those types of facilities just aren't available nearly as much.

"This looks like a great opportunity for people to be able access a workshop and tools and a community."

One of those people is Ilija Minic.

Mr Minic, whose background is in drafting, works at a computer all day and is using FML to pursue personal building projects.

"I really want to be able to try and realise some of my hairbrained schemes," he said.

Ilija Minic And Matt Rowbottom work in Melbourne's Footscray Maker Lab, which is looking for trial members. ( Simon Leo Brown )

The lab provides a space where people who are interested in building things can share their tools and expertise.

Jose Ramos, who has been working on the concept since February 2013, said the lab was "essentially a place for collaboration".

"It's a way to meet other people who have different skills, who have different knowledge, and who may be able to help you or you may be able to help them," he said.

While open to hobbyists, Mr Ramos hoped the lab would be used to pursue business ideas.

"It's a place where people can bring their businesses, or their fledgling business ideas, and build those with the support of other people," he said.

Hayden O'Doherty, who has been involved with FML since March, hoped the lab would promote local small-scale manufacturing.

He said the space would allow people to "grow their own small business ideas without having to outlay a whole lot of capital".

"We're filling a real niche between having to do things at home in your backyard and having to rent large commercial spaces," he said.

FML are currently seeking trial members who are interested in contributing their skills to the space.

Mr O'Doherty said the cooperative were looking for an "eclectic mix of people".

"If we just had welders we'd end up with a lot of steel work," he said.

"The more diverse collection of people we can have in the space working with steel, wood, textiles, ceramics, software, hardware ... the scope is endless."

Mr Ramos said he was looking forward to seeing what the FML community could build.

"You've got to bring those people together to see what's possible," he said.