That's a real problem for many of us. We might be able to afford to buy the equipment we want to use. We cannot afford a workshop sized space to keep it in and in which to use it. Plus, realistically, it just won't get used that often. Intensely during a project, and then not at all for months at a time.
That kind of shared tool idea is the obvious solution, but implementing it in a workable and convenient manner would be the trick.
So, I tried a Google search to see if there was a TechShop-like business in Austin, TX and came up with this link:
http://www.jobhustler.com/jobs/austin/Art-Media-Design-Jobs/TechShop-Seeks-Front-Desk-
implying that TechShop will be opening one in Austin. I hope that's what it means.