I am leaning heavily towards 3rd ward because of their current sale. https://www.3rdward.com/memberships. At $250 a month 3rd ward is steep but manageable, that requires a year long commitment though. I think I am willing to give it a shot. I want to use the metalshop and build furniture. I think for professionals it's an excellent deal.
There is also the Madagascar Institute. Which has a welding shop and charges $70 a month. http://www.madagascarinstitute.com/ . I'm a little worried about shop safety and guidance there. It does look like a fun place.
I really wish Tech Shop were in NYC. http://brooklyn.techshop.com/get_involved.html . They have a pre-signup page for $2000 for a year's membership. That is dependent on them building their NYC place which seems doubtful.
I don't think NYCResistor has the tools for the type of projects I want to work on.
What other places could people recommend? How is techshop in SF?