Another new member from Melbourne.

[gocat]

Hi all.

I'm Kimc. I'm just a regular guy minding his own business. Suddenly came a wife - wanting some furniture (2-pack high gloss to be specific) to fit a specific space in the entrance.

It would cost me $500 (custom made) which I refuse to pay. So I'm up for the challenge. Packed with one semester wood working class back in year 10 high school, I think I'm ready, but the wife is not happy to say the least.

Since 3 weeks ago I spent over $600 on equipment and material - mainly from Bunnings cause that's the only place I know where to get things.

It's too late to turn back now. :doh:
My goal is till to proof the Mrs wrong and eventually move on to build the timber deck.

My father has some experience with wood working, I have learn a number technique from him already but everything else I learn online (especially safety issue). I guess he has been very careful and I have been very lucky. It's kind of scary learning about the danger after I have done it a couple of times - ie, a simple push stick for the table saw. For every opportunity I learn about the safety, I'll put that in action.

With the short amount of time i have been working with wood, it's very interesting. From common sense to technique to a SHIP lot of trial and error, it's really a problem solving game - that tickles the brain.

I'll post my project once I am done with it. But for the mean time, I'll asking for help here.

Cheers.
kimc.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum. Do ask questions on the sub forums as that would be the best place for specific questions.
I guess you have found out that tools and material will cost a little bit more then the item you wanted to make.
The tools should try to last for more then one build.

Should also mention that Bunnings is one place to get tools and timber but not the only place. Do a search on this forum or post a question.

[gocat]

Yes. Just 2 days ago, I found a right angle clamp in SuperCheap Auto. Something I always wanted - mainly for building cabinet and shelf. But I have spend too much recently, so I had to hold back myself.

Bunnings is good for beginner who knows nothing about wood. Their return policy is great for guys like me - buying things that I don't know how use and don't need. :-)

[jcostab]

G'day Kimc,

I'm sure you'll get lots of help on this forum.

I'm also in Melbourne, and a year or two ago I did a couple of semesters at the Victorian Woodworkers Association - VWA Home - The website of the Victorian Woodworkers Association (http://www.vwa.org.au/) - basically it's open tutoring, which means you go once a week and get help from the tutor to build whatever you want, using their excellent equipment in the basement of the old Meat Markets in North Melbourne.

The tutor I had was excellent. I went with a specific design in mind, and he helped me build it, giving me a few options for different parts of my project and suggestions on how he thought different joints should be made etc. It's a great way to learn safety on all of the equipment and a variety of different techniques that will come in handy for the rest of your woodworking career.

Good luck with it, and be prepared to spend a bit more money before the project is over!

Cheers,
John