Hello

[Pagonelos]

Hi there.
I am Nikos, I currently live in South Morang and I am new in everything. New in woodworking and new in Australia, so I am a bit lost.
I have some really basic knowledge on how to use tools but that is as far as I go. I am interested only in hand tools. I am not fond of noise and all that saw dust. I also find it therapeutic to use your hands to create things.

A couple of questions (pardon me if they have already been discussed and answered I could not find anything):

Are there any shops in Melbourne area where you can find someone that could actually guide you on buying matters? It seems to me that the big stores are full with people that just fill the shelves and point you to the isle you need. I haven't found anyone to talk about what you want and they they could give you advice.
Wood. Where could someone buy pieces of wood? I want to make a mallet to start learning and 1-2 places I 've been up here only sell construction lumber.
Tools. Seeing the prices over here in Australia, I guess eBay is the best place to start building up a good hand tool collection?
Lessons: any places you could recommend to go and take some classes on


Thank you for your help.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

There are two stores in Melbourne that should be able to assist with hand tools, Carbatec and Timbercon.

If you look at the website for both of these stores you will be able to determine their store location. I am not able to recommend any places in Melbourne that offer lessons in hand tools but I might suggest that you look at the Mens Shed website and see if there is any near you. Visit them and ask questions in regards to hands tools and what they know. There might be someone who is a member that might be able to guide you with some hands on experience.

If you have specific hand tools in mind then ask questions on this forum. Also take a look at the hand tools sub-section of this forum, http://www.woodworkforums.com/f152

[Pagonelos]

Thank you Christo.

I read about Men's Shed but I had the impression it's about men's health and awareness or something. I 'll definitely check it out.
Any idea on wood? Any places that you don't need to buy bulk to get hardwood (at least for this first little project)???

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Nikos.

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Nikos".
There are a heap of members in Melbourne, across Victoria and the rest of the country..
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [work in progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.
Cheers, crowie

PS - Watch out for local Melbourne forum get togethers as well as the Melbourne Wood Show in September....

[Tahlee]

Hi Pagonelos,

Eltham Woodworkers is located at 448 Ironbark Road, Yarrambat Victoria (https://www.bing.com/local?lid=YN3724x524217313&id=YN3724x524217313&q=Eltham+Woodworkers+Inc&name=Eltham+Woodworkers+Inc&cp=-37.6398391723633%7e145.136627197266&ppois=-37.6398391723633_145.136627197266_Eltham+Woodworkers+Inc&FORM=SNAPST) not far from South Morang ... it is a fully equipped shop and the members are pretty switched on.

I am not a member but I know a few who are ... its more of a craft shop that a Mens Shed.

Here is a link ... Resources (http://www.elthamwoodworkers.org.au/Resources.html)

Regards

Rob

[Pagonelos]

Wow.
That is literally 5 min drive from where I am staying.
I 'm gonna pay a visit as soon as I can.
Thanks a lot Rob.

[JJF]

Welcome to a forum "Nikos"