Hi I'm Ryan from Melbourne

[rhino19921]

I'm 26, my background has mostly been in carpentry. I had a bussiness for 2 years building fences, decking, bars, painted a few houses.. all sorts of things.
I was forced to find employment again due to a lack of marketing knowledge and other factors. Since then I have learned a great deal about how to run a bussiness as well as marketing strategies, effective comunication and the wonders of economics.
Now I want to climb back on the horse!
I have decided to delve into the wonderful world of woodworking. I am setting myself up with tools and timber which leads to a few good questions I have:

1. How can I source reclaimed timber ? 1.Pt2: Do you know of any low cost timber suppliers in Melbourne/vic?
2. Is there anything you wish you knew before starting in this industry ?
3. What is your favourite tool and why ?


Kind regards,
Ryan Wright.

Sent from my SM-J250G using Tapatalk

[old1955]

Welcome to the forum Ryan.

[JJF]

welcome aboard Ryan

[KeithP]

Welcome to the forum.


Regards
Keith

[Euge]

Welcome to the forum… you said:

"I have decided to delve into the wonderful world of woodworking. I am setting myself up with tools and timber which leads to a few good questions ..”

Seems that most members are retired hobbyists, but not all. I assume you wish to continue doing what you did eg fencing? Maybe not. If you are thinking of something else you will get more help if you suggest what your inclinations may be eg in furniture making etc. By that I think you need to be more specific.

I am relatively new here, and hardly call myself a woodworker now in retirement. There are specialist reclaimed timber suppliers around (they would probably be low cost) and those who mill woods with small portable mills may be another source. The more profit that can be made, usually the more its gonna cost you upfront in materials and tools (unless you have special skills or knowledge). Follow your passion and become good at it is my advice.

My favourite tool? It is a 18” Meber 500 Bandsaw which I use for resawing a large range of (mostly outback) timbers which I am slowly selling off.

Hope this is helpful. But, its just one blokes point of view.

Euge

[rhino19921]

Hope this is helpful. But, its just one blokes point of view.

Hi Euge, thanks for the reply !

I see what you are saying I suppose "woodworking" is a very broad description with many different meanings.
What i should have said Specifically is that I am wanting to build furniture for example tables and outdoor settings, cupboards shelving etc.
I thoroughly enjoy creation and working with my hands and if I can make money doing it well i figure why not.

I am very happy for any advice for bussiness and craftsmanship from either hobbyists or professionals and this seems like a good community of people

I have since looked up reclaimed timber suppliers and have found a few good ones in my area. Also i think that a mobile mill is a great avenue for me to pursue.
That makes sense i found a supplier for timber slabs locally which range from $200 - $740 and also read they can cost much more than that.
Thank you for your advice I intend to

Oh wow a band saw ! That would be an amazing tool to have. I ran a big one at my last job (I forget the model)
Do you have a listing for your timber?

Thank you, it was very helpful and has sparked my mind in allot of areas

Kind regards,

Ryan

Sent from my SM-J250G using Tapatalk

[Euge]

Hi Euge, thanks for the reply !

.... Specifically.. I am wanting to build furniture for example tables and outdoor settings, cupboards shelving etc.

Do you have a listing for your timber?

Sent from my SM-J250G using Tapatalk

Glad to be of help Ryan. You will make many helpful friends here who give their advice very freely.

Sorry, I don't have a listing of of wood for normal furniture. Many short boards, a few long boards (eg of Red gum) of other familiar species, but not a lot of one species which is what furniture maker wants. Look under Timber and Timber for Sale Forums. Keep looking and waiting and you will find what you want. If there is something unusual later you may want put up a special request in the appropriate forum and you will likely get responses and suggestions of what & where you can buy it.

Good luck, pursue your dreams and what you like making

Cheers Euge

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum.
There are quite a stack members around Melbourne and cross Victoria plus 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 members get togethers to met up with and network....