Getting started - Greetings from Sydney

[davidjohnf]

Good morning, all. Greetings from Sydney.

The kids are off to school, mid-life has settled in, the garage has been cleaned, so it's time for a new hobby.

I've appreciated fine woodwork and the discipline in general, as I sail on wooden boats and occasionally build simple things like speaker cabinets. I wouldn't call myself handy exactly, but I do like figuring out things myself, and I have access to good advice.

I've been thinking about moving deeper into woodwork, and am starting at the beginning. First cab off there rank is deciding on a workbench to build - currently reading up on everything from simple/heavy English workbench designs to possible Paulk Workbench II.

There's a couple of stitch & glue kayak kits from Pygmy kayaks turning up soon as well, so want to have a flat surface to build them with my son.

Looking forward to learning amongst like-minded folk.

Cheers, David. (Sydney)

[davidjohnf]

I should add....

As the forum helpfully told me - I've been lurking here for over ten years. So, more of a restart than a full introduction...

Cheers!

[old1955]

Welcome back David.

[JJF]

welcome aboard

[Midnight Man]

Welcome aboard

As far as your workbench goes - and providing that you're happy with "something flat" to get going with, maybe give consideration to making something temporary, until you know what sorts of work you'll be doing, and what features you want?

I used April Wilkerson's plans for a quick and easy workbench (video here): YouTube - plans are available in the links on that page.

I didn't add all the storage, I just built the workbench itself. And because I have a Parf guide system, I made the top into a Parf system:

Wilkerson Workbench.jpg MFT Top.jpg

That bench has done me well, and allowed me to begin the fitout of the workshop space properly, and is going to also be the booster for final mobile equipment benches for various bits of kit as shown here: Wood Lathe Stand with Storage | FixThisBuildThat

The whole thing is made form 2 sheets of plywood and 1 sheet of MDF (you can swap in ply for the MDF if you're not making a parf top)

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "David",
There are quite a stack members around Sydney and cross NSW 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