Gaining Beginner Skills in Wood/ Metal Work for Recreational Purpose

kaleidoscope on 03/03/2020 - 09:05
Last edited 03/03/2020 - 09:06

G’day all,
I’m interested to learn some basic skills and techniques around woodworking, metal working entirely for recreational purpose. Where do I start? Would really like to know if someone had gone down a similar sort of experience and please read below to understand my req better.

  • I have a 9-5 day job, so taking few months off from work for this is not really an option sadly.
  • I’m doing this entirely for recreational purpose
  • I have a fair bit of understanding of using power / hand tools I just haven’t had any formal training or lessons on basics or techniques and most importantly the safety.
  • I live in VIC around northern suburbs of Melb.

Thanks for your input.

Education & Work

Comments

  • pegaxs on 03/03/2020 - 09:16
    +8

    Do a TAFE starter/introductory course. These will often run on weekends and after hours during the week.

    For something like woodworking, you could try contacting the local organisations like "The Men's Shed", and they might be able to get you started.

    And LOTS of YouTube. There are some great videos out there that people have made that will give you a good course in just about anything you want to learn.

    • GG57 on 03/03/2020 - 10:26
      +3

      The other option would be CAE courses:
      https://www.cae.edu.au/courses/introduction-to-woodworking-a…

    • 87percent on 03/03/2020 - 11:02
      +4

      I went down to the Men's Shed just before christmas (initially it was because they were giving away bags of sawdust which i was grabbing for my kids school) but ended up spending a few hours there. The oldies were so freaking nice, taking their time to explain everything and show me how to do things. Ended up making a pencil box thing, which the kids took (and then broke!)

  • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2020 - 09:20
    +7

    Pick one first, wood or metal. The equipment do not overlap.

    I started by doing mini projects. These projects are tailored to utilize basic skills and learn a new one. Gradually, they get more involved.

    There are many such programs, some free. I followed WoodWorking for Mere Mortals and wood whisperer, and Samurai Carpenter.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/03/2020 - 09:26
    +2

    How about joining your local men's shed? That's how I learned the basics of woodwork , metalwork and fishing.

    Edit: Already mentioned above :(

  • coblos on 03/03/2020 - 11:31
    +2

    For Wood:

    Tip 1. Sharp tools, very sharp! everything is easier when your tools are sharp.
    Tip 2. Australian Hardwoods may look nice but nearly all are difficult to work with and extremely hard on your tools/machines. Pick easy to work timbers for your projects.
    Tip 3. 2nd hand bookshops often have old woodworking magazines very cheap. These are full of great tips and projects. Doesn't matter how old they are, most info will still be relevant.

    On the Men's Shed recommendation try instead first to see if your local area has a Wood Craft Society. The median age will probably be in the 70s and first impressions will probably be a bunch of old guys arguing with each other but you will find they are very accepting of younger members and very willing to share their knowledge.

  • cartesius on 03/03/2020 - 14:31
    +2

    Congratulations, your desire to work with wood and metal will give you great satisfaction.
    While polarisation between metal and wood workings are evident even in the comments here, I would suggest that they both have their role.

    First, I would decide on a project something that would provide great value to your family/kids/household. Pick something manageable, ideally for a need you currently have. Ideas: outdoors table and chairs, vertical garden, carport (10sqm is the legal limit in VIC for DIY) etc. This will give you the satisfaction and motivation to keep learning and doing.

    Second, create a design and work on its implementation. Do your budget for materials and tools, decide what tools to buy or borrow/rent. The first projects will end up more expensive as you'll have the cost of the tools, initially. After that, it will only be the materials and your time.

    Third, spend some time on YouTube and see how others did the same project, or something very similar. There are plenty of generous people who share their skills on YouTube, subscribe to their channels and encourage them.

    Fourth, keep a list of tools you need and start buying them as soon as you find them on sales, tools have discounts all the time (Bunnings, Total Tools, Edisons, eBay etc.). Do the same with the materials. I would start with tools that cover the basic operations: cutting, grinding, drilling, polishing, gluing/welding, surface preparation, painting etc. I'm sure you already have some of them.

    Fifth, experiment often. As soon as you have the tools, find scrap materials to learn how your tools work, start with the basic operations, learn how to handle them safely. Find someone to join you, working alone is not fun.

    The most important thing, your personal safety. No project is worth hurting yourself. If your budget is tight, don't cut corners on your safety gear. Protect your head, eyes, skin, fingers, feet, back etc. If you're not sure, don't do it.

    Good luck, a nation of Makers is what's needed!

  • kaleidoscope on 03/03/2020 - 22:22

    Thanks everyone for the positive and really helpful information. I will look into community groups / tafe courses. I have referred YT channel previously, but I soon realized I'd spend way too much time watching and less time doing, and that's when I thought, may be if I learn some of the basics and techniques, I'd be able to slowly dig into doing things more.

    That being said, Ramsey's channel is really great.

    Thanks again.

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