Hello everyone

[Warpsnall]

Hello all, I have just joined the forum and am looking forward to being part of it.

I have worked as a toolmaker (steel) for 20 years, building jigs, tools etc. I'm now turning my attention to wood, I have always enjoyed making things with wood whenever I have had cause.

I have a few questions about woodworking in general which I shall post separately.

Thank a lot for reading

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Welcome to the forum. Your experience sounds very interesting and I'm sure we may derive as much benefit from your membership as you do. Feel free to dive in and ask away...no question is too trivial.

 

[Warpsnall]

Welcome to the forum. Your experience sounds very interesting and I'm sure we may derive as much benefit from your membership as you do. Feel free to dive in and ask away...no question is too trivial.

Thanks Bob, yes I have a genuine interest in the subject, We used to be given aircraft parts complete and then reverse engineer the tools for them, loved it.
Im hoping that transitioning to woodworking may not be too much of a task given I have some experience with steelwork but I'm sure their is a lot to learn.

I have booked on a basic joinery course at my local college which runs for about 6 weeks, it was only 56 quid and I'm sure will be useful

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Blimey that's amazing value!! My guess is the greatest adjustment you'll need to make from steel to wood is the grain and "softness" engender a whole bunch of different cutting and shaping tools. But the design and ideas behind using the material will translate well I would think. Also, your engineering eye will doubtless make for all manner of interesting and potentially intricate projects.

If you haven't already got into it, I recommend looking up a Canadian chap called Matthias Wandel on Youtube. He posts a video every Friday and was the principle engineer behind the Blackberry in its hey day. He is and has always been a woodworker too but he brings an engineering discipline to his work which is very rewarding to witness and not a little awe inspiring too. You might need to wade through a load of rubbish to get to the good stuff (ignore bookshelf projects in favour of bandsaw building for example). But you'll soon get the cut of his jib.

 

[Warpsnall]

I will have a look, Thanks Bob. I drive my wife mad watching videos ha!

 

[dodobird]

Welcome buddy

 

[sunnybob]

As an engineer, wood movement will drive you mad.
Measure it in the morning, and its longer / shorter /fatter / thinner by the evening.
But once (if) you get past that hurdle, its pretty good fun.