Hello - just joined the forum after discovering it trying to research tools for my wife's doll's house / miniature making project (I created a new post for that https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/tool-ideas-for-a-beginner-making-dolls-house-miniatures.148190/)
So, who am I?
I am a Brit, Travel IT professional, lucky enough to live and work in the south of France for the last 33 years.
I have always had an interest in woodwork since lessons at school, a long time back.
Over the years I have had some very amateurish projects making cupboards and bookshelves in various places that I have lived - using very rudimentary tools (a Workmate, a circular saw, a drill and a few chisels). The results were acceptable/functional, but that was OK. I became more serious about 8 years ago when we were looking for some tables for an outdoor space, that needed to be a sort of coffee table-height dining table hybrid. Of course nothing existed, and the custom options available were ludicrously expensive. So I thought - why not have a go myself? So I started my research, not knowing I would be gaining a new hobby.
I am not sure if I decided on using hand-tools and then discovered Mr Sellers (and a few others) - or whether it was the other way around ... but I primarily like to use hand tools for my projects - luckily most are not time-critical.
I have sourced the majority of my tools from eBay (or the French equivalent), bolstered by some donations (a friend's father who used to be a teacher gave me some lovely planes), and the occassional splurge/present.
In the Winter I work in my cramped and messy garage, but whenever I can, I wheel my workbench out into the drive and under the carport and work in the sunlight. Fantastic.
For my 60th birthday a few friends gave me a small lathe - I enjoyed some turning at school but not really since. I have subsequently been able to return some gifts to them in the form of bowls, pens and coasters. In the last couple of years I have aquired a few power tools (bandsaw, tablesaw) used mostly for stock preparation - so that I can focus my time on the hand tool part of the project.
My biggest obstacles are sourcing decent "interesting" timber locally, and finding time to focus on a project. The second obstacle should be eased somewhat when I retire from my professional life in December.
I am looking forward to learning from the collective wisdom of the forum members - and will definitely chip in where I can.
Anyone else in France please feel free to contact me so that we can share experiences.
So, who am I?
I am a Brit, Travel IT professional, lucky enough to live and work in the south of France for the last 33 years.
I have always had an interest in woodwork since lessons at school, a long time back.
Over the years I have had some very amateurish projects making cupboards and bookshelves in various places that I have lived - using very rudimentary tools (a Workmate, a circular saw, a drill and a few chisels). The results were acceptable/functional, but that was OK. I became more serious about 8 years ago when we were looking for some tables for an outdoor space, that needed to be a sort of coffee table-height dining table hybrid. Of course nothing existed, and the custom options available were ludicrously expensive. So I thought - why not have a go myself? So I started my research, not knowing I would be gaining a new hobby.
I am not sure if I decided on using hand-tools and then discovered Mr Sellers (and a few others) - or whether it was the other way around ... but I primarily like to use hand tools for my projects - luckily most are not time-critical.
I have sourced the majority of my tools from eBay (or the French equivalent), bolstered by some donations (a friend's father who used to be a teacher gave me some lovely planes), and the occassional splurge/present.
In the Winter I work in my cramped and messy garage, but whenever I can, I wheel my workbench out into the drive and under the carport and work in the sunlight. Fantastic.
For my 60th birthday a few friends gave me a small lathe - I enjoyed some turning at school but not really since. I have subsequently been able to return some gifts to them in the form of bowls, pens and coasters. In the last couple of years I have aquired a few power tools (bandsaw, tablesaw) used mostly for stock preparation - so that I can focus my time on the hand tool part of the project.
My biggest obstacles are sourcing decent "interesting" timber locally, and finding time to focus on a project. The second obstacle should be eased somewhat when I retire from my professional life in December.
I am looking forward to learning from the collective wisdom of the forum members - and will definitely chip in where I can.
Anyone else in France please feel free to contact me so that we can share experiences.
