Newbie

[Davon]

Hi all, I am a newbie to this forum...and to woodworking ( with grand ideas probably beyond my capabilities ) of actually making something I could be proud of. I never had the time before, but I've always loved wood and I figure if I don't try I will never know. I do have one opening question though, where is the best place to buy various types of wood ( might as well jump in at the deep end ) for my first project I am going to attempt a pair of " end tables".

Thanks
Davon

 

[NeilO]

welcome Davon to UKW forum,

if your just starting out , your local timber yard is probably your best bet or failing that DIY sheds like wickes B&Q etc
although once you get into this lark you like evryone else will realise that diy timber is pretty poor as quality goes.
start making stuff in pine, not grand but at least if you do fluff it, youve only lost a couple of quids worth of wood and your time, then when you get better and more confient move onto more exotic (and expensive :shock: ) woods like American black walnut, tiger maple, iroko, and the like...
a wealth of information you will receive here, from a great bunch of like minded people, but also check out
www.thewoodwhisperer.com
an american based website, but well worth the time spent watching his podcasts..

HTH

 

[Davon]

Thanks for that Neilo, I will take your advice .

Davon

 

[Pete W]

Hi all, I am a newbie to this forum...and to woodworking ( with grand ideas probably beyond my capabilities )

It's inevitable that we all start with ideas beyond our capabilities, so don't let that worry you . I'm sure some of the north-west forumites will be able to suggest some local timber sources.

Neil isn't wrong about the possibilities of starting with DIY softwoods (I did quite a few shop projects that way, and my first bookshelf is in same) but just by way of something else to think about, some hardwoods can be easier to work with than softwoods. Although spruce and pine can be relatively easy to plane, softwood joinery requires very sharp tools for clean cuts. I've found oak, ash, sycamore and the like to be much more forgiving and easier to work for joints like mortise and tenon.

There are some established traders on eBay who can provide small quantities of hardwoods. Although they can be quite expensive if measured by cubic foot comparisons, it's a relatively cheap way of buying enough hardwood for smaller projects like boxes, serving trays, and the like. Two worth checking out:
Yorkshire Oak Supplies
Gibson Craftwood

 

[Benchwayze]

Welcome to the forum Dave.

Don't worry about having 'grand visions'.. We all do.
Using softwood is a good plan, if you think you might be wasting some timber along the way. If you can get Parana Pine, Douglas Fir, or Southern Yellow Pine, you will have the benefits of softer material, with relative economy. You get the better appearance and stability too.

Working to fine tolerance in soft wood demands ultra sharp tools, or you can suffer tear-out and chips breaking loose. Don't let it get you down. it's bound to happen sooner or later! Just keep your tools sharp.

All the best and enjoy the world of wood.

Regards
John

 

[RATWOOD]

Welcome to the forum M8

 

[Davon]

Thanks for your comments guys, I'm off to sharpen my tools.
Davon

 

[compo]

Hi Davon

It's always good when someone gets into this game.
Take your time, make stuff you need and before long you'll be making stuff you want (hammer)

 

[Digit]

And don't be put put off by mistakes! I've been woodworking for 50 yrs and my list of mistakes would take all night! Don't assume that others don't make mistakes, we just keep quiet about them!

Roy.

 

[Raggy]

Hi there Davon & welcome.

Hi all, I am a newbie to this forum...and to woodworking ( with grand ideas probably beyond my capabilities ) of actually making something I could be proud of.

Just like me, hoping to learn something from this lot

 

[compo]

Don't assume that others don't make mistakes, we just keep quiet about them!

Unless the client catches us...!

 

[Davon]

Who needs Ebay :?: :lol: This should last a week or two.

Davon

 

[NeilO]

Davon wrote

Who needs Ebay This should last a week or two.

but your tools wont , all that sand, salt and gawd knows what else... :lol:

and besides you`d be about 60 by time it was dry enough to use :lol: :lol:

 

[Newbie_Neil]

Hi Davon,

Welcome to the forum.

Cheers,
Neil