MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
stumpy01 - Cambridge Regional College may be able to offer what you want or you could contact a furniture maker. I'll have a look to see if I can find something as I'm not to far from you.
OP - If you had taken the time to look at the links provided, you would see that illustrator files can be used it even shows you how to set up. Only SketchUp pro will import and export DXF/DWG but they do offer a trial pro version. It is primarily a 3D modelling program but like with any design program you can work around this. Autodesk now make an online AutoCAD which I think you can have a play on, whether it exports and imports I'm not sure.
tails - good shout on CRC. I used to work round the corner on the Science Park, so pretty bad not to think of it!
For exporting as a dxf, Draftsight (as I think was mentioned above) is pretty good and free to download.
There's quite a good pdf training manual that comes with it too, I think.
I have that draftsight on my computer at work although I currently use solidworks edrawings viewer. Might check out draftsight this afternoon.
Certainly CRC has the machine shop from when I did my art foundation their, maybe even a local school will offer evening courses.
tails - good call! From the CRC prospectus:
creative Woodcrafts
This is a course with structured tuition in which you will design and create your own piece of craftwork, from basic woodwork to furniture-making, framing, wood-turning, carving or toy-making
next course starts in early Jan....
introduction to Woodwork
This is a hands-on, DIY course which covers a range of woodworking skills and is suitable for adults of all abilities.
again, starts in early Jan
introduction to Handcrafted Furniture
This practical, 12-week course allows you to gain skills and some underpinning knowledge in the following areas: Safe working practices, Basic wood machining techniques, Core hand skills,
Introduction to materials technology
runs from September, so could try one of the above courses & then do this one in Sept if it's going well.
There's an open day on the 11th November, but I can't go to that as I'll be on a photography day in Kent, but there's also one on the 12th November so might go along to that.....
Wahoo - a direction!!
I am near Peterborough, but work in Letchworth
[url= http://www.moulton.ac.uk/course-category.asp?catid=9 ]Moulton College[/url] near Northampton do furniture courses and I suppose are sort of out that general way. Try them. We have links with them from our courses.
Thanks Kayak23 - they all look like full time courses? I'd be looking for some kind of evening class initially, unless I have read them wrong.
It looks like that college is about 1hr 15 from work & the same from home, so it's not out of the question, but would make it a long old day!
Stumpy01, having done a HND in furniture making and then topped that up to a BAhons in contemporary furniture design. I would recommend going on the course with the most hand skills, so hand planning, dovetailing with chisels etc.
My reasoning is at uni we had a huge workshop with planners and thicknessers, CNC routers, table saws, 10 ton veneer presses you name it they had it. I used them a lot, this matters not one jot now all I have is hand tools at home. I can't make anything and any skills I had will be very basic now.
Tools that you may be able to fit in a single garage - routing table, small band saw, pillar drill. Festools make this thing called a domino cutter that is a cross between a biscuit jointer and a mortise and tenon. You can cut a fair few joints with a router. I can't think of anything else at the mo.
If you have a barn and cash forgot the above!
What do you do now tails, you not doing woodworking then?
thanks tails.....yeah, that was what I was thinking. I want to go to the open evening to look into the course content and how much of it is hands-on fettling of stuff and how much of it isn't!
No point doing it all on fancy equipment that is only available at the college!
What do you do now tails, you not doing woodworking then?
I currently design garden buildings and used to design exhibition stands. Occasionally I'll design furniture and products for fun with a friend. He comes from an automotive and aircraft design background so the dialogue is far better than that with my current boss who is an accountant!
I would like to work in a service industry (own a hostel/cafe) and use my design knowledge to create a really good experience.
Do you work in design and making Dobbo? I'm half tempted to join stumpy01 on this woodworking course!!
Not a clue what he did there but i like it! lol! My old lecturer used to make dovetail cubes.
Stumpy01 don't want to appear to be rude but to learn proper cabinet making
takes years and Effin obviously knows what he wants But just needs the correct pointers
the correct pointer in direction on how to get what he wants.
Best simply to let others make it for him under contract.
I am totally different and done the Apprenticeship route and years lessons learnt in high end cabinet
making and production running from brining in planks of timber and making the cutters to produce
shapes and making furniture.
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This thread keeps on giving. 😀
So glad others are considering educational opportunities as a result. Fantastic.
Grantway is right; I have a fairly clear idea of what I want, but now an [i]much[/i] clearer idea of how to achieve it. It's completely bewildering though, but fascinating.
Grantway; any luck on the CNC place?
I'm going to look into evening classes too, but on the craft/toymaking side of things, rather than joinery. I've made a few bits for the house; computer desk, TV stand, tables, shelving rack units, and a little bedside cabinet that I'm quite proud of. Simple things, but sturdy and robust. But joinery isn't my passion; design is. Which is why it's important to learn how things can be put together, how different materials behave, what's possible and what's not, etc.
Best simply to let others make it for him under contract.
I love making things myself, but in terms of commercial production, this would be the best option. Would still be my designs, which is the important bit.
I'm going to B+Q this weekend, have a look at some tools and oils and stuff. I'm soooo excited. 😀
[img][url= http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6313204964_13b06d9771.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/56594563@N07/6313204964/ ]tumblr_lsgyremQys1r47byho1_1280[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/56594563@N07/ ]tangwyn[/url], on Flickr[/img]
This I like.
Is yours, Tang?
That is pretty bloody cool, that. What is it, layers of acrylic? Seen some stuff done like this, interested to learn more.
Grantway - I know it would take years to become a cabinet maker.
All I am trying to do is make a start & see if it's something I am interested in; not necessarily cabinet making, but just general woodwork so I can get to a standard that will allow me to knock out some decent quality items...
Open days at Peterborough & Cambridge pencilled into the calendar....
Elfin - have fun looking for tools!
Not mine but I spotted it today on a link from a friend who is a pro skater/photographer/graffiti artist/shoe designer. there is a couple more but i cant post a link to the site as; i might get banned and the ol duffers on here will just start pnarring as there is lots of flesh. mail in profile if ya want the link. looks like ply?? brilliant.
To save you the filth my friend directed me to the artist. he recycles old skateboard decks. flipping marvellous stuff.
http://haroshi.com/artworks/
Wunundred! 😀
Tang; some nice stuff there, cheers.
Project's coming along nicely. Steep learning curve, but loads of fun. The ply I'm using is cheapo stuff and prone to splintering, so not ideal, but gives me the overall effect I was looking for. Better to practice on cheap materials than waste money at this stage. Having lots of fun though, apart from the clearing up. 😳
Going to try a range of finishes next, using varnish, oil and wax.
Getting a feel for the kind of tools I need for small projects and prototypes; a bench drill would be very handy...
Ear, Grantway; what's that place in Dalston then? Come on mate, I need to know!
Love this:
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What an amazing thread! 8)
Don't suppose anyone has ideas of how to mount a large deer antler onto some wood or granite? It's to be free-standing on the floor - on the wall is so last year dahlin' - so would need to be a reasonable size to support it.
Really fancy the idea of some slate with it, saw some last week and it was seriously lovely.
Thanks. 🙂
Ok so another step closer, two prototypes now nearing completion, going to B+Q tomoz with my neighbour as he has a pensioners' discount card what works only on Wednesdays. Ten percent off! 😀
Will be scavenging for ply off-cuts and any other nice little bits of wood.
Right. Couple more questions for youse experts:
1. Varnish, oil or what sort of finish? What are the pros and cons of each? What would be the best for what I've done, with the laminated ply edges exposed? Want them to stand out as much as poss really.
2. Can get adapter to turn my drill into a bench drill type thing? Rather than fork out for a bench drill? just that I need to be able to drill some straight holes through multiple layers/thick pieces of wood, they need to be as straight and true as poss. Doing it 'by eye' ends up with holes on the piss. 😳
3. Finishing inside of holes (may be several centimetres deep, only 8mm diameter), so that they're smooth. Some sort of cylindrical file? And how to varnish/oil inside holes? Thin artist's paintbrush?
I'm so excited about it all. The more I do, the more I learn, the more ideas I have...
Elfin - don't know if it's any good, but there is this on eBay for using a hand held drill as a pillar drill...
looks like you can get a new, fairly basic bench drill for about £80 though....
Open evening at Peterborough Regional College [EDIT: meant to say, it's tonight] to find out about carpentry! Quite excited. Just hope it's relevant....
Selekta! Nice one stumpy, that's just what I'm after. Can't really afford/store/justify a full on pillar drill as yet, so this'll be perfect. 😀
I am going to need a new drill at some stage though. The one I've got is getting a bit grumbly and wobbly. 🙁
Sigh. It's a never ending expense...
Don't suppose anyone has ideas of how to mount a large deer antler onto some wood or granite? It's to be free-standing on the floor
Deer themselves are free-standing(when alive), but if you feel the need to reduce a body-part of this once majestic animal to a tacky nik-nak in a suburban living room, then I believe you can actually drill horn(if you're careful), following which you could insert dowels or rods into the holes and Araldite them in place, and then mount that into your wooden base or slate or whatever.
I'd suggest starting with a small pilot hole and working up in sizes until you have your dowel size. Keep the drill spinning fast to avoid catching and possible splitting of the horn. You could also drill holes slightly bigger than the end you want fixed, and Araldite them in place whilst supporting the 'structure'.
Apologies for the poor attempt at masking my dislike for animal 'trophies'... 🙂
Yeah likewise I hope you found the horns. In regards to stone go to your local gravestone makers, the one I used was very helpful even shaping the stone for me and recommending drill pieces. I was using marble.
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For 'old style' wood-working tools, consider going to local auctions. My dad-in-law goes regularly to auctions round manchester and picks up old tool chests. Lots of quality hand tools at very low prices (the last chest he bought was £22 and had four planes, three saws and a huge varity of angle and depth things, all great quality but from the 50s and 60s).
^Concrete! That's my kinda furniture! Planning to start construction of my first pieces in the Spring or Summer, currently designing the moulds.
Edited to say, if that's marble, good god! And have a look at what designeds are doing with [url= http://corian.co.uk/Corian/en_GB/design/designindex.html ]Corian[/url], amazing stuff!
Sweet Jesus is that cut from marble?? 😯
Amazing...
BTW; CG wooduv probbly wrestled the deer with her bare hands then karate-chopped it to death and eaten it so it's ok.
That 'stoned bees honeycomb' thing looks like a 3D cad rendering to me.
Might be wrong, but it looks too perfect to be genuine.
Described on [url= http://www.marc-newson.com/ProjectImages.aspx?GroupSelected=0&ProjectName=Voronoi+Shelf+-+White+Carrara+Marble%0d2007+-+Gagosian+Gallery%2c+New+York&Category=Unique%20Pieces ]the artist's site[/url] as
Far out!Voronoi Shelf - White Carrara Marble
2007 - Gagosian Gallery, New York
Here's some Corian shelves I think would be great in a child's bedroom:[img] 
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Ooohh...
Check it, right; it's a carbon ladder.
No shut up it's [i]a ladder made from carbon fibre[/i]! 😯
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I actually need this.
That marble shelf is real but that's what happens hen an prominent designer and Italy's best stone craftsmen come together. I've seen a video of it being made, they use very scary machinery.
Before you hit buy on that ebay drill press.....have a look here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=drill+stand&x=0&y=0
bit more money, but there's some more substatial jobbies there, like the Draper one for £45.
Effin here is the link to a CNC place not the one I knew off has no longer there
These are in Tottenham.
[url= http://dwgeneralwood.co.uk/contact-us/ ]DW Components[/url]
I don't use these but known others to have.
Also at the back is a good quality spray finishers I use.
Thats if you want to give a professional finished to your product.
Excellent! Nice one Stumpy, and thanks, Grantway.
I now have a 'working prototype' and another possible design. Going to give a few places a ring this week, find out what they can and cannot do.
If anyone knows any other CNC places in London, any info gratefully appreciated.
The wonder of STW; from knowing nothing, to knowing a little bit, in less than two weeks! Fantastic.
Effin A friend has past me details on this place in London Fields
the web site doesn't seem to work but I was able to find the contact address.
[url= http://www.misterwhat.co.uk/company/1776370-cnc-workshop-london ]CNC Workshop[/url]
[url= http://www.metropolitanworks.org/ ]Metropolitan Works[/url] might be of interest to you Elfy - partly for their friendly robots, but also because they have a workshop of conventional tools and machines you can access.
LOL that was where I done my Three years City & Guilds
But was known then has London College Of Furniture.
[url= http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/about/buildings/commercial-road.cfm ]Metropolitan University[/url]
Metropolitan Works might be of interest to you Elfy - partly for their friendly robots, but also because they have a workshop of conventional tools and machines you can access.
(Runs around screaming with excitement like an overactive toddler on too much orange squash)
It is possible this might very well be of inertest to me. 😀 Just down the road from me too!
Cheers for the London Fields place Grantway. Will check them out as well.
Oh, and a special Big Up An' Nuff Respekt to Geoffj of this parish, what has incredibly kindly offered me a detail sander and a reciprocating saw (my mum won't be too happy about the latter though...), for NOWT! And Dezzie B what is donating a sander which can be used in the community garden where we had all our tools and a genny stolen. Top blokes! 😀
This thread keeps on giving. Actually it's bin inspirational and incredibly encouraging, definitely STW at it's very best.
Three pages and not one argument! 😮 On an Elfinsafety thread!!!!
It's unprecedented. 😐
(Needs a little lie down it's all a bit too much)
Deer themselves are free-standing(when alive), but if you feel the need to reduce a body-part of this once majestic animal to a tacky nik-nak in a suburban living room,
kayak23 - may I correct you on your assumption? I didn't shoot it, I bought it from a gift shop of a Chilterns country house that has a deer park in its wonderful grounds. Annual antler shedding you know. But I don't have a problem with country pursuits anyway.
Elf - your enthusiasm for woodwork is amazing. 😀 At this rate it will take over from mtb'ing! Looking forward to seeing the results.
At this rate it will take over from mtb'ing!
MTBing? What's that? 😀
All Shall Be Revealed, as I've said before, in the Fullness of Time....
It's therapeutic. Stops me from going (more) mayd.
Just in case you may be interested... We have a lot of wood working machines and tools available. From hand tools to wood lathes etc...
Who what where when? 😀
I shall prepare a list....
i couldn't find any wooden tony cragg's currently in london but this is the one me and ms swiss were spanking over when he had his thing in edinburgh this year
http://www.lissongallery.com/#/exhibitions/2010-03-17_tony-cragg/
we were looking at it for the best part of an hour but still none the wiser as to how he did it.
no, that linky isn't working right. it's the fourth one along
All I am trying to do is make a start & see if it's something I am interested in; not necessarily cabinet making, but just general woodwork so I can get to a standard that will allow me to knock out some decent quality items...
Thats like me, I wanted 2 small kitchen units not a standard size, the quotes I got were crazy prices. So I thought I'd make them myself and then some of money I save I'd spend on the tools, I bought a [url= http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-ts-200-basic-table-saw-prod825722/ ]table saw[/url] a router and a router table of ebay a few other bits (clamps 35mm drill bit for the door hinges etc) and just went for it. I'm pleased with the results and were good fun to make. The worktop I got off a mate for doing a website for his [url= http://www.saddlebackslate.com/ ]slate buisness[/url].
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Now I have the tools I've a growing list of things I want to make, this thread made the list expand rapidly and I defo want some birch ply now!
This started off as a spice rack that just grew, all done with the table saw including the dado joints.
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I had some studding knocking about so I bunged it in.
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swiss01
we were looking at it for the best part of an hour but still none the wiser as to how he did it.
How was it done !!!
Very simply actually.First its made in parts/pieces and you include invisible joints
or a dowelled joint within the manufacture and then put it all together.
In taller pieces they would use long metal threaded rods and stack the pieces
and glue and bolt the parts together then hide the bolts within the final
top and bottom part of the sculpture.
Never look at the whole thing, start looking and breaking it down as individual sections
then it will become apparent how it is done.
By using one material or colour will also make great Camouflage to how it was made.
Dobbo - exactly! That's the kind of thing.
Nice one.
grant - which was why we looked at it so long. there were only a couple of spots where there was an obvious dowel, the rest it was difficult to see how they could've got it all squeezed together let alone got an arm in to fix a joint.
it's a quality bit of work and worth a look should it appear. you're not allowed to touch it tho which is a tad annoying
swiss01 - Member
grant - which was why we looked at it so long. there were only a couple of spots where there was an obvious dowel, the rest it was difficult to see how they could've got it all squeezed together let alone got an arm in to fix a joint.
Then the visionary has done his/her job!
This is what I call them as they don't make them but made by others.
This started off as a spice rack that just grew
😆
My projects tend to be like that. Start simple then become mopre and more elaborate, to the point that they're no longer feasible. This time, I've managed to keep it simple and stick to the original plan. To some degree of success, I think.
B+Q trip postponed due to neighbour being taken ill last night, he suffers from high BP and hazzunt had all his necessary tablets due to some running out. We're waiting for the doctor. 🙁
Want to get going on the next idea now! Need to pace meself though...
Want to get going on the next idea now! Need to pace meself though...
Thats just what I'm like, I just want to keep making things and doing it NOW, I keep thinking of new things and ways to do things and looking at tools and woodworking stuff on the web, my job is defo suffering now I'm too easily distracted and I know what I'd rather be doing! I have to try to calm down a bit but it's so addictive 😀
Heh! My mum's already commissioned a knitting needle box. So that's another project to think about. 🙂
Also, I need a new wardrobe, as this piece of chipboard junk my landlord installed is already crumbling.
And I do actually need a spice rack. And a tool board. And a tool box. and a workbench. And and and...
It's much more fun to make your own stuff. Step by step, and one day I'll have built my own house. 😀
Brilliant! When you gonna unveil what you've been working on or do we have to wait for the patent to got through? 😆
I'm halfway though my work bench using an old fire door that was left when we moved in, I'm going to fit the table saw into it so I have a large saw to make even bigger projects!, tool box is on the cards I've bought the protective metal corners so I have to make it now, tables shelving, weird plywood things that are in my head inspired by the topo table back on page 1 or 2. More kitchen units, big picture frames for album covers (I got the glass for them last week) I'm possessed by the wood devil and I like it.
Dobbo - Member
I'm halfway though my work bench using an old fire door that was left when we moved in, I'm going to fit the table saw into it so I have a large saw to make even bigger projects!, tool box is on the cards I've
Dobbo Be very carful has some of the old fire doors contain Asbestos inside them.
Best get a new/recent fire door blank and use that.
UPDATE!
Just spoken to [url= http://www.cncworkshop.co.uk/ ]CNC Workshop[/url] (nice one Grantway), and going to send them some details and hopefully visit them next week. 😀
It just gets more exciting by the day....
Off to B+Q now. My neighbour is now unresponsive so no pensioner discount unfortunately but hey ho.
grantway - Thanks for the warning, I'm fairly sure the door is just wood it's fairly new, I just assume it was a fire door due to the weight, I'll give it an exploratory later today.
Elfin, if you've got a timber merchant nearby it's worth giving them a once over as they often are cheaper than B&Q, my local merchant has given me a 10% off card and they have a VAT free Saturday every few weeks, I've got a long list of wood and boards I'm going to get on the next VAT free day. They delivery for free and do a good range of tools and finishes as well, good brands like Osmo, and Sikkens. Worth a look.
Effin
Do you need a lift to return your material?
I am drawing plans at home so if you need help and advice
I have my Vivaro van at home so can pick you and your materials
Has you know I'm only 10 min drive to you
Im home till this Friday then have a massive work load.
I'm leading a charmed life at the moment! Tons of fantastic advice, a really positive and happy thread, extremely kind donations of tools, and I've just returned from B+Q with a big bundle of assorted plywood offcuts what I got for free! I could barely carry it all actually. Big up an nuff respekt to Marco in B+Q North Woolwich (plus he's going to put any decent ply off-cuts to one side for me from now on)! 😀
And I get back, to yet more kind offers of help from Grantway! I owe you a pint already fella, will let you know if I do need transport. More than happy to pay for petrol etc. 🙂 Should be ok for a while anyway, but thanks once again.
Woohoo! Now what can I make next...?
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4 pages and no mention of Renovo??
😕
Erm, Mung Bean, have you not, kind of, noticed what's up there? ^ 🙂
Beautiful though. Yet another thing I actually need. 😐
Just a lag in the images
big bundle of assorted plywood offcuts what I got for free!
Nice one, good on them, too many big chains would rather throw stuff away rather than give it away. I might go for a sniff around my local one, hope they have a marco.
Dobbo, I'm well chuffed. Expected to pay at least a few quid for them. Only basic stuff, 12mm most of it, but one nice bit of 18mm thick light wood ply. They'll doofer test pieces and experiments for sure. Without transport, it's impossible to get a bit of 2440x1220mm stuff home, even if it's cut up.
Got some general purpose varnish and 'Antique Oil' to try out different finishes. Was a bit annoyed they don't still do an own braynd Dremel type thing; had one for years had loads of abuse, was only £15 or something. Dremel's are overpriced imo.
Elfinsafety
No probs fella i dont need you hard earned cash but thank you
just let me know
Elfin, regarding material maybe head over to [url= http://www.untothislast.co.uk/about.html ]Under This Last[/url] and have a chat. They're a furniture making outfit [url= http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=london&hl=en&ll=51.525527,-0.071923&spn=0.001041,0.002586&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=16.240657,42.363281&vpsrc=6&hnear=Westminster,+London,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.525444,-0.071925&panoid=tk8KX6iIalVLV0uH1owvgg&cbp=12,180.805982,,0,0 ]in Poplar[/url] (you have to spin the street view thing round to see their workshop!) who make everything out of ply using machines:
everything you buy from us is made at the back of our shop, on a digital router.
There may be other aspects of their working style that you like too 😉We use a special birch ply composite throughout, in order to get edges we can polish to a smooth finish. Our software optimises the use of each sheet with smaller products to spread the cost of this material and reduce waste.All the parts of our products are cut from the same material to avoid depending on industrial fittings. This simplifies our supply chain and shortens our lead-time.
They were always very friendly whenever I wandered in on my lunch breaks, but that must be seven years ago now. Still, they may have some tips on ply and how to work it with sweet machines!Unto This Last is the title of a book written in 1860 by John Ruskin. He advocated a return to the local craftsman workshops, having a few doubts about the human cost of the Industrial Revolution.
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More sawdust all over the kitchen. 😀
I swear all my food's starting to taste of sawdust now...
Analysed first prototype; a few smallish issues, but it's a learning exercise so it's fun! Learn form your own mistakes can help make the next one better. Already starting to 'see' how things will come out, got more of an idea of how the next project will look. 2nd prototype will be underway asap, feel compelled to improve on the first one. The 'mistakes' are shouting at me, I need to quieten down the noise. Won't feel satisfiued until there's naught but a faint grumble. 🙂
Markie; Grantway mentioned them earlier in the thread but thanks, I will pay them a visit actually, possibly tomorrow. Oh, and they're nowhere near Poplar, dunno why Street View says they are! They're in Shoreditch which isn't far anyway.
UTL make some nice stuff, gives me an indication of where other people are at, and the standard needed. Large items of furniture are a little way off yet, but one day, one day...
Oops, sorry Grantway, Elfin... and Poplar didn't sound *quite* right to me either, but I figured how could Google ever be wrong?!
Was a bit annoyed they don't still do an own braynd Dremel type thing; had one for years had loads of abuse, was only £15 or something. Dremel's are overpriced imo.
[url= http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hobby-Rotary-Multi-Tool-Mini-Drill-Kit-Accessory-Set-fits-Dremel-Minicraft-etc-/360406844954?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item53e9ec061a#ht_1231wt_1270 ]Silverline Dremel Type Thing[/url]
But it is Silverline and I dont have much faith in them, may be worth a try or see if you can find a review online.
ELFIN - this has got to be worth a look as a Dremel equivalent....
http://www.ryobidirect.co.uk/tools/info_RYEHT150V.html
Had a 'complaint' from my neighbour downstairs, about drilling noise. 😳
I had something on the floor, and was drilling down into it, but the sound went right through the building and with all the plasterboard and stuff, caused a right old racket. Used a Yellow Pages underneath which did help to deaden it a bit, but sound is an issue unfortunately. I'll have to be careful with that one.
2nd prototype now complete and being varnished (the Antique Oil leaves a matt finish which isn't what I wanted). B+Q Quick Dry varnish goes on nicely, thin even coats, and is water-soluble which is a right bonus, but I'm not sure if it's all that great tbh. I'll have to experiment with different varnishes. Liking the idea of 'kind to the planet' type stuff though.
Attaching my vacuum cleaner to the sander has helped keep the dust down a bit, but tbh I'm going to have to look into hiring workshop space if I'm going to be doing lots of other bits in't future.
A reasonable sense of accomplishment at this stage, but feeling a little hampered by the limitations of the resources I have, and gaining a more realistic sense of what can actually be done. Am under no illusion that this is a massive undertaking for someone with little practical skills, and need to refine ideas in terms of practicality. Keeping me feet on the ground though, which is a new thing for me really; I tend to go racing ahead then get stuck, frustrated and fed-up.
The woodworking process is very therapeutic and rewarding, and fun to learn and refine techniques. Being entirely self-taught, it's nice to be able to look at a finished piece and think 'that's doen entirely by my own hand and mind'. Very satisfying. Also developed my own 'specialist' tools for particular little tasks; I'm pretty good at working out solutions to problems. Necessity is the Mother of Invention...
Frustrated with imperfections, and limitations of material (this ply ain't bad, but does splinter a bit at the edges which has been annoying). Surprised at my own patience though; a significant mistake on the first prototype din't deter me as much as it may have done in the past, and I've salvaged something reasonable. Got to keep things in perspective and accept that imperfections at this stage are inevitable, and that I shoon't be expecting too much from myself. Good to want to push yourself in terms of skills and ideas though.
For those excitedly expecting to see some examples of my endeavours; probbly ain't gonna happen for a while. I'm quite insecure about showing off stuff I've done, and not great with criticism, so won't be showing owt until I'm a lot happier and confident in my results. Soz, but you'll just have to wait.
In all, I should be pretty happy with how far I've come in the space of quite a short time really. Just hungry for progression though; a positive energy which needs to be handled carefully.
Oh well, must press on.... 🙂
How long takes for varnish to dry propply? Sez 4 hours on't tin, but it's still slightly sticky. Best to leave it a couple of days?
Patience is not one of my strengths...
Nice update!
I can see noise & dust being a problem! Perhaps have a word with the neighbour and try & find some time that is acceptable to both of you? Would you be able to get all of your 'machining' done in one hit, to get it out of the way in a 30min session & then get on with other stuff?
As for dust, I was thinking the other day about this - if I get into woodwork & stuff as i'll mainly be doing it in my garage. I don't really want to cover the entire contents of my garage in sawdust!
As for varnish drying, 4hrs is the minimum I would say in a well ventilated area. I normally leave it overnight before sanding, but if just re-coating will probably not leave it that long.
Further to your previous comment about the price of Dremels.....
the banner ad at the top showed a site called toolbox. I just googled it and found this:
http://www.toolbox.co.uk/other-multi-tools-6047-0000
I went to that open day that I mentioned above to find out about their carpentry course. Apparently it's a back to basics course where you learn from the very basics upwards. The guy I spoke to seemed to have limited knowledge of the exact course detail, but said that fairly early on you decide on something to create with the tutor. The course then teaches you stuff that you apply to create your object, whatever it may be. You are assessed on your final object.
Think I will give it a go, so long as I can get the boss to approve leaving early once a week.
Nice one Stumpy. There's a GMC one there looks ok. Might go for that.
Neighbour was very good about it; he looked a bit frazzled as I'd bin drilling for some time. And it was getting on a bit, about 8pm. Went down next day when I was doing some sanding, asked if it was a problem but they were ok about it. So, ok now and then but not all the time! And I'm going to find some bits of rubber to glue to the feet of my 'workbench'.
Using a hand held drill to do vertical holes through several layers of ply is not ideal. Miraculously, all were pretty straight!
The varnish is looking good so far; two or 3 more coats I think will have it looking lovely. Seeing it now, in it's more or less finished state is a joy. Reward for all the hours of work, not to mention really thrilling to see an idea I had in my head in a real, solid tangible form. Holding an 'idea' in your hand is something magical.
I can see that when I do get some made up, that I'm going to have to allocate a batch for 'testing samples', to practice varnishing techniques. Are standard fine bristle paint brushes ok for varnishing? What's a really nice clear varnish?
I can see that when I do get some made up, that I'm going to have to allocate a batch for 'testing samples', to practice varnishing techniques. Are standard fine bristle paint brushes ok for varnishing? What's a really nice clear varnish?
erm....good question.
To be honest, I have only really used some basic clear B&Q varnish and some Wickes' floor varnish for re-doing my dining room floor.
Seems to me that it is the preparation & sanding between coats that really makes the difference. Can you get tester pots for varnish? Thinking out loud - if it needs to be hard wearing, can you get marine specific varnishes? I imagine they would be good.
When I was looking recently, Wickes brushes were labelled for certain applications - there were some that were not recommended for varnish, but were for emulsion stuff & others that were the other way round; recommended for gloss & varnish, but not emulsion.
I bought a narrower version of one of these, recently:
http://www.wickes.co.uk/mastercoat-brush/invt/607323/
It was pretty good, paint went on nice & smoothly, didn't lose any bristles & was easy to clean.