Complete newbie.

[Ash]

Hi everyone. Apologies for the complete lack of knowledge, I've not so much as touched a piece of wood since I left school ten years ago!

I was hoping to find myself a new hobby for the new year in an attempt to spend a little time away from the computer and actually learn some skills.

The problem is, I'm a mature student and so the only real space I have to do any work is the desk in my room which is approx 6 feet long by 3.5feet deep.

I was wondering if people might be able to suggest a basic set of tools I would need and perhaps some simple projects (I was thinking perhaps a box!) to try out.

I have a cordless drill and could get a dremel but other than that I wouldn't really want to use any power tools and I'd prefer to keep those tools to a minimum!

I would genuinely very much appreciate any suggestions or advice, or perhaps books/online resources.

Kind regards

Ash

 

[Toolrack]

Hello Ash
You don't seem to have much room for a lot of tools.
I suppose it depends what you would like to do more than anything.
If it was me and I only had that much space I would probably try some whittling or carving.
But any sanding you do would have to be out of your bedroom.
Why not visit your local woodwork shop and ask them whether they know any courses
you can do.
Where abouts are you in the country, perhaps some one here could recommend a specialist woodwork shop for you.

 

[Ash]

Hi TR, thank you for the reply .

In terms of storage space, my bed is build onto quite a high base and has the entire space beneath it availible to put things. Anything like a bench saw or things of that nature are certainly out though. I live in Mile End, East London.

In terms of what I'd like to do, there really are no grand plans! I've got a hand held hoover so little bits of shavings would be dealt with easily. I suppose as hobbies go it's pretty unfeesible. I have a friend who makes knifes mind, he does all the wood working for the handles in his room and that's not quite as big as mine so there must be a few things I can do haha.

One thing I really would like to do is build a 200mmx200x150 wooden box to house a computer (my other hobby!) in. But it sounds like that's not possible in the space I have!

 

[joiner_sim]

Hi Ash,
Any type of woodworking requires at least two things. Something to secure the timber and something to cut it.
The desk is not a woodworking bench. However, you could adapt it if its strong enough under pressure and force. I would first look at protecting the desk surface from damage. You can get rubber anti-slip mats from pound shops/ tool shops. This would allow you to put light timber on the desk. Secondly you need to look at securing it! I would suggest getting some g-clamps or quick release g clamps. Two, one either side of the piece you are chiseling/ cutting.

For a basic set of tools, you only need hand tools to do woodwork. Powertools are only a quicker way to bulls it up! (hammer)

So I'd suggest a handsaw, tennon saw, combination square, marking/ mortice gauge, chisels 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, tape measure, hammer, g-clamps, anti-slip matting and the other stuff will come along as you need it.

You're going to have to watch the noise you make though if you are living in shared accomodation! I can't imagine many student being happy with someone banging away in the middle of the day after going out all night!

 

[Shane]

"So I'd suggest a handsaw, tennon saw, combination square, marking/ mortice gauge, chisels 6mm, 12mm, 18mm, 25mm, tape measure, hammer, g-clamps, anti-slip matting and the other stuff will come along as you need it."

I'd put a mallet in that list

 

[joiner_sim]

Fair call, but I'd say a rubber mallet, from my experience the wooden ones aren't really great. Another thought, if using chisels a sharpening stone! And also a smoothing plane!!! However, if after a small project you could make a wooden mallet!

 

[Shane]

As you can tell the list will never ever stop :lol:

 

[brianhabby]

Powertools are only a quicker way to bulls it up!

Soooooooooo Soooooo True

When I started out I found a piece of 3/8" MDF that fitted over the dining room table and offered adequate protection, in fact I'm still using it on top of my table saw.

I think your plans are certainly doable Ash and if you're only looking to start with small projects you should be fine, small boxes are very popular and there are plenty of examples to inspire you if you search the web.

Simon's tool suggestions sound like a good start and you can add other items as and when you need them. Also do any sanding outside, it's surprising how dusty it can be, especially inside a house.

Best of luck in your endeavours and welcome to the forum, you're in for some long and happy hours.

regards

Brian

 

[woodbloke]

Welcome to the forum Ash. In a space as you describe, you're going to find yourself limited to the size of project (but not necessarily the complexity, once you master some skills) you can undertake. The basic handtools have been mentioned but I'd add one more...a vice (or did I miss it, dunno) My guess is that most of your work will be small scale and done with handtools but do be aware of the mess that this hobby generates...if you're living in the same room as a woodwork 'shop the dust and shavings are going to get everywhere - Rob

 

[russ_1380]

Hi Ash,

Treat yourself and buy some toys, oops i mean tools

Beware though its really quite addictive as a hobby but great fun.

More experienced members will be better suited to recommended a basic tool kit.

Don't forget you can buy timber planed all round, ready machined so to speak. You'll struggle with any project unless you start with square flat timber. If you're willing to pay i'm sure your supplier will cut the timber to pre determined sizes too to save you having to store extra timber you don't need. This may be more expensive in the long run but better suited to your situation.

Would you have time to join a night school or part time course at all?

 

[Hudson Carpentry]

I would say get a couple of vices to, you can get ones that clamp to the desks end. Use some small bits of wood between the clamp and desk to not damage.

Wilkos do some very cheap quick clamps, £2 i think. I woodwork as a business and use them to clamp material down when needed just about everyday. There perfect for just that but useless for heavy clamping. Its still a great saving.

I don't know why anyone hasn't mentioned it yet but the best piece of kit, something you can't be without is ........ a pencil. :lol:

Carving is a great hobby, not to messy, very little room required, very rewarding. You can get a decent set of carving chisels for £50 then all you need is a pencil , mallet, 2 clamps and some wood.