Thread: Suggestions for a newbie - DONT GIVE ME THAT LOOK!!

Start off by checking out what sizes the timber you want to use comes in, and make plans to use available sizes, unless you have access to machines to machine timber down to custom sizes - table saw/thicknesser/jointer etc.....

Thanks

Dont have access to any of those unfortunatley.. Prob a silly question but is there any standardisation in timber sizes or does it vary shop to shop.. For instance should I head to the timber yard and size up what they have or can I work off some standard sizes?

For boards 12 and 19mm thicknesses are standards - widths vary - common ones 42,65,90,140 - best to check with your supplier....

20 years ago I found that standard thickness was not standard when I joined two boards together. I have learnt a lot since. No, I did not have then or now access to a jointer or thickener.
Be prepared to make mistakes - you will learn from them. Before doing a production join do it on some off cuts. Double check measurements and settings, if you are like me, you will probably still make an error

have you looked at Groggys woodworking start up links. Lots of good information there.

If you can wait another 2 weeks, why not go the the Sydney Timber & Working with wood show at Homebush. They usually have a few furniture makers as well as TAFE exhibits that may give you some ideas.

You could also be swayed in purchasing lovely large timber stock for your furniture projects.

Well worth the trip, not far for us Shire residents

Thanks for all the help guys!
Still working my way through groggys woodworking startup links, very handy tips tucked away in there.
I took engineering studies at school and I think it's time to brush the old T square off and start putting together some drawings. Still not 100% on what type of joints I should be using and where but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it guess..
Lots of inspiration, but the challenge is to get it all set out without going over the top.

And JasonBF, sounds good, ill be there! Although I'm a bit worried I'm getting too much inspiration, if that makes any sense haha

Make your drawings with allowance for variation in "standard" sizes; aka "fault-tolerant" design. With hardware in particular, do the final design with parts in hand; don't rely on catalog data.

Cheers,
Joe

I'm in a similar situation to yourself, as I have also just started on my woodworking journey.

I have made the odd bit of furniture and as I'm a completely useless tech drawer, I found google sketch up very handy. It allow me to put my ideas on paper, so to speek, and get a feel for the project. You can also play around with different disigns.

I got a price list from the suppliers with the different stock sizes to get an idea of what is out there and the price, often you can get them from there websites.

Tools wise dont forget about secondhand, markets, this forum, eBay,.....all the usual places. And libraries are an awesome place to find reference/reading material.

Good luck and let us know how you are getting on.

In terms of quick, easy and accurate joins, im currently looking at a KREG Master System for pocket hole joints...

Seems if your timber is all cut square, everything joins together really strong and accurate with minimal fuss...

Looks like it could be a little pricey, but the saved time will more than make up for it..

Ok so Ive chosen to do the table first. From an amateurs point of view it looks pretty straight forward..

The drawing attached (hopefully it worked!) is where im at so far. Ive based it on 19mm x 140mm pine which im going to paint white. Im planing on doing a stopped chamfer around the legs about 140mm from the bottom and 140mm from the top. I want to add a little drawer on one end for.. table stuff... and im aiming at about a 40mm overhang of the table top to the base.

Havent decided how to do the table top yet, I would love to have a parquetry look but I know that will be really difficult, so im thinking just edge joined boards with a border of some sort around to 'frame' it, about 40mm or so thick.
Im undecided if I should attach the drawer frame to the table top or not..

I dont know how I should be joining the legs to the skirting (maybe just dowel and glue??) Not sure how to attach the table top to the base and I have no idea how to make the top..
I know the drawing is a bit shonky, but do you think it could work, weight and strength wise?

Big thanks to everyone who has taken the time to comment here, much appreciated