Shops in Melbourne

[adamc]

I'm new to this caper and have an idea of what I want to do and kind of how to do it.

However, which are the best shops to find the wood, tools and hardware to do it? And will there be someone there that could offer some on the spot advice ?

My first project is some bunkbeds, so I'm looking for some straight pine posts & rails and some bed hardware (long connecter bolts, bed brackets, cross dowels or the like).

Second project - I'd like to try a box or something else with fancier joints. So I'll need some hardwood (I guess?), hinges, locks, etc.

So - where should I head?

Cheers in advance . . .

[Mollywood]

Welcome adamc,

You'll probably get lots of great info from the other seasoned woodworkers here (I'm a novice too), but here's my two bob's worth.
Aside from your local hardware store, you might like to look at these websites:
www.carbatec.com.au (http://www.carbatec.com.au)

www.thewoodsmith.com.au (http://www.thewoodsmith.com.au)

:welcomeani:

[fozz]

adamc,

Carbatec is definitely the go for tools and machinery.

For timber. try Mathews Timber in Rooks road Mitcham.

Hope this helps,

Ross.

[adamc]

Mollywood - yup Carbatec has definitely rated a mention a few times: it seems like an Aladdins Cave of toys!

Fozz - I'll check out Mathews for the bunks.

Cheers both.

I'd also like a shop where I might be able to drop in and have a look at their collection of hinges/latches/locks/fancy screws/connecors etc. You know: pick them up, browse the collection without having to know the name of what I'm looking for. Ask if there's a better thing for the job i have in mind. A bit of old fashioned service, if you will.

a d a m :)

[Chipman]

Adam,

Based on what you want to do for your very first project, you should be able to do quite well at Bunnings, Mitre 10, Home Hardware etc. There are many other hardware/timber suppliers as well.

As we all value our kids, don't forget to investigate the safety requirements of bunk beds AUST Standards (are they double decker, what age child will use it etc)

Make sure you take a trip to a furniture store during your planning stage and check out how commercial ones are made and what safety features they are required to have as to rail heights and spacings)

Enjoy your woodworking:2tsup:

Chipman:)

[adamc]

Thanks Chipman - and a very valid point.

I'd already done some research, but your comments have prompted me to share what I've found.

There's the Australian Campsites Association's interpretation of the standard here (http://www.auscamps.asn.au/accreditation/Res/BunkBed%20Checklist%20AS4220.2003.pdf).
And a discussion regarding the standards here and overseas (with a bit of the standards included) here (http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/614074) which is from the ACCC.

A separate thread also referred me to drop into Bunkers in Blackburn, Melbourne which yielded me a couple of ideas and they have a catalogue with basic dimensions and a few designs.

[Woodwould]

I'd also like a shop where I might be able to drop in and have a look at their collection of hinges/latches/locks/fancy screws/connecors etc. You know: pick them up, browse the collection without having to know the name of what I'm looking for. Ask if there's a better thing for the job i have in mind. A bit of old fashioned service, if you will.

a d a m :)

Graeme Brown's (http://www.gbrownantiques.com.au/) sounds like the sort of place you may want to visit. He's got everything on display and you can handle everything. Graeme is also a font of information, but don't misinterpret his dry sense of humour for ill-humour or apathy. He's one of the nicest of men and his sons are all great lads too.

[Chipman]

Adam, I am impressed... it is great to see that you have the safety side all covered!

If you are chasing up hardware, specialist firms often have the fittings cheaper than blister packs at hardware stores like Bunnings... as you appear to be in Melbourne's East, Allboard Distributors (Jersey Rd Bayswater) sell dowel bolts for a fraction of what Bunnings do (blister packs) and you can buy just what you want. The link Woodwould gave looks like a good one too.

(No connection with either company etc...)

Cheers,
Chipman

[adamc]

Thanks for the help to date evryone, all the timber for the beds is cut and I'm doing a bit of routing before assembly. A bit about where i got evrything for anyone that finds themselves in a similar boat to me a month or so ago.

I made a trip down to Carbatec (http://www.carbatec.com.au/) and it's like walking into a lolly shop, unfortunately just nothing at 3 for 10c. So grabbed a (free) catalogue to get me though the cold winter nights and made a mental "must have" list.

Being down in Springvale and me in Thornbury it was a bit of a trek, so i popped into Just Tools (http://www.justtools.com.au/) on the way. They were helpful and gave a 15% or so discount with no prompting. I can only presume it's because I look like such a nice guy :roll:

I also gave Mathews Timber (http://www.mathewstimber.com.au/store/default.pl) a call and they were very helpful, seemed price competitive but unfortunately didn't have the timber I needed in stock. They did offer to machine it down for me though, which may rove useful in the future.

In my search for the right bit of timber I called A Lewis and Co (http://www.alewistimber.com.au/) in Ormond. They had what i wanted and were knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge.

Which gets me to where i am now. A bit more to go, but learning fast and having fun.

PS: no affiliation with any of the companies - just wanting to share for those who might need a hand.

[haosiliu235]

carbatec, timbecon :U although timbecon can sometimes stuff up your order....when they waited 2 months until i called that they posted the items that i ordered, not to mention that they lost the record of me ordering 2 sets of clamps...so i end up paying for 2 clamps and not getting them:((

[haosiliu235]

carbatec, timbecon :U although timbecon can sometimes stuff up your order....when they waited 2 months until i called that they posted the items that i ordered, not to mention that they lost the record of me ordering 2 sets of clamps...so i end up paying for 2 clamps and not getting them:((