Things, they are a changing...

**Woodwould** · 29th September 2008, 07:08 PM

I've been a woodworker/restorer/antiques dealer for over thirty years. In 2001 I was forced to close my business and sell up due to ill health. I'm not going to bleat on about the specifics, but suffice to say I get around in a wheelchair these days. Some days are better than others and recently, inspired largely by this forum, I've been wanting to get creative again on my good days.

We moved to a smaller property which my Dearly Beloved can basically manage on her own and for seven years there hasn't been so much as a screwdriver around the place let alone a chisel. It's a marked difference to the heydays with my fully equipped restoration shop and my engineering shop at home.

Today I bought a shed. It will be erected sometime in the next three weeks and I hope to start shaping wood again. I am not capable of great deeds, but I would like to do some turning and perhaps make a few small pieces of furniture. I'll see how I get along before going berserk with the credit card. I can't drive anymore, so that alone will curb my spending.

One of the triggers was the Windsor chair I'm looking forward to doing (I'm still awaiting delivery of it), but the real catalyst was the announcement of the really cheap Triton 12" bandsaws recently. I couldn't let a bargain like that go by, so I bought one (well, I received an 8" version, but I'm assured the 12" model will be delivered soon). I was initially going to pass it on at cost to anyone who wanted one but missed out on the (anticipated) brief killing. However, at the weekend, my Awfully Dreaded said "Oh goody! You can make me some little boxes". That's when I decided to buy a shed.

So, I've got a bandsaw and some of my old hand tools that were destined for my son will have to be unearthed from storage. I'd like a lathe again at some stage as I imagine I'd be able to manage a bit of turning. I don't want to make too many plans right now because realisation of my limitations can be very disheartening.

I designed a bench for the new shed. It will be made of pine with a double 18mm MDF top.

**chrisb691** · 29th September 2008, 07:46 PM

Good on you Woodwould, I am sure you will get great enjoyment out of it. Looking forward to seeing your efforts. Take your time. Do what you can, when you can. Above all, enjoy.

**Groggy** · 29th September 2008, 08:04 PM

Very pleased to hear you are getting back into it again Woodwould

The bench looks great, the splayed legs look old-English and the dog in the apron looks vaguely familiar

**Al B** · 29th September 2008, 08:30 PM

Really good to see that things are changing for you WW,
I like the design of the workbench, look forward to see pics of it when its finished in your new shed. Well done.

**WoodJunky** · 29th September 2008, 09:25 PM

Good on you Woodwould, I am sure you will get great enjoyment out of it. Looking forward to seeing your efforts. Take your time. Do what you can, when you can. Above all, enjoy.

My words exactly,

Really good to see that you are wanting to start shaping wood again.

**Waldo** · 29th September 2008, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by Groggy

Very pleased to hear you are getting back into it again Woodwould

Likewise

Woodwould, your posts have always been very informative and would think the same about your techniques and skills when we get to see what you make.

**NCArcher** · 29th September 2008, 09:52 PM

Good on ya Woodwould.

It's hard to read through this forum without getting inspired by some of the fantastic work produced by members.
Looking forward to your W'sIP.

**BrettC** · 29th September 2008, 09:55 PM

Good on ya Woodwould. Great to see you will be putting some of your knowledge to good use

**Woodwould** · 29th September 2008, 11:26 PM

Originally Posted by Groggy

The bench looks great, the splayed legs look old-English...

Irish if you don't mind!

Originally Posted by Groggy

...and the dog in the apron looks vaguely familiar

I thought you might pick up on that. I'd like to make it out of English oak; the end is acorn-shaped.

Thanks everyone for the kind and supportive words.

**Lignum** · 29th September 2008, 11:39 PM

Well done Woodwould, great you are getting back into it. Hate to see someone with your talent not use it. Well done

PS great looking bench

**prozac** · 30th September 2008, 02:04 AM

Good idea Woodwould. I am happy that you are going to give it a go.

**Fuzzie** · 30th September 2008, 07:01 AM

I always enjoy reading your posts Woodwould. I'm glad you're feeling up to doing some work again, making something is always a good tonic.

**wheelinround** · 30th September 2008, 07:16 AM

WW they don't call me wheelinround for nothing

Great to see your getting back into it.........I like everyone here enjoy your posts

Bench looks great but if your using the wheelchair can you like myself get out of it ?? I usually sit on a bar/kitchen stool.

If not the base may be more of a hinderance for footplates etc.location of the vice in the sitting position a back breaker wouldn't either side be better.

Just think Melbourne TWWS is so close

**Claw Hama** · 30th September 2008, 07:16 AM

Fantastic Wouldwood, great to hear you have the old urge back, go for it.

**Woodwould** · 30th September 2008, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by wheelinround

...if your using the wheelchair can you like myself get out of it?

Yes, I can stand for about ten minutes and I can shuffle. I have other complications which render me quite feeble. Anyway, where there's a will and all that stuff...

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