Thread: Brisbane woodworking newbie

Hi everyone, just wanted in introduce myself. I’ve always loved wood but I’m only at the very beginning of my real woodworking journey having really not done a lot other than basic reno work and exterior / garden work like fencing, retaining etc.
It’s come about primarily because about 4 years ago we moved to our current house and had a big spotted gum removed that was on a rather peculiar angle over the pool. Turned out it had started to rot at the base on once side for some reason. In any case I could not bring myself to let them put it all through the chipper, so I got them to cut it into logs and leave it on the front lawn. Unfortunately, because they had to use a crane to get it out over the pool the logs were limited in length to 1400 to 1500. They sat there for about 6 months till I found a bloke who was able to come on site with his big horizontal band saw and mill them for me. They were stacked in the garage to dry and now, after 3.5 years are probably read to start using. I’ve sold off about half of what I have to cover the cost of getting it all milled and so I’m left with the rest to work with.

I’ve got a various tools that I’ve bought and/or been given over the years so now I’m really just trying to work out where to start. I’m thinking a wooden mallet and a proper work bench would be a good starting point as they are both things I need, but not sure I should using the spotted gum for the bench as it seems like a bit of a waste of good timber. Interested in your thoughts.

Cheers
Jimmy