Thread: G'day from Brisbane

Hi all.

I'm John. After having browsed through this site for ages, I thought it was time to take the plunge and introduce myself.

My wife Mel and I have recently bought our first house - a 90yr old Queenslander in Ashgrove. With both of us having some Scottish heritage, we thought we'd save money and do a lot of the renovation work ourselves. Finally, after a bit over two years, we can see the finish line (although I forgot about the retaining wall, the side fence, some minor landscaping... ah, who am I kidding?!).

Anyway, I've had enough of the bloody house and would like to start some woodworking projects. My wife is also due with our first child in the next couple of weeks and I am thinking (perhaps wishfully?) of lots of time for John in the downstairs workshop.

I am thinking of an outdoor table and a daybed for the deck. Mel is also desperate for a new dining table but am not sure I am willing to tackle this without a jointer/thicknesser.

On this last topic, I was hoping someone on the forum might be able to direct me to a someone in Brisbane who might be able to build a dining table for us. We've shopped around but haven't seen anything that has particularly taken our fancy (poor quality and chunky designs). Some of the stuff we have liked has been >$4000 which is a little out of our budget. Mel has contacted some craftsmen up the Sunshine Coast hinterland way (approx $2000) but I am sure there must be similar people in Brisbane?

Regarding the table itself, we are looking at something like Stringybark or Brushbox but are also open to any other Aussie hardwood suggestions. The design would be relatively traditional, 1800mm long, with maybe slightly tapered legs.

Anyway, would love to hear about anyone who might be able to help us. Also, thanks for all the great advice that I've read over the last year or so.

Cheers,

John