Outfitting on a real tight budget.

Hi,

I'm new here and new to woodworking. I'm a single Dad of to four kids (21, 19, 11 & 9yo) and somewhat impaired after two 15 rounders with brain tumours. I decided to use my 6m x 6m shed as a workshop and general man area.

Being on a disability pension, money is tight so I've been trolling classifieds and slowly collecting tools for specific jobs. So far I haven't spent $500 on machinery and I've picked up a Ryobi Table Saw, a deWalt radial arm saw, a gasless mig, a new cheapy scroll saw, a few bench grinders, a cheapy plunge router, etc.

Fortunately my original trade as a machine setter/mechanic means I can restore things myself most of the time & I already had a few hand power tools.

Let the adventure begin.

Great effort! Good luck with the woodworking!

Anything in mind that you think you might like making?

Matti

Sent from my SM-G900I using Tapatalk

Good work on picking up the gear.

There are bargains out there if you have the time.

While you are looking watch out for a dust extractor

Ian,

Good on you for giving it a go! Might be worth visiting one or two of the local Men's sheds in S. Gippsland - if they are anything like my local shed they will get old tools donated from deceased estates and will accumulate any amount of duplicate gear. They might be willing to help out as you're doing it tough.
Worth a thought.

Good luck,

Brian

Matti,

I've been using the shed itself as a learning tool. I've built a 60cm deep workbench, about 2 metres long, that will ultimately be the side extension for the portable table saw station I'm building. That bench is anchored into 100 year old redgum studs and it will take an earthquake to move it. The table saw station itself will include an outfeed area.

The long bench will also help support extra long materials being cut on the radial arm saw station, I have to restore the radial saw yet, although I've now got it working ok.

I'm also currently building a small deck & ramp for my father (also disabled). As soon as that's done I'm building a small office into my shed, lining it etc.

The big challenge is that the shed has no permanent power supply. The advantage is that my 19 year old son, my 11yo son, and 9yo daughter all want to be part of it and will all have their own small work areas.

Yes I'm looking into a new mens shed in our area.

Go for it and enjoy the journey.

G'Day & Welcome to a top forum "Ian".
There are a heap of members in & around Melbourne as well as across the rest of Victoria....
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable mob down there and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo, especially WIP [work in progress] photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork.
Cheers, crowie

PS - Also have a look in the Forum Get Togethers as they happen regularly in and around Melbourne...great way to meet some top folk.