It’s officially tool time at GemLife Bribie Island with the much-anticipated residents’ workshop now open.
The new workshop has been set up with an extensive collection of woodworking and metalworking tools for residents to create anything from furniture, tables, benches and steps to boxes and picture frames. Workshop tools include two bandsaws, two bench-saws, a drop-saw, wood-lathe, thicknesser, dust extractor, planer, pedestal drills, two routers and a good quality welder.
Resident Roger Cordery, a former mechanical engineer and big supporter of the workshop, said it offered a great space for those wanting to work on projects or learn something completely new from one of the many experienced residents at the resort.
With 30 years of experience in woodworking and, before that, metalworking, Roger enjoys the satisfaction of creating pieces from timber for day-to-day use.
“I like working with my hands and making practical things. I love to make functional items that have a practical purpose,” he said.
“I used to make dovecotes and birdhouses when I lived in the Blue Mountains, where we had a cafe and antiques’ store. Customers liked them and wanted to buy them, so I started making more of them.”
Roger said GemLife Bribie was lucky to have several residents with woodworking and technical teaching experience, all of whom were looking forward to sharing their know-how with residents keen to create their own special pieces from timber.
Currently, Roger and other residents are working on a collection of decorative horse-shoe shaped table-stands for Bribie’s upcoming Melbourne Cup event (pictured).
“It’s all about sharing our knowledge and skills, encouraging people to have a go and learning new things,” he said.
Woodworking is also great for keeping the mind sharp due to the combination of concentration, problem-solving and creativity required.
