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I'd like to learn or make something rather than receive a physical gift for my Birthday this year, as family are asking me for what I'd like them to buy me and the answer really is not much!
The local college used to do a welding course, this would be handy as/when I get around to rebuilding my old Landrover but they appear to have stopped it. I did find this, which looks promising:
https://robbuckleywelding.co.uk/welding-course
Another initial thought was a framebuilding course and fund the difference but the Bicycle Academy has gone under and the other courses although I'm sure are very good, are mostly north of £2k once you add materials and I'm not sure I'd build something half as good as I could buy for that!
I'm on the Surrey/Hampshire border, so something semi-practical to get to (or worth making a holiday of) would be handy, but really looking for general inspiration as much as specific companies.
Any suggestions? Ideally something sub-£300 but happy to add funds myself to do something interesting/fun.
I have done a basic forging course as a birthday present and really enjoyed it. Maybe not quite as practical as welding, but I did get to make some new fittings for some of the renovation we are doing at the house and they match up quite well, so I was happy.
My brother in law was given a bread making course for a christmas present and got heavily into that
I went to Barista School.
https://200degs.com/pages/barista-schools
Really enjoyed it and it's something I get the benefit from every day as it has definitely improved my coffee making ability.
Thanks for all the suggestions so far!
I did think about Blacksmithing/forging as I've seen people make a knife or axe which would be a nice thing to have/use/keep forever. I'll look into that as I'm fairly close to Singleton (of 'Repair Shop' fame) and they run a few courses.
Barista school could be fun too, I do have a nice Espresso machine that I'm probably wasting by making average coffee in!
My Brother in Law went on a Gin making thing, thoroughly enjoyed it and got to distil a couple of bottles of his own blend.
Think it was this one www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/product/masterclass-with-tastings-for-two-at-crossbill-distilling
Obviously you have to like Gin.
I’ve made a knife and an axe at https://www.vlakvarkforge.com/ - was good fun.
Did this gin school the other week, you distill your own 70cl gin with whatever botanicals you like. Plan to stay there or nearby, they’re quite generous on the tasting bit. https://www.pinnockdistillery.com/ginschool
I did a stone carving/sculpture evening class which was ace (in 2000). Now getting back into it as a hobby, after far too long, so family now get carvings as gifts (wether they like them or not). I also find it very relaxing and therapeutic.
West Dean college which must be quite close if you are near Singleton. They do a number of blacksmithing courses. Alternatively you could try one of their jewellery/ silversmithing courses as the tools are much easier and cheaper to buy to carry on after the course has finished. Then you could make presents for all the family….
I have been to three courses there and each was very well run and the facilities are good
One of my favourite birthday presents ever was an hour's (might have been 30 mins... it was a while ago) helicopter flying lesson 🙂
college …welding course, this would be handy as/when I get around to rebuilding my old Landrover
When I started restoring my Spitfire, I went to my local college as they did similar. Learning in a nice workshop on a bench with decent pro kit, is nowhere near using the low end SIP mig you can afford, lying on your back under the car in the garden coping with 1970s BL steel.
practise with offcuts is just as good especially now there’s you tube.
how about a bike/ frame building course?
You could spend a day in my garage and garden under my tutorage. We can have a go at making anything you fancy. I have a MIG and TIG welder along with various other power tools and axes. SO much more exciting that being taught by a professional I am sure.
@FB-ATB; I genuinely thought this was the best humblebrag of all time... until you mentioned British Leyland!
I went to Barista School.
On my list - partly as 200 Degrees are near the office and i got concerned questions about my welfare yesterday when i went in and ordered decaf.....
I genuinely thought this was the best humblebrag of all time… until you mentioned British Leyland!
Yep, thought peak STW had gone up a notch too!
Blacksmithing does look fun, I think that could be favourite at the Forge mentioned above or West Dean. Maybe combine it with a night staying nearby somewhere s****y for a bit of contrast/to see the look on everyones face when I turn up covered in soot and grime!
@FB-ATB that's actually my main concern too on the welding courses, I did learn to MIG/TIG/ARC weld about 15 years ago at college so I know the theory I'm just out of practice. Like you say though, practice/tuition is maybe less relevant if it's completely different to the way you're going to apply it. The RB course does mention that if you have welding kit you can take that, and they'll teach you on your own equipment which seems more handy though.
Welding is fun but a lot easier on big stuff like suspension than on fine stuff like bodywork.
Broken suspension
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Fixed suspension (sprayed blue so that any cracks would easily be visible.
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