Metalwork
A Dedicated Metalwork Area
The metalwork area at Wyndham Park Community Shed provides a space for members to repair items and create a wide variety of projects. The workshop is used during Women’s Shed sessions on Mondays and Men’s Shed sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, giving all members the opportunity to develop practical metalworking skills throughout the week.
The metalwork area hosts a wide range of tools and equipment, including arc welders, MIG welders, sheet metal folders, grinders, and more. The workshop welcomes participants of mixed experience levels, with new members learning from experienced members, who offer advice and practical guidance. The collaborative environment provides a close network of support and shared knowledge so members don’t have to figure things out alone.
Gabe, a retired metalwork teacher and long-standing shed member, often assists others during both Men’s Shed and Women’s Shed sessions, demonstrating techniques and guiding the safe use of tools and equipment.
Projects, Repairs and Restorations
Metalwork projects at the Shed vary depending on the interests of the members. Some are practical, like repairing items to restore their function. Others are more creative, with members producing decorative pieces and garden art using repurposed and recycled materials.
One memorable project built by Tony, a former coast guard turned metalworker, is “Tony’s Robot”. It highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of our metalwork members, being created from an empty gas bottle, with other parts made from a variety of recycled metal pieces.
While Shed members often focus on their own projects, the metalwork area also helps locals who bring damaged items to the Shed to see if they can be repaired. These items may be practical tools or household objects, but they can also hold sentimental value for the people who bring them in.
Our members take pride in restoring items whenever possible, giving them a second life and helping prevent unnecessary waste. For many members, there is a shared passion for fixing things and maintaining their usefulness rather than replacing them.
Delivering New Tables Back to the Community
In 2023, our Metalwork team was engaged by Manor Lakes Community Centre to build new tables and stools for their sheltered area. Led by Gabe, our Metalwork members installed these new tables in October 2023. The tables are made from stainless steel frames, and Ekodeck recycled composite planks made from timber and plastic, offering sleek, elegant designs with sustainable materials. Projects like these allow our Shed members to give back to the community. Check out photos of the finished tables below.
