Discussion
An open question.
I've a bit of space in an oversized garage ( it has a car in it but it could be kicked out ). I've a bit of money I could spend. Ive a bit of time I could use , in the evenings , some times at the weekend. I've virtually no skills, but generally keen to learn stuff. I don't have an aptitude for skilled manual tasks (I'm terrible at sport, DIY etc) nor am I a particularly intelligent person, so anything I did would need kick off from a very beginners viewpoint.
I'd quite like a project of sorts. Something to stop me sitting in of an evening.
I'm very interested to hear suggestions and views. I've tried this question with friends of mine, most of whom busy themselves with "gym" (doesn't appeal), sport (I do a little already) , ones training for an iron man (no thanks!) , another does warhammer model painting (don't think it would be for me), reading (I should get back to this, I've been a prolific reader on and off). Most friends are too embarrassed to admit they spend most of their free time like I do, mostly doing "nothing" (TV, internet etc) and drinking (Scotland's national pastime).
I've a bit of space in an oversized garage ( it has a car in it but it could be kicked out ). I've a bit of money I could spend. Ive a bit of time I could use , in the evenings , some times at the weekend. I've virtually no skills, but generally keen to learn stuff. I don't have an aptitude for skilled manual tasks (I'm terrible at sport, DIY etc) nor am I a particularly intelligent person, so anything I did would need kick off from a very beginners viewpoint.
I'd quite like a project of sorts. Something to stop me sitting in of an evening.
I'm very interested to hear suggestions and views. I've tried this question with friends of mine, most of whom busy themselves with "gym" (doesn't appeal), sport (I do a little already) , ones training for an iron man (no thanks!) , another does warhammer model painting (don't think it would be for me), reading (I should get back to this, I've been a prolific reader on and off). Most friends are too embarrassed to admit they spend most of their free time like I do, mostly doing "nothing" (TV, internet etc) and drinking (Scotland's national pastime).
I long since discovered that it's far better for a project to have tangible outcome. It needn't necessarily
be a 'thing' but it needs to something that can be kept to illustrate and verify progress.
For example, let's say you make models. When you've made one, you have a physical result. Make another
and ten to one, you'll do a better job - and so on.
Once you've decided on what you want to achieve, the world's your oyster. You can choose from many things, from making a working
clock, to taxidermy to studio photography to restoring a bike or car. You'll find clubs and classes that cater for people
in the same position and a little competition never did anybody any harm.
For my part, I shoot using smallbore target rifles and for me the outcome is completed targets, medals, the odd trophy
and the occasional needle match at the club. This is just oneof my pasttimes but every one leaves something to show for it.
be a 'thing' but it needs to something that can be kept to illustrate and verify progress.
For example, let's say you make models. When you've made one, you have a physical result. Make another
and ten to one, you'll do a better job - and so on.
Once you've decided on what you want to achieve, the world's your oyster. You can choose from many things, from making a working
clock, to taxidermy to studio photography to restoring a bike or car. You'll find clubs and classes that cater for people
in the same position and a little competition never did anybody any harm.
For my part, I shoot using smallbore target rifles and for me the outcome is completed targets, medals, the odd trophy
and the occasional needle match at the club. This is just oneof my pasttimes but every one leaves something to show for it.
You're on here so lets assume you like cars and racing.
Become a sim racer.
Build a beast of a PC (or buy one but building it a learning experience in itself and no more complex these days then lego.
Race Seat/steering wheel/pedals combo, again you can buy them or build them
VR headset of triple screen monitiors or super wide.
Upgrade it all
Play a SIM, opinions vary but Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2, rFactor and Iracing are all up there with various positives and negatives.
Become a sim racer.
Build a beast of a PC (or buy one but building it a learning experience in itself and no more complex these days then lego.
Race Seat/steering wheel/pedals combo, again you can buy them or build them
VR headset of triple screen monitiors or super wide.
Upgrade it all
Play a SIM, opinions vary but Assetto Corsa, Project Cars 2, rFactor and Iracing are all up there with various positives and negatives.
not intelligent, skilled or adept ? phew, that narrows it.
obviously you cant amuse yourself or else you wouldn't be on here.
in the old days being a radio ham was quite popular, not sure if clubs exist any more, although a guy at
work has passed all his exams to get a licence to transmit .
the gear is expensive , aerials and transceivers and all, you'll need a garden for the antenna, [ maybe planning permission too ]
as tony hancock said " as yes, its opened up new horizons, friends all over the world, none in this country mind you ".
obviously you cant amuse yourself or else you wouldn't be on here.
in the old days being a radio ham was quite popular, not sure if clubs exist any more, although a guy at
work has passed all his exams to get a licence to transmit .
the gear is expensive , aerials and transceivers and all, you'll need a garden for the antenna, [ maybe planning permission too ]
as tony hancock said " as yes, its opened up new horizons, friends all over the world, none in this country mind you ".
deebs said:
An open question.
I've a bit of space in an oversized garage ( it has a car in it but it could be kicked out ). I've a bit of money I could spend. Ive a bit of time I could use , in the evenings , some times at the weekend. I've virtually no skills, but generally keen to learn stuff. I don't have an aptitude for skilled manual tasks (I'm terrible at sport, DIY etc) nor am I a particularly intelligent person, so anything I did would need kick off from a very beginners viewpoint.
I'd quite like a project of sorts. Something to stop me sitting in of an evening.
I'm very interested to hear suggestions and views. I've tried this question with friends of mine, most of whom busy themselves with "gym" (doesn't appeal), sport (I do a little already) , ones training for an iron man (no thanks!) , another does warhammer model painting (don't think it would be for me), reading (I should get back to this, I've been a prolific reader on and off). Most friends are too embarrassed to admit they spend most of their free time like I do, mostly doing "nothing" (TV, internet etc) and drinking (Scotland's national pastime).
Don't do yourself down too much, sounds like you have good things going for you but it's far too easy to get into that cycle of "waking up, gym, work, home, eat, sleep" - rinse and repeat as necessary!!I've a bit of space in an oversized garage ( it has a car in it but it could be kicked out ). I've a bit of money I could spend. Ive a bit of time I could use , in the evenings , some times at the weekend. I've virtually no skills, but generally keen to learn stuff. I don't have an aptitude for skilled manual tasks (I'm terrible at sport, DIY etc) nor am I a particularly intelligent person, so anything I did would need kick off from a very beginners viewpoint.
I'd quite like a project of sorts. Something to stop me sitting in of an evening.
I'm very interested to hear suggestions and views. I've tried this question with friends of mine, most of whom busy themselves with "gym" (doesn't appeal), sport (I do a little already) , ones training for an iron man (no thanks!) , another does warhammer model painting (don't think it would be for me), reading (I should get back to this, I've been a prolific reader on and off). Most friends are too embarrassed to admit they spend most of their free time like I do, mostly doing "nothing" (TV, internet etc) and drinking (Scotland's national pastime).
Might be an out-field suggestion, but have you ever looked into getting a PPL? I did that, and it was worthwhile, (admittedly, 2 years training and quite a lot of cash later).
If you want a chat, whether it has a purpose or just fancy chewing the fat with someone, send me a message via my profile on here & I'll get back to you. Always good to make new friends.
Cheers.
Take up woodwork, make yourself some furniture.
You can start off small, make a small cabinet, then progress on to tables etc and if you have the room in the garage, you could always buy a wood turning lathe and then the sky is the limit. For examples, there are several videos on youtube of people doing wood turning and they make some incredible stuff.
You can start off small, make a small cabinet, then progress on to tables etc and if you have the room in the garage, you could always buy a wood turning lathe and then the sky is the limit. For examples, there are several videos on youtube of people doing wood turning and they make some incredible stuff.
You say you're crap at DIY, but personally that's where I'd be focussing on. You can only get better.
How about small refurb projects? Some simple machines and a bit of research and you'd have a fair bit available to you.
Check out Youtube channels Odd Tinkering, or My Mechanics for what I mean.
Essentially take some old, knackered looking junk (padlock, lighters, hand tools etc) and refurb them up to like-new?
I find them therapeutic to watch, sadly don't have the space for the machines
How about small refurb projects? Some simple machines and a bit of research and you'd have a fair bit available to you.
Check out Youtube channels Odd Tinkering, or My Mechanics for what I mean.
Essentially take some old, knackered looking junk (padlock, lighters, hand tools etc) and refurb them up to like-new?
I find them therapeutic to watch, sadly don't have the space for the machines
Have a look here for inspiration
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Look for anything on eBay that's "sold as seen", "not working/for parts" etc. The amount of stuff that seems to be able to be fixed by putting fresh petrol, spark plugs, etc in it is incredible - these engines are pretty simple.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Look for anything on eBay that's "sold as seen", "not working/for parts" etc. The amount of stuff that seems to be able to be fixed by putting fresh petrol, spark plugs, etc in it is incredible - these engines are pretty simple.
vx220 said:
Biiig Lego!
This. LEGO is brilliant and there are a lot of huge sets to start with but also local adult groups so you can learn to make your own models and creations and display at shows etc (many of which raise money for charity and are very popular). Otherwise why not build your own rocket and try to fly it into space to prove the earth is flat?
You sound a bit like me 30 years ago, OP.
As you're into cars, how about buying a cheapish car, tidy it up, modify it, whatever. Even breaking a car and selling parts on Ebay etc. gets you off the sofa. You learn new skills which helps your confidence to tackle other things and there are plenty of good forums for advice along the way.
I was fairly handless but bought an old Escort to rebuild which led to other projects and doing DIY in the house. It's satisfying to do these things yourself.
Go for it! Good luck.
As you're into cars, how about buying a cheapish car, tidy it up, modify it, whatever. Even breaking a car and selling parts on Ebay etc. gets you off the sofa. You learn new skills which helps your confidence to tackle other things and there are plenty of good forums for advice along the way.
I was fairly handless but bought an old Escort to rebuild which led to other projects and doing DIY in the house. It's satisfying to do these things yourself.
Go for it! Good luck.
Edited by Darryl247W on Tuesday 25th February 22:24
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