New to the Netherlands, need help finding tools/supplies

Rob1

Nieuw lid
12 okt 2014
2
0
Brunssum, Netherlands
Hello, sorry for posting in English. I just moved to Brunssum for my job from the USA. I left most of my woodworking tools back in the US in storage due to the difference in electricity. It didn't take long to miss woodworking. I decided to gain some experience using non-power tools and have a good selection of planes, saws and and other tools. I have a large cellar I can work in, but haven't verified the humidity level yet. It's probably not good, but it's my only place to work. My problem is I can't find a good woodworking store close by to purchase additional tools and wood. My biggest problem is the lack of a bench. I have a couple solid benches, but they are not set up for woodworking and they are not mine, so I can't alter them. I'm stuck needing a bench and no way to build one. I see Baptist sells benches, but it's a couple hours away. Any suggestions are welcome. I thought about purchasing a Moxon vise, but it seems limited for what I need. Thanks for any help.
 

BenchWorks

Post veel
23 mrt 2011
1.695
3
Boirs, België
Hello Rob,

A good source in the Netherlands for tools and benches is the local Craigslist called "Marktplaats.nl", we can help finding the right search terms to find what you need.
i am personally not a fan of buying ready made workbenches as a woodworker, while some will say there is no limit to what you can do with hand tools, it does make it quite hard to make one, especially without a bench to make it on!
Others members living nearby will probably be of more help to get you to find wood and tool sources.

About your cellar, is it heated? Old cellars here were usually made to store food, so they are made to be constantly cool. Maybe adding a heater could get the dampness out.
 

Navigator

Nieuw lid
13 apr 2012
11
0
Maastricht
Hello Rob,

I'm originally from Brunssum and I can tell you dedicated woodworking stores are pretty thin around here.
If you are looking for "finer" tools Baptist is pretty much your only option. There are some stores in western Belgium but they are equally far away.
For power tools etc your best source is (Van Enckevort) which has stores in Heerlen, Sittard and Maastricht (I suggest the one in Sittard as they have most items in stock).
As for lumber there is a pretty good place in Schinveld called "houthandel Diederen" but I prefer houthandel Lemmens in Schin op Geul which is next to Valkenburg (about 20 min from Brunssum).
They carry some decent amount of "other woods" besides the usual pine and generic hardwoods you'll find around here.
One thing to note is that woodworking as a hobby is unfortunately not yet very big in the region and most specialised stores are for professionals only and won't even sell to private customers (It's better in Belgium).
As such some of the big lumber yards will give you an annoyed look if you come for just a few pieces of wood (the exception being the one in Schin op Geul).
 

Rob1

Nieuw lid
12 okt 2014
2
0
Brunssum, Netherlands
Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye on Marktplaast for a bench and I appreciate the tip on where to find wood. I'm not really sure what I want in a bench yet. I have a little bit of time before I can start doing projects, so I can look around. I would rather build one, and had planned to do so (that's another story), but without my power tools and limited experience without them I'm not sure I want to take it on.

Benchworks - My cellar is not heated, but so far seems warm. I ordered a hygrometer to check the humidity. It doesn't seem bad, but probably is. Again, its my only option. Good idea on the heater. I'm more worried about keeping my recently purchased Lie-Nielsen planes and saws there.
 

Rizz

Post veel
15 apr 2014
2.085
504
Moordrecht
Welcome!

As for dehumidifying your cellar: I bought a cheap one, also from Marktplaats for €35 and it's serving me well for the last two years (type: ontvochtiger).

Workbenches are also readily found there. Type in "werkbank hout" and tick the boxes "zo goed als nieuw" (as good as new) en "gebruikt" (used).

For wood, you can also call Masave Hout, he can also send you wood by mail..
 

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