How do I learn without a mentor?

SirGerryAdams

How do you learn to do things right when you can't afford to make mistakes?

Let's say for example I'd like to learn how to build a wall. I don't know where to start and even if I used Youtube I'd no doubt **** it up.

This goes for many things I'd like to give a go but I don't know how/I'd **** it up.

I don't have anyone who will teach me.

Is there a local men's shed? They might give some steering over a cup of tea.

BarryD2

SirGerryAdams wrote: »

How do you learn to do things right when you can't afford to make mistakes?

We all make mistakes. Nothing I've ever done, built, made - I can look at and not see mistakes or things I might have done a bit different. But as long as they're not fundamental safety issues, there's no problem.

So just start on smaller projects, learn from experience, use common sense and off you go.

If you literally cannot afford to make a mistake in a project, then hire in help.

Doctors room ghost

In fairness building a wall is a specialist trade which people serve apprenticeships to learn and serve their time learning.
How about an apprenticeship or a fas course op or as said above a men’s shed.a lot of the lads there are often retired tradesmen with years of knowledge and experience

Purgative

Take a look at this guy- "The Bricky" (I think he's in Louth).



He makes a guide so you get the right amount of mortar - like this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bricky-Pro-Adjustable-build-standard/dp/B0083LQXDG/ref=sr_1_2?adgrpid=56483445737&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7KShvLCq4gIVLrvtCh25eAm6EAAYASAAEgJxZ_D_BwE&hvadid=291379491986&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=20489&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15346515287853006619&hvtargid=kwd-301560258931&hydadcr=8430_1758242&keywords=the+bricky&qid=1558364594&s=gateway&sr=8-2


Think he's also on the tube, with advice on various projects.

antiskeptic

SirGerryAdams wrote: »

How do you learn to do things right when you can't afford to make mistakes?

Let's say for example I'd like to learn how to build a wall. I don't know where to start and even if I used Youtube I'd no doubt **** it up.

This goes for many things I'd like to give a go but I don't know how/I'd **** it up.

I don't have anyone who will teach me.

If you can't build a wall, say a low wall from brick to border a flower bed following youtube videos then perhaps diy is not for you.

I started renovating a 100 year old house armed with only a black and decker circular saw and picked up the skills and the tools as I went. Now, bar for plastering I could build a house. The great thing about building is that if you ×××× it up you just backtrack and have another go. Its not brain surgery where mistakes have big consequences.

But do tool up. Buy tools as you need them rather than trying to make do with tools/methods that aren't appropriate.

You'll learn quick enough.