Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
If we do not hit our goal we will be forced to close the site.

Current status: https://keepboardsalive.com/

Annual subs are best for most impact. If you are still undecided on going Ad Free - you can also donate using the Paypal Donate option. All contribution helps. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

How do I learn without a mentor?

  • 20-05-2019 01:39PM
    #1
    SirGerryAdams
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 499 ✭✭


    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.


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 17,735 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


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


  • #3
    BarryD2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,717 ✭✭✭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.


  • #4
    Doctors room ghost
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,849 ✭✭✭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


  • #5
    Purgative
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,511 ✭✭✭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.


  • #6
    antiskeptic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,550 ✭✭✭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.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement