Replies

1. 
   Moksha | Jul 28, 2008 03:12am | #1

   Some years ago I moved a portion of my workshop to the UK and later back to the USA. First, I am not an expert on conversions of voltage; however, I did purchase some step down transformers and had quite good luck with them for most tools. There are some serious difficulties with woodworking in the UK.

   First, many homes there are wired in such a manner that the amount of available current quite limits large tools.

   Second, space.. many home have small or non existent garages and basements. So, a man has his shed; which normally means a small garden shed with minimal electrical power.

   Third, I was gobsmacked with the price of lumber in the UK. I never did find many people who had wood working as a hobby there. Lots of carvers; but few woodworkers. The small village of Bakewell in the peak district had the best selection of tools of all kinds that I found in England.

   Not much information, but should give you a start.

   Moksha

1. 
   WillGeorge | Jul 28, 2008 12:52pm | #4

   Third, I was gobsmacked with the price of lumber in the UK.

   Prices here in Chicago about the same.. I would think.. Wood here in Chicago folks thinks they have to throw in the trash..

2. 
   northhouguy | Jul 28, 2008 03:43am | #2

   Moksha hit the nail on the head, (pun intended).

   EVERYTHING is expensive in the UK, tools, wood, electricity and space.  I lived in Brigg, near Hull for a while. 

   Voltage is probably not a problem for dual voltage motors, (110/220 V).  However, the line frequency in the UK is 50 Hz.  That means your motors will run slower and may not cool themselves as efficiently.  I would recommend contacting the motor manufacturers, (no the tool manufacturers) and ask them about suitability on a 50 Hz system.  Contact your router mfg.  Ask about running on a step-down transformer.  Remember, you'll need a honkin' big one if the router has much power.

   Overall I was disappointed with woodworking opportunities in England.  The "affordable" tools, (those that were only two or three times as expensive as the ones sold in the US), were the same Chinese made junk we get here.

   If I was going again I'd buy a bunch of good hand tools in the US, take them to England and specialize in reclaiming construction waste wood. 

   I do like the curry there, though...

3. 
   forestgirl | Jul 28, 2008 08:15am | #3

   The man of whom you speak is Richard Jones.  Click here for his web site.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 7/28/2008 1:20 am by forestgirl

1. 
   non trad stu | Jul 28, 2008 06:35pm | #5

   Thank you - I have sent e-mail.

4. 
   BarryO | Jul 28, 2008 07:49pm | #6

   FWIW, Keep in mind that the UK you knew 30 years ago, a.k.a. "home", really no longer exists.  I know that's the case for my birthplace (Ireland).   You may not be as comfortable there as you anticipate.