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How to stay active through D.I.Y.

Akanksha
Retired Team Member
Retired Team Member

Prof3.JPG

 

Bunnings Workshop community member Nurhadi Browne says D.I.Y. projects are key in keeping him active.

 

"The first step in my D.I.Y. process is to visualise what I’m going to build," Nurhadi says. "That in itself keeps my mind active."

 

The 81-year-old retiree is well known in the Workshop community for sharing detailed projects such as how to build a home theatre and how to grow hydroponic tomatoes. Known as @Prof on Workshop, Nurhadi also regularly shares D.I.Y. advice with other members. 

 

Nurhadi describes himself as an “investigative person”, adding that he enjoys researching and planning his projects.

 

“When I first think about making something, I need to know all the ins and outs of the project and how I’m going to put it together.

 

“Then I plan the project out on paper or by using a computer software. Finally, I determine the materials that I’m going to need and where I’m going to source them from. I do all of this before I start putting anything together. This is what holds my interest in D.I.Y., even at the age of 81.” 

 

Falling in love with D.I.Y.

 

Nurhadi was introduced to the world of D.I.Y. by his father, who would frequently involve his son in his projects.  

 

“My father was the original D.I.Y. guy,” he says. “He made everything that was needed for our home. I used to watch him when he made those things. That’s how my love for D.I.Y. began.” 

 

One of Nurhadi's first projects was a small machine that he built with his father.

 

“It had cogs and wheels and levers that I could pull on. That experience piqued my interest in knowing more about how machines work. As a small boy, I was fascinated with little things like how the cog wheels meshed together without getting jammed.” Nurhadi's interest in D.I.Y. started youngNurhadi's interest in D.I.Y. started young

 

Nurhadi also grew his D.I.Y. skills by helping out in a caravan manufacturing factory owned by his father's friend.  

 

“I used to help out on the factory floor during my school holidays,” he recounts. 

 

“My father’s friend and his foreman took me under their wings and taught me all about the process of building a caravan. In those days they were all made of wood, so that gave me a good start in how to fashion timber into whatever shape or construction was required.” 

 

A key mantra that Nurhadi follows when it comes to D.I.Y. is “learning by doing”.

 

“I was very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to learn about and make these things.” 

 

Projects and advice

 

Nurhadi builds most of his projects from his back verandah workshop.

 

“It consists of a converted door for the bench that my compound mitre saw sits on and a small table that functions as a worktop,” he explains. “It's very basic but does most of the things that I need to do.” 

 

Nurhadi in his outdoor workshopNurhadi in his outdoor workshop

When asked about the biggest lessons he’s learnt from his D.I.Y. journey, Nurhadi emphasises the importance of patience and taking your time. 

 

“Don’t rush things and make sure to follow the mantra ‘measure twice and cut once’. I ignored that and only measured once before cutting. I don’t think I made that mistake ever again.”  

 

Nurhadi adds that the key to a successful D.I.Y. project is planning ahead and ensuring you have the skills, budget and materials required to complete it. 

 

“The main thing you need to consider is whether you can actually make what you want.”  

 

The joy of sharing knowledge

 

Nurhadi resides in a regional town near Adelaide. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and watching movies in his home theatre.

 

Whenever he hits upon a snag in his projects, Nurhadi turns to the Workshop community for help. 

 

“The first thing I do is contact the Workshop community. Most of the time Jason or Mitchell are able to help me.

 

“Other members also provide further insights. The Workshop community is a truly helpful community that is pretty rare these days. It has helped me considerably over the years.”

 

Nurhadi also enjoys helping other Workshop members with their projects. 

 

“It has been a great joy for me to pass on my knowledge to help other people. It’s amazing to know that I have been able to help people in other countries too.”

 

7 Replies
Jason
Community Manager
Community Manager

Many thanks for your terrific contribution to the success of the Bunnings Workshop community Nurhadi (@Prof). We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience with others, and always admire your passion for D.I.Y.

 

Can you believe it's already over six years since you joined the community? We're looking forward to seeing what projects you share next.

 

Thanks also for sharing your story with us. 

 

Jason

   

mich1972
Kind of a Big Deal

@Prof  love your passion !!!!! Love your story. Looking forward to seeing what you will share with the Community next. 🌿🌿🌿😊

Renowayoflife
Becoming a Leader

@Prof what an inspirational! I can't wait to see what creative projects you come up with next.

 

JoeAzza
Kind of a Big Deal

@Prof  I had great pleasure reading your story, of how you started your diy journey, looking forward to seeing any of your future projects.

 

Joe

Prof
Amassing an Audience

Thanks everyone for your kind words..

 

As I'm getting on in years the DIY projects are starting to run out..

Hopefully I still have a few more years to go so I can keep doing my DIY..

 

Nurhadi...

KatieC
Retired Team Member
Retired Team Member

Such a wonderful DIY journey @Prof!

 

Thank you for sharing your story with the Workshop community. We always enjoy seeing your projects develop and receiving your helpful advice. Many more years to come with many more projects on the horizon. 

 

Katie

 

Prof
Amassing an Audience

Thanks very much Katie..It has been a wonderful journey..and hopefully will be for more years yet.!!😊

 

Bunnings has actually been a major part of my adult life.!!

Whenever I needed something for a project..Bunnings was the first place I went to.!!

Of course considering Bunnings Marion was 1K. down the road from where I used to live..it was the logical place to go.!!! 😉

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