A Shed Downunder.

[rixtrix1]

This is probably not helpful but I did find a stainless cleaner at a local restaurant supply warehouse with a great name: Sheila Shine.
http://www.sheilashineinc.com/

You apply a light coat with a clean cloth and dirt and finger marks are gone. The reason this may not be helpful is that it's made in Miami, Florida and doesn't have a distributor down under (actually the whole southern hemisphere).

I bought Sheila Shine for the name (I'm an Uncle Bob to some) and for its ingredients. It contains:

• Light and heavy paraffinic petroleum solvent distillates
• Xylene
• Methyl Salicylate
• Perchloroethylene
• Ethylbenzene

Most of those ingredients are toxic so I bought a quart -- I'm 70 so it should last me the rest of my potentially shortened life.

Love your comments, Bob! Besides being very informative, they bring a smile and a chuckle to me.

 

[shortykorte]

Great projects and great work. My brother just started selling solar for his company so your info was helpful in learning the pieces and parts. I like the design of your trailer. Is it built or brought. I'm going to be converting a boat trailer soon and I'm looking for ideas like the round bar that runs the length of yours. Pictures would be appreciated.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Great projects and great work. My brother just started selling solar for his company so your info was helpful in learning the pieces and parts. I like the design of your trailer. Is it built or brought. I'm going to be converting a boat trailer soon and I'm looking for ideas like the round bar that runs the length of yours. Pictures would be appreciated.

Many thanks for dropping by shortykorte.

All the best to your brother in his new venture into the solar market and if you have any questions I would be more than happy to answer them and where I can't there are many on the forum that can.

The trailer is a 5 ft W X 7 ft long very typical of what you find in most Australian back yards.

It is / was a brought unit from Major Trailers.

http://www.majortrailers.com.au/trailers.shtml

It is over 30 years old and I have had it for much of that time, that said I have given it 2 complete makeovers over that period.

It tows a tonne no problems.

Structurally it has an angle iron frame where most trailers now a days would have box section. 16 # sheet steel body.

Front and rear drop down gates.

View media item 35716
The mods and updates I have done over the years are:

New mud guards.
Modified tail light guards.
New tow hitch
Rewire and LED tail lights
New 15 inch Sunraysia steel rims and light truck tyres.
New springs, hangers and shackles.
New hubs, bearings and seals
New jockey wheel with a no flat tyre, recommended.
Sandblast and repaint.
Eye bolt tie down points.
New front and rear tail gates.
Drop in track for carrying motor bikes.
I also want to fit a rack out spare tyre arrangement underneath I due course.

And I think that's about it, let me know if you need more.

Regards

 

[1/2 Cup]

The 2015 to do list:

I figured its timely to look ahead at the projects I have in mind for the next 12 months includes but is certainly not limited to the following:

Carport / Storage Solution.

Roof and guttering.
Carport ceiling.
In ground grated gutter system.
Concrete. - to be contracted out - that's one thing I don't touch.
Storage Sheds.
Electrical fit off.
Brick column and front wall.

Priority project

Household.

Split A/C replacement. - Work in progress - Have A/C.
Gas heater replacement.
Main Switchboard Upgrade. - Work in progress.
USB Charging port Installation - Completed.
Ensuite make over - not high on the list.
Lounge room Bifold door set. - not high on the list.

The Shed Downunder.

Stainless Steel Under Bench Draw System - Work In Progress - Parts Ordered
Industrial style Dining Table build. - Material procurement phase.
Sort and Clean a few of those Nightmare Areas of the Shed. - Work in progress.
Utility Table - Work in progress.
The Model A - Panel fit and paint body. - Work in progress.
"Other Projects"- to numerous to mention.

As you do stuff and not negotiable.

Eldest Sons Wedding in March. - Priority.
Family and friends time.
Read a book or two.
Do nothing time.
Smell the roses so to speak.

Excludes:

Lawns.
Garden.
Random stuff from Mrs 1/2 Cup.
Dog Shows with Mrs 1/2 Cup - please note limited to 2 per annum.
Market stalls with Mrs 1/2 Cup.
Random requests from relations.
And the list goes on..

I think that's about it for now, have a good one guys.

 

[CoopVA]

I'm sure you'll get a Lott of that done this year 1/2 Cup! Not sure I want to list all my projects... Might scare me...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[1/2 Cup]

I'm sure you'll get a Lott of that done this year 1/2 Cup! Not sure I want to list all my projects... Might scare me...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Coop, I find if I list stuff and "try" to stick to the plan it works for me. Well some times anyway.

Mind you some off the projects have been there a while, so then its a question of prioritising.

Regards

 

[akdiesel]

1/2 Cup

I will add to the rest about the portable stainless table. Great job.
It seems your list may be a little overwelming to some, but we all need to have a list to keep us going. The family is priority.
Still waiting to see the end results of your Carport. Not sure how costly cement work is over there but like most projects the end results of somthing we do can be rewarding and educational. I myself like to do concrete work (not saying I am great at it). I save money and learn somthing every time I do it.

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2 Cup

I will add to the rest about the portable stainless table. Great job.
It seems your list may be a little overwelming to some, but we all need to have a list to keep us going. The family is priority.
Still waiting to see the end results of your Carport. Not sure how costly cement work is over there but like most projects the end results of somthing we do can be rewarding and educational. I myself like to do concrete work (not saying I am great at it). I save money and learn somthing every time I do it.

Many thanks akdiesel

My lists keep me on the straight a narrow so to speak, but you still need a bit of flexibility. Some of the above i.e. the ensuite make over have been there for years.

The week of has allowed me to catch up on a few projects and even some of the stuff like the carport storm water cut in and electrics.

Large areas of concrete are not my forte, I will tackle a relatively small area but not something like this. I have a work colleague that works in Construction who is quite the master at it and will do the job for me. I will box it out and do the prep work then help out on the day.

I haven't priced the concrete out but I would be guessing it would have to be $250 per cubic metre, don't hold me to that, but that would equate to around $1200 AU.

Regards..

 

[kentwaddington]

You have quite the treasure there. WOW!

 

[1/2 Cup]

You have quite the treasure there. WOW!

Many thanks for dropping by

I like to think of it as more of an eclectic mix of stuff, accumulated over more years than I care to recall.

I hope you have enjoyed the read.

Regards

 

[shortykorte]

Super. Your info will be a great start. I have both pictures saved. I want to integrate features for your trailer and their golf cart trailer. I will post the project when I start later this year.
I'm glad I found this forum because everyone is very helpful and ingenious.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Super. Your info will be a great start. I have both pictures saved. I will post the project when I start.
I'm glad I found this forum because everyone is very helpful and ingenious.

Fantastic, that's what we are here for, all the best with your project.

 

[shortykorte]

I am at the start of the home run, heaps to do yet Mark.

I think I should take a months long service otherwise it will be a month of Sundays until I finish the project.

I just finished another 60 odd brackets this morning ready to be galvanised. 250 holes later I am over cutting and drilling.

View media item 43623
Regards

Boy that's a lot of holes to drill. I assume you used a drill press. Did you use a jig to make production quicker and consistent? Also did you start with a smaller pilot hole then drill to size? Thanks again.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Boy that's a lot of holes to drill. I assume you used a drill press. Did you use a jig to make production quicker and consistent? Also did you start with a smaller pilot hole then drill to size? Thanks again.

I use a drill press for sure.

Some time I do make jigs but not for this lot, to be honest I don't mind repetitious work if you are set up and comfortable.

The procedure goes like this.

Cuts
Debur.
Markout.
Centre punch.
1/8 pilot hole.
1/4 hole.
Counter sink both sides.
Hot dipped galvanized.
Mind numbing I know, I think there was around 600 holes just like this in the Carport/Storage Solution Build to date.

Thanks for dropping by..

Regards

 

[metalhead140]

Hey 1/2 cup, great to catch up with what you've been doing. Excellent work on the fab bench! Looks really great. Congrats also on the award at work, it's certainly nice to know when your work is appreciated. Don't suppose your work have need of an ABB SCADA expert in NSW do you mate....?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Hey 1/2 cup, great to catch up with what you've been doing. Excellent work on the fab bench! Looks really great. Congrats also on the award at work, it's certainly nice to know when your work is appreciated. Don't suppose your work have need of an ABB SCADA expert in NSW do you mate....?

Thanks a million Andrew.

No not in N.S.W. we don't cross the Murray and unless you are ready for a life style change to sunny, flat Tatura , that said State Water up your way might. I have a few contacts there.

http://www.greatershepparton.com.au/tatura

Anyway how are things going in your neck of the woods?

Regards

 

[metalhead140]

Thanks 1/2 cup, things are going alright, not made much progress in the garage unfortunately, life and other jobs have been getting in the way. Did get some more fencing done, and finished pulling the box out of the f250 tonight to replace the clutch release bearing that grenaded itself. Fortunately it doesn't appear to have damaged anything else, unfortunately it's led me to discover I need new floor pans! Oh well, that's how it goes I suppose. I have been trying to complete my workbench, but finding time has been difficult. It's getting there though, slowly. Wish I could find the hours in the day that you seem to!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Thanks 1/2 cup, things are going alright, not made much progress in the garage unfortunately, life and other jobs have been getting in the way. Did get some more fencing done, and finished pulling the box out of the f250 tonight to replace the clutch release bearing that grenaded itself. Fortunately it doesn't appear to have damaged anything else, unfortunately it's led me to discover I need new floor pans! Oh well, that's how it goes I suppose. I have been trying to complete my workbench, but finding time has been difficult. It's getting there though, slowly. Wish I could find the hours in the day that you seem to!

Thanks for the update Andrew.
The bearing replacement shouldn't be to much trouble with your lift, floor pans well that's another story.
I find if I just concentrate on one thing at a time I seem to get stuff done, but just keep chipping away at it.
A good Work life balance can be a tad difficult to achieve but as I get older I really strive for that.

Cheers..

 

[1/2 Cup]

Solar Update.

We have just received our first spring/summer account since having the solar installed last February.

For the same period Oct - Jan last year we were charged AU$680.00
The account we received today was AU $180.00, its not often that you are pleased to see a utility bill and this one I am happy to pay.

Our next investment will be solar hot water as this is now a huge part of our energy usage.

Regards

 

[sean Buick 76]

Very cool, thanks for shining light on your savings!

 

[akdiesel]

1/2 Cup

Nice achievement on your energy costs. I have been watching your progress on this topic.
I too am looking at a thermal glycol system for my patio snow melt project.

 

[HOTFR8]

I can give you a name of a good Solar Hot Water system when you are ready.
Power has been off to the one here since November and we usually do not turn the power on again until April. Most days at present it is boiling and we have a shot of steam off the roof.

 

[HOTFR8]

Look at this site >
http://www.solarwater.com.au/products/solar-hot-water-systems
As I said before we turn the power off to the system in November and usually do not need the power back on again until April. Steam shoots out of it on a sunny day here. Massive saving in power.

My Power bill in the summer is normally in credit so you have not got to that stage yet.

 

[sandmanracing]

Solar Update.

We have just received our first spring/summer account since having the solar installed last February.

For the same period Oct - Jan last year we were charged AU$680.00
The account we received today was AU $180.00, its not often that you are pleased to see a utility bill and this one I am happy to pay.

Our next investment will be solar hot water as this is now a huge part of our energy usage.

Regards

Some people are just lucky bastards! Congrats - hoping the planned system for the Scout Hall will have the same benefit.

As for Solar Hot Water, have had it here for 14 years and is well worth it. I was skeptical at the beginning, but definitely a convert now.

We have a Solar Hart system, which feeds a normal gas system for boosting during the cooler months. The only issue we have is that our tank is mounted on the roof, which meant a higher replacement cost when it went a few years ago. These days they tend to have the tank at ground level.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Very cool, thanks for shining light on your savings!

Thanks Sean.

1/2 Cup

Nice achievement on your energy costs. I have been watching your progress on this topic.
I too am looking at a thermal glycol system for my patio snow melt project.

akdiesel I am very happy with the systems performance to date, we still have a way to go yet, consider it another project on my list. I am interested in seeing how you go with your thermal glycol system.

I can give you a name of a good Solar Hot Water system when you are ready.
Power has been off to the one here since November and we usually do not turn the power on again until April. Most days at present it is boiling and we have a shot of steam off the roof.

Look at this site >
http://www.solarwater.com.au/products/solar-hot-water-systems
As I said before we turn the power off to the system in November and usually do not need the power back on again until April. Steam shoots out of it on a sunny day here. Massive saving in power.

My Power bill in the summer is normally in credit so you have not got to that stage yet.

Thanks HOTFR8, that's exactly the type of unit I will be looking at. I picked the account to pieces and looked at the online data Origin Energy provide and it is clear that Hot water is my next challenge for sure.

Some people are just lucky bastards! Congrats - hoping the planned system for the Scout Hall will have the same benefit.
As for Solar Hot Water, have had it here for 14 years and is well worth it. I was skeptical at the beginning, but definitely a convert now.

We have a Solar Hart system, which feeds a normal gas system for boosting during the cooler months. The only issue we have is that our tank is mounted on the roof, which meant a higher replacement cost when it went a few years ago. These days they tend to have the tank at ground level.

sandmanracing I am sure the scout hall will benefit no end as I am guessing there would be minimal usage during the day so most of what you generate would be going back into the grid.
My hot water tank is in the roof and is a mains pressure dual element 4.8 kw 250 lt. unit, which boosts on the off peak tariff.
I was thinking of taking it down to the outside but as it sits now it would be a pretty straight forward job to connect it to a solar hot water panel.


Thanks again gents for your feedback, have a great day

 

[BBChevro]

It all depends on your household situation - when we bought our current home 15 years ago, it had a solar HWS (on the roof) - it did not give any "trouble", but it (all solar HWS) has a fundamental design flaw (for a household like ours)...

If you are a small household and shower at the "right time" it might work, but we have to leave the electric booster on all the time, so in effect we have a "solar assisted" electric HWS.
(We are on an off-peak tarriff, so it's not too bad - we replaced it about 4 or 5 years ago with the same type of system because that was still our best option, but having the booster on all the time does kind of defeat the purpose of having solar).

The "design flaw" I refer to is that any hot water used in the evening (which is a fairly common shower time for many people I would think) automatically tops up (with cold water) and doesn't get re-heated until well after sunrise - so too bad if you want a hot shower in the morning (also a fairly common ritual) .

I would not change to a solar HWS or specify one in a new build, but like I said, everyone's needs are different, it depends on your situation - it's just something else to take into consideration.

 

[1/2 Cup]

It all depends on your household situation - when we bought our current home 15 years ago, it had a solar HWS (on the roof) - it did not give any "trouble", but it (all solar HWS) has a fundamental design flaw (for a household like ours)...

If you are a small household and shower at the "right time" it might work, but we have to leave the electric booster on all the time, so in effect we have a "solar assisted" electric HWS.
(We are on an off-peak tarriff, so it's not too bad - we replaced it about 4 or 5 years ago with the same type of system because that was still our best option, but having the booster on all the time does kind of defeat the purpose of having solar).

The "design flaw" I refer to is that any hot water used in the evening (which is a fairly common shower time for many people I would think) automatically tops up (with cold water) and doesn't get re-heated until well after sunrise - so too bad if you want a hot shower in the morning (also a fairly common ritual) .

I would not change to a solar HWS or specify one in a new build, but like I said, everyone's needs are different, it depends on your situation - it's just something else to take into consideration.

Thanks for your input Mark, much appreciated

Your correct in saying that the system is in fact "solar assisted " but I intend to capitalise on that fact, our peak boost is at off peak rates ( Winner Tariff )
Add some not to complicated smarts, controls and storage I am hoping not to eliminate but minimalize our reliance in the grid for hot water.

Regards, I will keep you updated..

 

[sandmanracing]

My comment regarding the roof mounting of the tanks more comes to the replacement cost. When we had to replace the roof top tank, 3/4 of the cost was for the hiring of a crane truck to lift the unit up there.

Complete rip off for the amount they were charging, and the only reason for not going with a ground level tank was the wait of a few weeks.

 

[1/2 Cup]

My comment regarding the roof mounting of the tanks more comes to the replacement cost. When we had to replace the roof top tank, 3/4 of the cost was for the hiring of a crane truck to lift the unit up there.

Complete rip off for the amount they were charging, and the only reason for not going with a ground level tank was the wait of a few weeks.

Agree, our existing tank is in the roof space and I am not keen to have a storage tank on the hot water panels, just panels only. Being an older house the supporting structural stuff is not there to warrant storage on the roof.

I replaced the existing twin element tank in the roof space some 5 years ago as it is ideally situated in the middle of the house, not an easy task but achievable. I actually modified the manhole to get it in, we have loads of room up there. I am figuring on another 5 years out of this tank and looking at my options to future proof things so to speak.

Many thanks for the feedback..

 

[1/2 Cup]

Note to file 1/2 Cup : Include wedding anniversary on your Outlook Calender.

38 years today, so I was told.

OOOPS

 

[Sunbimmer]

38 years today, so I was told.

Don't let her hear that congrats man

 

[metalhead140]

Lol, oops! Congrats on the 38 years, and sounds like your solar is going well too.

 

[akdiesel]

To be with someone that long is an achievement. To be happy during that time is priceless.
Congrats.

 

[xtremek]

Congrats to you and the misses.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Don't let her hear that congrats man

Lol, oops! Congrats on the 38 years, and sounds like your solar is going well too.

To be with someone that long is an achievement. To be happy during that time is priceless.
Congrats.

Congrats to you and the misses.

Thank you very much Gents.

I was 20 and Mrs 1/2 Cup was 18 when we were married and I have to say this it has been like a fine wine that matures with age.

Regards and have a great day..

 

[BBChevro]

Congratulations Mr & Mrs 1/2Cup

 

[1/2 Cup]

Congratulations Mr & Mrs 1/2Cup

Many thanks Mark

 

[1/2 Cup]

The Shed Downunder.

You have seen the GOOD

You have seen the BAD

This weekend I am going to reveal the down right UGLY aspects of the Shed Downunder.

Warning What follows may offend.

Regards

 

[RivennHewn]

That's just not fair.

How the hell am I going to sleep tonight?

 

[akdiesel]

The Shed Downunder.

You have seen the GOOD

You have seen the BAD

This weekend I am going to reveal the down right UGLY aspects of the Shed Downunder.

Warning What follows may offend.

Regards

I resemble that. Bring it on. lol