A Shed Downunder.

[1/2 Cup]

First this...

and then this (talking about your fabrication bench)...

Me too!

I had never acknowledged it before, but this happens to me all the time. I take way longer on a job than I think it "should take", to get it just right. Whenever I take shortcuts, or don't take the time to do it how I want it done, I end up feeling disappointed with myself.

Perfect example... building a sandpit (sandbox) "should" be a quick job. Should be able to knock one up in a few hours, tops.

Mine took weeks to plan and build. Partially because I had my 3 year old "helping", but also because I did "silly" things like making sure the heads of all the (stainless) fasteners lined up properly.

View media item 59486
I remember feeling guilty that I was "wasting time" with all the little details bits... lining the screw heads up, making sure the decking timber was all stained underneath where you can't see it, avoiding getting stain on the screw heads, aluminium angle to dress the corners, treated pine frame, clad inside and out with weathertex, weedmat on top of a layer of gravel for drainage under the sand...

But geez I'm proud of that sandpit! I doubt I'd be sharing photos of a sandpit I knocked up in a few hours.

View media item 59485
I've actually gone and lined the corner ones up a bit better since I took that photo, because the photo makes them look a little crooked

I've also heard it called "clocking the screws". A Google image search for "clocked screws" is strangely satisfying.

Mat, you should be justifiably proud of your sand pit. I would not consider your attention to detail as you have done a waste of time. I would do the same myself.

Steve, oh Steve

I'm with you there on the "clocked screws" . . . . If only I could ignore what orientation the screws were when the screwing was done!!!!!

It must cost me hours per "fix up".

I'm glad I'm not alone.

Lyndon
Time for nighty nights me thinks - it's gettin' hard to see the keyboard. . . .

Lyndon, as an apprentice we would get a clip across the back of our head if we did not set the screws. These days with Phillips head screws the art of setting a screw seems to be lost.

1/2: without any water and all the hot weather you've had lately the council's strip in front of the new investment next door looks great. I bet I've mowed our lawn already 6 times this year and need to do so again today before I end up watching Jordan with another Masters. Jordan will have a little company on his walk into the clubhouse your Aussie Jason Day might be one of the guys in the mix so maybe you'll catch a bit of it even though it's Monday Down Under and you are signing papers for the new SHED.

also wanted to thank you for the great words about me and I hope others feel the same about me here on GJ. I might not be even close to the handiest, but I do have a little help I can offer from time to time and of course a few questions.

cheers and again congrats on getting a new SHED with the new digs next door.

Drives, many thanks. I have just given the lawn a couple of quick trims and not too short. Next week I will start on the edges.

I have just watched the tee off this morning before work, Jordan is doing well and it will be interesting to see how Jason goes.

Kudos where kudos is due drives.

1/2: I had no idea what you were talking about a few days ago with a VISE BREAK until you just posted a picture of it. OMG I've never seen or knew that even existed and you might know that I own a few vises (vices).

if you have time you should post up more pictures of your vise break and your dawn vise on the cool welding table over on the main vise thread. that vise break is not only COOL looking it also looks like it works. now I have to see where I can find an old one or buy one.

have a great day

Drives, will do later today.

1/2 Cup,
You guys are killing me! Work has been super busy so I haven't kept up. I'm going to have to carve out a huge block of time to read through all this. It's always great to see what's happening in your part of the world.

It's also nice to see that an overabundance attention to detail is something that effects folks on all continents!

This is great...
View media item 59485
Cheers,
Chris

Chris, many thanks for dropping by. There is never a dull moment around here let me tell you.

Its been a while since I checked in, I was taken back by that auction you posted on, WOW! I would of loved to attend that, but with over 500 bidders I would of probably just watched. That vise you pointed out was really unique, I have never seen on like that before, I would of loved to bid on a few of those anvils, maybe its a good thing I was not there, I would have dropped some cash for sure Thanks for posting! I was excited just looking at the sale bill on that auction, Cheers

BF thank you for dropping by. There was some neat stuff at the auction for sure and it was a hard decision not to stay for the whole day, I would have had a hole in my pocket at the end of it.

The vice break looks great, but is it cumbersome to use?

Xtremek , the break works well and not cumbersome to use at all. Ideal for small brackets. Basically you just mark a line where you want the bend, centre it on the blade and wind the vise home until you achieve the angle you need. The bends are nice and crisp. Mind you it does have its limtations and you wouldn’t bend ¼ plate.

Thank you one and all for dropping by and have a great day.

 

[HOTFR8]

HOTFR8 we are on what they call Permanent Water Saving measures.

http://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/water/water-restrictions/

PS I do not get a trade discount.

My sister in law works at GV Water and I work within the water saving rules.

It has been as dry as lately.

Regards

EDIT move my sprinklers.

Same here. I have grey water and rain water. Still nothing here looks as good as your nature strip. Well done. I guess you are looking forward now to next weekend.

 

[CoopVA]

I snapped a pic of the vise break and my first attempts to bend some sheet.

Its a nice and sharp bend far removed from belting a piece into shape with and Ashley over a vise.

View media item 59575
Note to file: An Ashley in our lingo refers to the Australian cricketer ( Ashley Mallet ) who could belt the heck out of a ball.

I just thought I would clear that one before I was asked.

Wow... That's some pretty thick stock. Can you give us some more detail on the break? That's sweet...

 

[nine4gmc]

Definitely a sweet break!

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

 

[Nursepeter1973]

Wow... That's some pretty thick stock. Can you give us some more detail on the break? That's sweet...

http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Vice-Pressbrake-Benders
Features
-Magnetic back designed to keep bender on vice
-Segmented blade
-Bends up to 2mm mild steel

I don't have one but I know what I'm buying once I get some free time... I've been looking at them but haven't pulled the trigger on one as I wasn't sure how well they would work.

But now with a 1/2 Cup seal of approval...

 

[1/2 Cup]

Same here. I have grey water and rain water. Still nothing here looks as good as your nature strip. Well done. I guess you are looking forward now to next weekend.

HOTFR8 We still do grey water on the back lawn and at some point I would really like to install a rain water tank.

The settlement on the home next door has just been completed this morning and Mrs 1/2 Cup is picking up the keys as I type this, so we have a busy week ahead of us and I am looking forward to the over nighter in Sydney for sure.

Regards

 

[1/2 Cup]

Wow... That's some pretty thick stock. Can you give us some more detail on the break? That's sweet...

Coop, Nursepeter has kindly chimed in with the details of the break below.

Definitely a sweet break!

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

Talk about handy nines.

http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Vice-Pressbrake-Benders
Features
-Magnetic back designed to keep bender on vice
-Segmented blade
-Bends up to 2mm mild steel

I don't have one but I know what I'm buying once I get some free time... I've been looking at them but haven't pulled the trigger on one as I wasn't sure how well they would work.

But now with a 1/2 Cup seal of approval...

Nursepeter, thanks for the info.

I can only recommend you get one as I am sure all of you could use it on your projects.

BTW they are still on sale.

Have a great day and thanks for dropping by.

 

[rixtrix1]

I've never seen a vice brake before. Very interesting. Similar to the press brake from SWAG.com. which can obviously bend heavier stock due to the 20 ton press it's designed for. The vice brake seems reasonably priced, providing you already have a good, heavy duty vice.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Grizzly has them on our side of the pond, another thing I never know I wanted.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I've never seen a vice brake before. Very interesting. Similar to the press brake from SWAG.com. which can obviously bend heavier stock due to the 20 ton press it's designed for. The vice brake seems reasonably priced, providing you already have a good, heavy duty vice.

Ric , it would stretch the friendship a little on some vices, but the Dawn vice just took it in its stride.

Grizzly has them on our side of the pond, another thing I never know I wanted.

Ole Slewfoot, thank you for dropping by. consider the break a must have and I can highly recommend them.

Thank you all for dropping by yet again, truly appreciated.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Well its ours, the settlement went through at the advertised time of 11.30 am today.

First cab of the rank, our neighbour and long time friend Rocket was eager to try out his ride on that we got going a few weeks ago and my eldest looking on in what turned out to be a street "open for inspection"

You get the picture.

View media item 59632
Now the hard yards really begin.

 

[CoopVA]

http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/Vice-Pressbrake-Benders
Features
-Magnetic back designed to keep bender on vice
-Segmented blade
-Bends up to 2mm mild steel

I don't have one but I know what I'm buying once I get some free time... I've been looking at them but haven't pulled the trigger on one as I wasn't sure how well they would work.

But now with a 1/2 Cup seal of approval...

I suppose my Wilton could handle it. I've got a bigger Rock Island vise too... Thanks for the info!

I've never seen a vice brake before. Very interesting. Similar to the press brake from SWAG.com. which can obviously bend heavier stock due to the 20 ton press it's designed for. The vice brake seems reasonably priced, providing you already have a good, heavy duty vice.

I've been eyeballing that SWAG break for some time now... I got the bandsaw table they make...

Grizzly has them on our side of the pond, another thing I never know I wanted.

I'll have to check it out. I get stuff from Grizzly occasionally. It would be perfect for making small brackets....

 

[dlcwent]

1/2 cup, I'm glad the settlement is behind you and now all the real fun can begin. I'll be looking forward to all you share with us. Congratulations.

Is that Andrew standing there looking like he wants to take that rider and see what it's really got under the bonnet?

 

[1/2 Cup]

I suppose my Wilton could handle it. I've got a bigger Rock Island vise too... Thanks for the info!




I've been eyeballing that SWAG break for some time now... I got the bandsaw table they make...




I'll have to check it out. I get stuff from Grizzly occasionally. It would be perfect for making small brackets....

Trust me Coop, you need one.

 

[hewey]

Congrats on the settlement! Though not sure how much the help is helping or having fun!

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2 cup, I'm glad the settlement is behind you and now all the real fun can begin. I'll be looking forward to all you share with us. Congratulations.

Is that Andrew standing there looking like he wants to take that rider and see what it's really got under the bonnet?

Done and dusted Dan and share I will.

And yes that is Andrew, my eldest and we have given him some mentoring on the rider mower which is now parked in my new shed and ready to tackle the back lawn later in the week. Mrs 1/2 Cup was busy showing the neighbours through tonite and trust me we really need to prioritise what needs to be done.

One thing I neglected to mention our neighbour and long time friend Rocket ( btw you may have noticed I have been privileged to be a custodian of a lot of nice stuff of his over the years) is a bone marrow recipient from his brother that has since passed away, suffered Lymphoma and is a stomach cancer survivor just to add to the mix. The family is just the salt of the earth and would give you the shirt off their backs.

Rocket loves bikes and has every thing from a new Vespa, Cannam Spider to an anniversary Harley Davidson and a few in between, not to mention the stationary engine collection and Massey Fergusson tractor in the rear of his shed.

If you have been through my thread you may remember the story about being offered a coffin for repurposing that I was offered well this is the man behind the story.

Have a great day guys, bed time.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Congrats on the settlement! Though not sure how much the help is helping or having fun!

Hewey thank you we are having a ball.

Regards

 

[BBChevro]

Congrats on getting the new place 1/2cup - now we need to see some shed pics

 

[Terrick down Under]

YES SHED PICS please, I thought I was the only one starting to wonder when they were coming.
Congrats.

 

[Strouty]

So now that you have the house, when do we start to see the new shed being built????

The vise from the auction was an interesting one for sure, I am headed to an auction this week and I hope I can resist the urge to overbuy. The last time I went, I set a budget, but that didn't work as I ended up buying pallets of stuff for $5.

I really like the idea of the vise brake, it looks like a nice addition. I have probably read the answer to this, but can't remember, do you guys have anything like a harbor freight?

 

[TwoBytes]

Hey 1/2 Cup,

I'm finally caught up, 170 pages!

I've read through quite a lot of long GJ threads and yours is up there with the best. I'm also working my way through Thomas' "Restored 1930's Auto Shop", but at 468 pages, that's going to take me a long time!

The MG engine is looking great. It's a real shame that you don't get to see the gorgeous jewelry inside an engine once it's all bolted together. Good thing you're taking lots of photos.

Congratulations on the new compressor, and on buying the place next door, that is genius!

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: i'll try to do my best to help keep your thread civil and the guys from filling up your thread with STUFF while you are busy.

no guarantees because you know this bunch.

Take tons of pictures as you can and then worry about posting them when the dust clears and you are maybe close to or finished with the new home.

even more jealous now because I not only see that 25 x 25 shop you just bought as extra covered space, but because I see a ton of yard for expansion or so you can have a few rusty items waiting to have your magic touch put to them. of course if Mrs. 1/2 hasn't already claimed the new shop's yard as RODENT GROUND.

cheers and best of luck in the coming days and weeks and hopefully no surprises.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Congrats on getting the new place 1/2cup - now we need to see some shed pics

Thank you Mark, pics to follow.

YES SHED PICS please, I thought I was the only one starting to wonder when they were coming.
Congrats.

Terrick, no problems.

So now that you have the house, when do we start to see the new shed being built????

The vise from the auction was an interesting one for sure, I am headed to an auction this week and I hope I can resist the urge to overbuy. The last time I went, I set a budget, but that didn't work as I ended up buying pallets of stuff for $5.

I really like the idea of the vise brake, it looks like a nice addition. I have probably read the answer to this, but can't remember, do you guys have anything like a harbor freight?

Strouty, We have a power of work to do over the next month or so. The new back yard has plenty of scope for another shed down the track.

Do not resist your urge to buy at auction, Sundays Clearing Sale was hard for me to walk away and not at least toss in a bid or two.

The vise break is great for that small and fiddly stuff and gives some really good results. you need one.

We do have smaller versions of Harbour Freight, they are in no way like yours though with the range of stuff they carry and just specialize in tools and equipment.

Regards

Hey 1/2 Cup,

I'm finally caught up, 170 pages!

I've read through quite a lot of long GJ threads and yours is up there with the best. I'm also working my way through Thomas' "Restored 1930's Auto Shop", but at 468 pages, that's going to take me a long time!

The MG engine is looking great. It's a real shame that you don't get to see the gorgeous jewelry inside an engine once it's all bolted together. Good thing you're taking lots of photos.

Congratulations on the new compressor, and on buying the place next door, that is genius!

Mat, I am truly humbled that you have taken the time to read the entire thread, much appreciated and trust that you have enjoyed.

I am hearing you when you say that all those nice parts in the MG F engine will never be seen again however if it can deliver the results in terms of HP I will be reflecting back on the pictures knowing they are doing their job.

I have not had much time to use the new compressor yet, it’s all plumbed up and holding 145 PSI over the last few days with no leaks.

The hard work is just beginning next door, We are looking forward to it.

1/2: i'll try to do my best to help keep your thread civil and the guys from filling up your thread with STUFF while you are busy.

no guarantees because you know this bunch.

Take tons of pictures as you can and then worry about posting them when the dust clears and you are maybe close to or finished with the new home.

even more jealous now because I not only see that 25 x 25 shop you just bought as extra covered space, but because I see a ton of yard for expansion or so you can have a few rusty items waiting to have your magic touch put to them. of course if Mrs. 1/2 hasn't already claimed the new shop's yard as RODENT GROUND.

cheers and best of luck in the coming days and weeks and hopefully no surprises.

drives, I was asleep when all the above posts were sent, thanks for steering the ship.

It was all hands on deck last night after work Andrew and my DIL filled a wheelly bin full of stuff just in the gardens alone and Rocket filled 1 ½ green waste bins of lawn clippings just from the front lawn. Our weekly / fortnightly pick up is due today.

I sprayed the new shed out for spiders last night, it is truly a blank canvas, all steel and well built.
I have a correction to make in regards to the size it is in fact 21 ft x 21 ft, I had it in my pea brain for some reason that it was bigger, not to worry as there is still heaps of real estate to play with down the track.

More pics over the next few days.

The new yard will be rodent free, trust me.

great work

Thank you for dropping by chilly_moose,, appreciated.

An now after all this is the Garage Journal and remiss of me not to have posted sooner, a picture of our new shed and garden shed.

View media item 58654

Have a great day guys and again thank you for dropping by.

 

[HOTFR8]

Would be lost without grey water here. looks like that back yard lawn will need some water and grey water can be good.

repurposing.

That reminds me have you used or have any plans for the items I left with about two years ago?

 

[shortykorte]

Congrats on your new acquisitions, house and compressor. Since your to-do list just got really long may I suggest pictures. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, it's a lot less typing.

Like everyone else looking forward to your spin on the new place.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Would be lost without grey water here. looks like that back yard lawn will need some water and grey water can be good.

That reminds me have you used or have any plans for the items I left with about two years ago?

HOTFR8, the back yard does need some TLC and a grey water system is on the cards for that as well.

To be honest I haven't touched them, just too much on the go over the last few years, I can see my retirement filled with projects like that and don't worry they are in good hands.

View media item 40476

Congrats on your new acquisitions, house and compressor. Since your to-do list just got really long may I suggest pictures. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, it's a lot less typing.

Like everyone else looking forward to your spin on the new place.

Thank you shorty

To be honest I am finding less and less time for my self with a list that is growing daily and point taken

Thanks guys for dropping by and have a good one.

 

[RivennHewn]

"I am finding less and less time for my self with a list that is growing daily"

That about sums it up

 

[HOTFR8]

HOTFR8, the back yard does need some TLC and a grey water system is on the cards for that as well.

To be honest I haven't touched them, just too much on the go over the last few years, I can see my retirement filled with projects like that and don't worry they are in good hands.

View media item 40476

Grey water and rain water are essential here. As for those insulators well I know if any one can make use of them you will.

 

[1/2 Cup]

"I am finding less and less time for my self with a list that is growing daily"

That about sums it up

I am with you on that score Riven

Grey water and rain water are essential here. As for those insulators well I know if any one can make use of them you will.

On the list HOTFR8,

Our son Andrew dropped by after work and was mowing the back lawn of next door when I got home from work for us which was much appreciated.

I had Shelby over there watching the ride on which Rocket had kindly left there for us to use and she absolutely had a ball rolling on the freshly mown grass/weeds and eating self seeded tomatoes.

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day / evening where ever.

Regards

 

[HOTFR8]

Shelby likes Tomatoes! I had a Dog that used to like Carrots. I had to keep the poor dog on a chain as the Neighbor was setting Rabbit traps.

 

[xtremek]

If anyone can whip that place into shape, it's you. As usual, I'm looking forward to what you do next.

 

[Denwood]

Every time I check in your thread, first my head spins, then I feel pretty lazy . Congrats on the "new" house, shed and ... compressor!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Shelby likes Tomatoes! I had a Dog that used to like Carrots. I had to keep the poor dog on a chain as the Neighbor was setting Rabbit traps.

HOTFR8, Shelby also takes a fancy to our lemons, plays with them until them are mush.

Rabbit traps, not nice.

If anyone can whip that place into shape, it's you. As usual, I'm looking forward to what you do next.

Thank you xtremek appreciated.

Every time I check in your thread, first my head spins, then I feel pretty lazy . Congrats on the "new" house, shed and ... compressor!

Dennis, thank you.

Your head may spin but I would not say lazy just looking at your thread and a young family as well, definitely not lazy.

Have a great day every one and thanks for dropping by.

 

[BBChevro]

Every time I check in your thread, first my head spins, then I feel pretty lazy...
...

Anyone that has ever tuned into your thread would never refer to you as "lazy" Dennis.
I think there's been a few heads spinning (mine included) over there with all your latest electronic wizardry.

1/2cup's always a busy boy too and (due to the latest acquisitions) just got a whole lot busier.

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: well even if your new (old) shed is only a 21 x 21 I see it as a heck of a space if you don't need to park a DD (daily driver) in it. also the room for expansion and your talent might be more amazing as time will tell.

BB: WELL SAID on both accounts. Woody (Denwood) could never be accused of being LAZY if you ever saw his thread and all the things he does even when it's -30 degrees outside.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Anyone that has ever tuned into your thread would never refer to you as "lazy" Dennis.
I think there's been a few heads spinning (mine included) over there with all your latest electronic wizardry.

1/2cup's always a busy boy too and (due to the latest acquisitions) just got a whole lot busier.

You better believe it Mark

1/2: well even if your new (old) shed is only a 21 x 21 I see it as a heck of a space if you don't need to park a DD (daily driver) in it. also the room for expansion and your talent might be more amazing as time will tell.

BB: WELL SAID on both accounts. Woody (Denwood) could never be accused of being LAZY if you ever saw his thread and all the things he does even when it's -30 degrees outside.

drives the shed will fit two cars comfortably and there is certainly scope to move in the future, the gears are turning I can assure you but I need to get my priorities in order and not get to far ahead of myself.

I the evening on the decking next door with Rocket from over the road ( who loan me his ride on ) as I was watering the lawns for the first time in 6 months solving the problems of the world under the tree of knowledge sharing a beer.

Have a good one.

 

[BBChevro]

Hey 1/2cup, I knocked off early yesterday so I could go here before they closed...

View media item 59684
...I think you know what I went there for.

 

[shortykorte]

I know you are knocking things off the list at a rapid pace. I have a project to add to the list but I think you and the Mrs. will approve. As an added bonus, I've enlisted Lyndon to handle the interior part of the project. Hey Lyndon is just sitting around in a tub drinking adult beverages waiting on something to do.

I think a master bathroom would be a great addition to the new place. Make the 1/2 Cup B&B very cozy. Drum roll.......

 

[Lyndon]

I know you are knocking things off the list at a rapid pace. I have a project to add to the list but I think you and the Mrs. will approve. As an added bonus, I've enlisted Lyndon to handle the interior part of the project. Hey Lyndon is just sitting around in a tub drinking adult beverages waiting on something to do.

I think a master bathroom would be a great addition to the new place. Make the 1/2 Cup B&B very cozy. Drum roll.......

Shorty

Onya! I'm busy enough trying to keep my list under control, and you go and sub contract me out.

And it looks like it could do with some work, but I'm very good with the paint brush, just slow.......

Lyndon
Wait till Steve sees that?????

 

[shortykorte]

Shorty

Onya! I'm busy enough trying to keep my list under control, and you go and sub contract me out.

And it looks like it could do with some work, but I'm very good with the paint brush, just slow.......

Lyndon
Wait till Steve sees that?????

Hey your secret is out, you do great work so why not. I'd volunteer but the daily commute would only only allow 2 minutes of work time.