A Shed Downunder.

[CoopVA]

It has been a long time between drinks it has been as dry as chips with little or no rain in the catchments we have been looking at our dryer than usual conditions at work strategy..

The engine is going to be a steep learning curve for me, it is just so different from what I am used too. One logical step at a time and Google is my friend

You can have some of mine. We've had just over 13" of rain so far this year, 4" just this week... We could use it though. Water is life...

That engine looks to be a beast... One step at a time is surely the way to go!

 

[dlcwent]

It sounds like it was a good start to the down time 1/2 cup. Having a happy Mrs.1/2 is a good way to get a little more QST.

I'm sure you'll figure out what you need to with the engine rebuild. I doubt that it will stump you even if it's not what you're used to working on.

Don't forget that when the day is over.......

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: Always nice to see the Rodents and Mrs. 1/2 winning so the Happy wife, Happy life part of your life is going well.

like I say i'm here to learn as you take that old dirty engine block and make it shine. I always like clean shiny metal so i'll be watching and maybe learning a thing or two.

best of luck with the Shed's wiring and I hope you don't find any surprises.

sorry to hear your MOM has passed and what a nice way to acknowledge her so many years later. thankfully mine is still around but at 83 i'm sure her days are numbered especially having to take care of my DAD that is failing fast. we are hoping to see them tonight with some fresh baked molasses cookies and a little gift in hand.

cheers

 

[HOTFR8]

Still raining here and we have some green grass showing at long last. My tanks are all full but we still need water in the catchments. Burnt my pile of rubbish here on Saturday and it started raining that night. Sunday morning it was still a hot pile of ash. Good luck working on that engine. Post progress as you get into it.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Coop, Our average mean long term rain fall is around 24 inches but we have been short of that mark for a few years. Working in the water industry we only know too well what water means to the community and as you say "Water is Life"

I am just tinkering away with the engine at the moment, Andrew is fairly keen to see it all come together as you would, even suggesting that it was an ideal day to be in the Shed since it has been raining.

Dan, Mrs 1/2 Cup was really appreciative of the help over the weekend. One thing that we must get is a smaller gazebo and one that she can put up herself and manage easily. She takes everything bar the kitchen sink to a show believe me.

Given this is my first engine build of this type, I have learnt heaps about the Rover K Series in the short while I have been doing the build, it should come together ok and i feel reasonably confident in the outcome.


drives thank you yet again. One has to do what one has to do at times, Mrs 1/2 Cup always puts her self second fiddle
and it should be a two way street I feel.

I have to admit that the engine does look nice when it has been cleaned up and like you I like shiny.

All the best with your folks, I am sure they will appreciate the visit.
My Dad is 84, lives independently, still drives him self around although he is getting a little forgetful at times can remember stuff from his early years and articulates it to the minutest detail. Just amazing.

It will be a logistics, procurement and strategy day here to map out what I tackle first in the West Wing and the no one task will be to get a start on the rewire of the home. Fortunately I have most of the cable and fittings now to make a start.

HOTFR8 Its grey, overcast and misty rain here this morning. With a total since Saturday of 1" this morning. It looks like it will stay that way for the rest of the day.

I was down through Yarra glen last Thursday an it is as green as, back over the divide it is a very brown landscape where we are. The rain is truly welcome I can assure you.

I will keep updating the engine as I move forward for sure.

Again thank you one and all for the visit and have a great day.

 

[shortykorte]

And you thought your days of shuttleing the babies around were over. High five to Mrs. 1/2 and the rodents.

I'm sure you'll do a great job on the engine. Remember mine is on its way. Must be on the slow boat to China.

Drives, molasses cookies like my grandma use to make. Send some this way.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Shorty , Mrs 1/2 Cup has done well with the rodents.

I am waiting for the rain to ease up here to dry every thing out that we used on the weekend.

Andrews engine is on the back burner for a week or so while I tackle the West Wings Electrical. I will let you know when your yours rocks up.


Thanks for dropping by.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Day One at the West Wing

Being an older home, the integrity and safety of the electrical installation is foremost on my mind and even when we took over the home I was full well expecting to rewire it as a matter of course.

As expected my suspicions were right when I ventured into the roof space yesterday morning. All of the homes original wiring was still in tact and had been progressively added to over the years and by the looks of it not a lot of consideration to our electrical standards was given making it in some cases down right dangerous and a potential fire hazard.

This light switch is gives you the idea.


View media item 60469

Typically, homes of this vintage ( circa 1950 ) were done in what we call split conduit and the cable is what is known as Vulcanised India Rubber ( VIR ) that has a woven outer sheath.

The VRI gets very brittle over the years and if you disturb it the rubber just falls away from the copper wire leaving it exposed and the potential for a short circuit.

Earthing is provided for utilising the continuity of the conduit.

After an initial assessment a full rewire is it. I should also make the comment that the safety switch( residual current device ), a later addition does work on the power circuits.

Off to the electrical wholesalers to pick up what I need for the rewire.

View media item 60470
The rest of the day was spent setting up and moving all the ladders, tools, temporary lighting and equipment I need from the Shed Downunder and make a start.

The first task was to isolate and make safe the one and only lighting circuit. Then made a start on stripping out all the light switches and fixtures.

Today will be spent in the roof space totally removing all the wiring and conduit associated with that light circuit.

As part of the rewire I will be adding a number of additional lighting points for the yard and permanently wired smoke alarms.

Nothing like getting back on the tools so to speak.

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

PS its still drizzling rain here this morning, with gusty winds over night.

So far we have had nearly two inches of much needed rain over the past three days.

 

[CoopVA]

Day One at the West Wing

Being an older home, the integrity and safety of the electrical installation is foremost on my mind and even when we took over the home I was full well expecting to rewire it as a matter of course.

As expected my suspicions were right when I ventured into the roof space yesterday morning. All of the homes original wiring was still in tact and had been progressively added to over the years and by the looks of it not a lot of consideration to our electrical standards was given making it in some cases down right dangerous and a potential fire hazard.

This light switch is gives you the idea.


View media item 60469

Typically, homes of this vintage ( circa 1950 ) were done in what we call split conduit and the cable is what is known as Vulcanised India Rubber ( VIR ) that has a woven outer sheath.

The VRI gets very brittle over the years and if you disturb it the rubber just falls away from the copper wire leaving it exposed and the potential for a short circuit.

Earthing is provided for utilising the continuity of the conduit.

After an initial assessment a full rewire is it. I should also make the comment that the safety switch( residual current device ), a later addition does work on the power circuits.

Off to the electrical wholesalers to pick up what I need for the rewire.

View media item 60470
The rest of the day was spent setting up and moving all the ladders, tools, temporary lighting and equipment I need from the Shed Downunder and make a start.

The first task was to isolate and make safe the one and only lighting circuit. Then made a start on stripping out all the light switches and fixtures.

Today will be spent in the roof space totally removing all the wiring and conduit associated with that light circuit.

As part of the rewire I will be adding a number of additional lighting points for the yard and permanently wired smoke alarms.

Nothing like getting back on the tools so to speak.

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

PS its still drizzling rain here this morning, with gusty winds over night.

So far we have had nearly two inches of much needed rain over the past three days.

Wow! Is that switch mounted in a cut out 2x4 stud??? Wow!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Wow! Is that switch mounted in a cut out 2x4 stud??? Wow!

Coop, the light switch is what we call an Architrave Switch.

https://www.sparkydirect.com.au/c/288098/architrave-switches---clipsal-classic-series.html

Mounting on the door architrave is rarely done now a days as they are fairly time consuming to install. The preference is for a large plate next to the door using something like these.

https://www.sparkydirect.com.au/c/236842/clipsal-2000-light-switches.html

I trust this helps, our electrical stuff is so different to what you guys do in the States.


Edit, for your information.

http://updates.clipsal.com/ClipsalOnline/Files/Brochures/A0000162.pdf

 

[hewey]

Off to a good productive start by the sounds of it

 

[1/2 Cup]

Off to a good productive start by the sounds of it

Thanks Hewey there is no stopping it now.

I had best shut this computer down and make a start for the day.

Regards

 

[HOTFR8]

Looks like you have an interesting job ahead of you. Just perfect for this weather to be inside. On that note 20.5 mm of rain here over night. Not quite an inch of rain.

 

[taumac]

Congrats on day one. I'm gonna learn a lot about wiring and differences between yours and the US.

 

[drivesitfar]

1/2: it's been a while since I wired a house, but I did a few and would love to learn how you guys do it and see if that side of my brain is still functioning.

good luck

like COOP says I (we) are already confused with you stuffing switching inside a board or wall.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Looks like you have an interesting job ahead of you. Just perfect for this weather to be inside. On that note 20.5 mm of rain here over night. Not quite an inch of rain.

HOTFR8, interesting to say the least who ever tacked on to the original wiring clearly knew enough to be dangerous.

Misty rain and windy at times here today, its actually nice and cosy in the West Wing roof space.

Congrats on day one. I'm gonna learn a lot about wiring and differences between yours and the US.

Gerard, its lunch time here and just catching up on the GJ for a bit. I have been really amazed at how you guys do your electrical work. Out here it is a licenced trade and that is one thing I have never regretted doing as it has opened a lot of doors for me in my career as a sparky.

1/2: it's been a while since I wired a house, but I did a few and would love to learn how you guys do it and see if that side of my brain is still functioning.

good luck

like COOP says I (we) are already confused with you stuffing switching inside a board or wall.

drives, it has been a while since I have crawled into a roof space myself, I am usually behind a computer or standing in front of a Control cabinet now a days.

I will keep you updated as I proceed, currently I am stripping out the old lighting circuit and conduits in the roof.

All, as always thank you for dropping by and have a good one.

 

[CoopVA]

Very interesting set of switches. I like that you can gang a bunch of them in a small space...

 

[dlcwent]

Just checking in to make sure you are enjoying some of your "down" time 1/2 cup. Make sure you don't have to go back to work so you can rest up.

How about a picture of you relaxing with a beer at the end of the day? Just so we can have evidence of you enjoying some QST.

 

[shortykorte]

Are you still wired from a day of working on the West Wing?

thirty

 

[Strouty]

I was hoping that it was all done so I can see pictures of the finished product, he had a whole 12 hours.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Very interesting set of switches. I like that you can gang a bunch of them in a small space...

Coop, I use the Clipsal electrical switchgear for much of my work and I find that it is pretty flexible such that you can mix and match to suit your needs and look great as well.

Just checking in to make sure you are enjoying some of your "down" time 1/2 cup. Make sure you don't have to go back to work so you can rest up.

How about a picture of you relaxing with a beer at the end of the day? Just so we can have evidence of you enjoying some QST.

Dan, I certainly am enjoying setting my own pace for a change even though the work is fairly physical I feel much better for it.

I will post a picture, I should have done it last night as I kicked the boots off and sat in the garden with a nice Shiraz that I had been saving for just such an occasion.

Are you still wired from a day of working on the West Wing?

thirty

Shorty, I pulled the pin around 4.30 last night and I am not letting the rewire rule my day. I spent some time in the garden in the afternoon as it fined up, walked Shelby and chatted to my neighbour for a bit as well.

I was hoping that it was all done so I can see pictures of the finished product, he had a whole 12 hours.

Strouty, The name is 1/2 Cup not superman
Seriously, yesterday proved a bit challenging in the roof of the West Wing. I am concentrating on the lighting circuits first up. The split conduits and old cables have to be removed first, as I will be reusing some of embedded conduits in the rendered internal walls that feed the light switches to route my new cables. The lighting alone will take a few days as working by your self things do take a little longer.

Mrs 1/2 Cup took the opportunity to go down to Geelong yesterday for the day ( a three hour drive from here ) to visit her mother ( a young 79 yo ) who has recently had a short hospital stay.

http://www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au/

So I was just me and the rodents.

Thank you one and all, have a great day.

 

[HOTFR8]

Not sure if I have heard the news correctly but 1/2Cup may be glad he is on a holiday. So from what I heard the Manager of his work quit and left.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Not sure if I have heard the news correctly but 1/2Cup may be glad he is on a holiday. So from what I heard the Manager of his work quit and left.

HOTFR8, Yep correct our MD pulled the pin, effective immediately.

Not sure what the go is to be honest

There is plenty of conspiracy theories going around but at this point in time I wont be worrying about it for another few weeks.

Regards

 

[HOTFR8]

If read between the lines the holiday and what you are doing at present is more enjoyable than work.

I wont be worrying about it for another few weeks.

I guess not.

 

[TwoBytes]

Hey 1/2 Cup,

When I heard that you were going to rewire the new house, I thought it sounded like a massive job and wondered if it would be worth the effort. Then I saw that pic of the old split conduit wiring! Definitely worth the effort!

I hope this isn't inappropriate, or too far off topic, but I thought it was somewhat relevant...

A mate shared a link to a video by this guy who builds all kinds of crazy contraptions. Here he's putting a 600cc sportsbike engine in a tuk tuk...
View media item 60491

And in this one, he's attaching automated BB guns to it, to replicate something he saw in a video game. And (wait for it, here's the relevant bit), he's using a vice brake...
View media item 60490

He's a complete lunatic, but he's quite funny, and I think his fabrication skills are pretty impressive.

M.

 

[Terrick down Under]

Thanks for that Mat, my son was reading over my shoulder and reached in and pressed the play button....now he is surfing evilbay for a tuk tuk.

 

[HOTFR8]

Here I was getting sick of the emails for those stupid little taxis being sent to me.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Hey 1/2 Cup,

When I heard that you were going to rewire the new house, I thought it sounded like a massive job and wondered if it would be worth the effort. Then I saw that pic of the old split conduit wiring! Definitely worth the effort!

I hope this isn't inappropriate, or too far off topic, but I thought it was somewhat relevant...

A mate shared a link to a video by this guy who builds all kinds of crazy contraptions. Here he's putting a 600cc sportsbike engine in a tuk tuk...
View media item 60491

And in this one, he's attaching automated BB guns to it, to replicate something he saw in a video game. And (wait for it, here's the relevant bit), he's using a vice brake...
View media item 60490

He's a complete lunatic, but he's quite funny, and I think his fabrication skills are pretty impressive.

M.

Mat, the rewire is a huge job. I am 3/4 of the way through the lighting and spent nigh on 10 hours on it so far. Totally gutting it all.

Expecting the unexpected, this is what I have found so far, it all goes.

View media item 60492
View media item 60493
Now you see what I mean about a fire hazard and no where near meeting our code.

I loved the you tube clips.

Note to file: those vise breaks are just so versatile.

Thanks for dropping by and have a good one.

Its past the yard arm for this black duck.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Thanks for that Mat, my son was reading over my shoulder and reached in and pressed the play button....now he is surfing evilbay for a tuk tuk.

Terrick, I dare not share this with my eldest son Andrew.

Not even a hint.

Regards

 

[1/2 Cup]

Here I was getting sick of the emails for those stupid little taxis being sent to me.

HOTFR8,

Edit, I am on to it.

 

[Strouty]

Looks like you picked a good first project on the new "Castle". I watched that movie last night, it was definitely an acquired taste, as my GF did not find it nearly as amusing as I did. She did however laugh whenever they started talking about the local deals and the pricing.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Strouty, The Castle is a classic and I guess for you guys it would be a little hard to get your mind around the Ockerisms. I am glad you both found it amusing just tell them they are dreaming when you are next on Craigslist.

PS my Daughter in Law is from South Africa, she has watched it a few times and she is starting to get it.

Thank you for dropping by and have a good one.

 

[HOTFR8]

HOTFR8,

Edit, I am on to it.

Every so often I get some one trying to sell them here but as many should know you could never make them legal here.

That wiring photo is scary. Did you inspect that before purchase?
Is that a phone surge protector in the photo?

 

[Strouty]

1/2 cup, have you ever watched "Strange Brew"? That is a classic that is more Canadian, but still I find it hilarious.

Hope the day went well for you, I have been sorting hardware like a minimum wage employee at a hardware store.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Every so often I get some one trying to sell them here but as many should know you could never make them legal here.

That wiring photo is scary. Did you inspect that before purchase?
Is that a phone surge protector in the photo?

HOTFR8

There is just no way they would ever be legal here.

I did inspect the electricals and knowing the homes history I knew that a total rewire on the cards. It actually was a bargaining tool at the time.

What you see in the picture is a 4 way power board in the ceiling space with a TV booster and low voltage adaptor for the door bell plugged into it.

The other picture is some single insulated rubber cable from the split conduit to a junction box that feeds a light fitting, not earthed mind you. You just don't do stuff like that, period.

Have a good one and thanks for dropping by.

 

[1/2 Cup]

1/2 cup, have you ever watched "Strange Brew"? That is a classic that is more Canadian, but still I find it hilarious.

Hope the day went well for you, I have been sorting hardware like a minimum wage employee at a hardware store.

Strouty, I haven't watched Strange Brew at all, I will put it on the list on your recommendation.

I was pretty sore after crawling around in the roof space and up and ladders but got a heap done. Back to the electrical wholesalers for some more fittings this morning.

I will be in the Shed Downunder today as I have to make a throttle cable adaptor for Andrews MG F. The cable broke a couple of weeks ago at Winton and being a non standard set up for the fuel injection I am looking at improving the serviceability and adjustability of the linkage arrangement.

I find sorting hardware very therapeutic in a stragne way and yours is looking great.

Thank you for dropping by and all the best with your sorting.


Regards

 

[Strouty]

I use you as motivation, along with several other members.

I am not sure that I find sorting the hardware therapeutic, but I am finding that sorted hardware is very therapeutic!

 

[HOTFR8]

The tool we often forget to mention but use all the time - The Bargaining Tool.

In ceiling space I have a dedicated power point for the TV antenna amplifier and at the time the Electrician said that was odd but I know it is safe. I also have another at the manhole cover so a lead light can be used. As for the door bell fitting well that does make you wonder.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I use you as motivation, along with several other members.

I am not sure that I find sorting the hardware therapeutic, but I am finding that sorted hardware is very therapeutic!

Thank you Strouty

I find the whole process of sorting stuff very satisfying as mind numbing as it is the results last a long time. I think to my self, "self why did you not do this sooner".

Its o'clock here now..

 

[1/2 Cup]

The tool we often forget to mention but use all the time - The Bargaining Tool.

In ceiling space I have a dedicated power point for the TV antenna amplifier and at the time the Electrician said that was odd but I know it is safe. I also have another at the manhole cover so a lead light can be used. As for the door bell fitting well that does make you wonder.

HOTFR8, The Bargaining Tool worked a treat.

I will be doing the same and adding some outlets in the ceiling, the correct way this time.

One thing that has been great is the ceiling space has permanently connected lights so that has made the job a heap easier, sure beats running leads or working by a torch.

I had a pretty lay back today just to smell the roses so to speak, picked up a few more bits and pieces at the electrical wholesalers, had a tyre kick at all the second hand dealers around town and that is always a good out.

Finished the throttle linkage for Andrews MG F so he can fit it tonight for the week ends hill climb event.

http://robroyhillclimb.com.au/upcoming.htm

Mowed the lawns in the West Wing again ( that's the last time I fertilize lawns as after the rain we have had they have really taken off )

Fitted a few new light switches and lights just to round off the day.

All in all a very satisfying day.

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

Its o'clock here.