A Shed Downunder.

[Denwood]

All, the West Wing Carport is now nearly there...

View media item 71454
Just a little plumbing to go

What a great addition to add some outside work area!

1/2, it's been some time now since you've mentioned solar power. How is your array holding up? Any thoughts on performance to date?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Carport looks good.

Thank you Aaron.

1/2 Cup

I love those Stihl chainsaws!! Can't get along without one. In fact I am replacing mine this month, as I have several limbs to trim. I have several Stihl tools and they seem to start very easily and last a long time. I am a big fan of the weedeaters. I have two of those.

Great additions!!

Best Regards
Herb

Herb, they are great, without doubt.

Many of our local garden / lawn care professionals use Stihl
products so that was all the recommendation I needed.

What model chain saw are you getting? Mine has a 14 " bar as that is all I need..

What a great addition to add some outside work area!

1/2, it's been some time now since you've mentioned solar power. How is your array holding up? Any thoughts on performance to date?

Dennis, thank you.

Since the carport went up the gears have started to turn and I am thinking why don't you put one in front of the Shed Downunder...

Our solar is just rocketing along and I am very pleased with the micro inverters performance, not an issue at all.
Our electricity bills have on average dropped by 2/3 which is just fantasic.
Next month our feed in tariff goes from 6c per kwh to 11c per kwh, no strings attached which is a bonus...

Funny you should ask as its our Winter Solstice today....

Our main energy user now is our HWS even though it is all off peak even during the day so that is on the hit list before long. We are currently weighing up our options....

Thank you for your visit and have a great day...

 

[oldironfarmer]

Carport looks fantastic!

Thank goodness for council guidance, else no telling what you might have put up.

 

[rmalkow2]

The West Wing carport looks and functions great. Nicely matched to the shed itself. I definitely think Shed Downunder needs one too to give you extra covered outdoor work space.
Wish I could do that here but my version of a council (Township Board) doesn't like "car ports" currently.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Carport looks fantastic!

Thank goodness for council guidance, else no telling what you might have put up.

Andy, thank you..

You are right on that score, just wait till the council inspector has been and gone...

The West Wing carport looks and functions great. Nicely matched to the shed itself. I definitely think Shed Downunder needs one too to give you extra covered outdoor work space.
Wish I could do that here but my version of a council (Township Board) doesn't like "car ports" currently.

rmalkow, thank you..

The more I look at the West Wings carport the more I can see another project on the horizon..

That is unreal, no carports.. they are the best thing since sliced bread..


Thanks yet again guys, have a great day...

 

[code4pay]

Our main energy user now is our HWS even though it is all off peak even during the day so that is on the hit list before long. We are currently weighing up our options....[emoji106]

Thank you for your visit and have a great day...[emoji106]

If you go solar hot water consider having the electric boost switch mounted inside where it is easy to turn on and off we leave our boost off for most of spring summer only turning it on when it's been overcast for a few days.

If

 

[HOTFR8]

I see a major problem with the carport. It is next door and will be used by those living in the west wing.

Seriously a positive addition that must improve the value of the property.

 

[HOTFR8]

If you go solar hot water consider having the electric boost switch mounted inside where it is easy to turn on and off we leave our boost off for most of spring summer only turning it on when it's been overcast for a few days.

If

That is a great idea but be warned as the stupid smart meters we have now have a boost switch on them as well.

 

[oldironfarmer]

That is unreal, no carports.. they are the best thing since sliced bread..

Maybe they think if you don't have an unsightly carport you will put your car in the shed, which then can't double as a workshop. We really can't have people working on their own stuff, now can we? Who will be responsible if they make an error?

And this is not an industrial area, we don't want people with equipment like grinders and welders, it just wouldn't do.

Rant over.

 

[hewey]

Carport looks great! Blends in really nicely with the shed. And a multi use space too - move the cars out and use it as an undercover entertaining area for things like family barbeques.

 

[rixtrix1]

Carport looks good; simple lines!

 

[Grizz1963]

Great carport.


I was not going to respond to the chainsaws either, but will add that I have an MS260 Stihl in the garage if I recall correctly.

Bought second hand for a lot of money when we moved to the house and would probably return the same money again today, so a great investment.

It is a tough thing, and the last time I used it, it had been on the shelf for well over a year, primed, choke off, not on and started second pull.

It certainly surprised me.

Done more work for other people than myself, and to be honest, the most costly part of ownership is probably chains. And bar oil, which are both still within reason.

I think the chains go dull due to the type of abuse I throw at it, and often cutting low or into grass etc leads to sand and abrasives destroying it, so my fault.

Still, it is the only brand I would buy.

 

[1/2 Cup]

If you go solar hot water consider having the electric boost switch mounted inside where it is easy to turn on and off we leave our boost off for most of spring summer only turning it on when it's been overcast for a few days.

If

code4pay Solar is our preferred option at the moment coupled to our existing HWS to be used as storage and boosting. I intend to derate the elements when we do.

We are fortunate to be on what is known as a Climate Saver/Winner tariff which actually gives us Off Peak rates if we boost during the day. That said we don't have to boost by the smart meter as the hot water does it all by it self being dual element and has two interlocked thermostats..

I see a major problem with the carport. It is next door and will be used by those living in the west wing.

Seriously a positive addition that must improve the value of the property.

HOTFR8 sadly yes.

It certainly will be a value add to the West Wing, and not overly expensive either..

That is a great idea but be warned as the stupid smart meters we have now have a boost switch on them as well.

HOTFR8, they sure do, the trick is to be on the right tariff in the first place.

WARNING: do not use the boost button if you are not on the correct tariff.
​

Maybe they think if you don't have an unsightly carport you will put your car in the shed, which then can't double as a workshop. We really can't have people working on their own stuff, now can we? Who will be responsible if they make an error?

And this is not an industrial area, we don't want people with equipment like grinders and welders, it just wouldn't do.

Rant over.

Andy,

Our neighbours are very accepting of my errant ways, that said I do respect their right to some peace and quite and work well with in the prescribed council by laws on that score. Let me tell you many don't....

Carport looks great! Blends in really nicely with the shed. And a multi use space too - move the cars out and use it as an undercover entertaining area for things like family barbeques.

hewey, thank you.
The multi functional space aspect of a carport is real handy with mine it provides another fabrication area as well particularly when its hot..

Carport looks good; simple lines!

Ric Thank you, simple lines is me. It just flows and is unobtrusive.



Thank you one and all, have a top day..

 

[HOTFR8]

HOTFR8, they sure do, the trick is to be on the right tariff in the first place.

WARNING: do not use the boost button if you are not on the correct tariff.
​

How could I use stupid and smart in the same sentence .
As I found best NOT to use the boost button on the meter or best not to touch the meter at all .

 

[03.]

We are fortunate to be on what is known as a Climate Saver/Winner tariff which actually gives us Off Peak rates if we boost during the day. That said we don't have to boost by the smart meter as the hot water does it all by it self being dual element and has two interlocked thermostats

We have that type of HWS up here, 24 hr OP we call it, sounds like the same system.
Just something you may be interested in, I had a few customers who got me to convert back to a single stat and lose the boost. Reason, they were empty nesters and found that that they no longer needed as much hot water.

As you know , Steve, the top stat comes in fairly quickly, say after having a shower or running the washing machine and reheats the tank, even though there may be enough water to last the day without the boost.
Now that OP is so expensive it made a large difference to their bill.
Most of the systems were 400L.
Don't know if any of this applies to you but just throwing it out there for you to think about.
Cheers.

 

[rmalkow2]

Maybe they think if you don't have an unsightly carport you will put your car in the shed, which then can't double as a workshop. We really can't have people working on their own stuff, now can we? Who will be responsible if they make an error?

And this is not an industrial area, we don't want people with equipment like grinders and welders, it just wouldn't do.

Rant over.

Oh it gets worse. Technically per township regs I cannot park a trailer on my driveway for more than 3 days and then only for the purpose of loading and unloading. I cannot have "recreational vehicles" on the property unless they are all registered or parked inside an enclosed building. I cannot work on a vehicle to restore it or repair it outside my enclosed garage for more than 48 hours.
Oh ya, if I build that extra building/barn it cannot be bigger than the living space square footage of my house.
So basically my Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" has effectively been cancelled by some local politicians who don't have a life of their own.

But everyone around me bends the rules daily and you hope you don't get busted.

So if you are in an area that allows nice car ports and large out buildings for your work and pleasure take advantage and enjoy the privilege.

Sorry for the extra rant but the futility of governments is shown wrong when a very nice structure like 1/2 Cups car port is built. It is functional and pleasing to the eye as it fits the other architecure style. So again I say well done and, build yourself another.

Ok, rant double over now. Back to normal programming at Shed Downunder.

 

[1/2 Cup]

We have that type of HWS up here, 24 hr OP we call it, sounds like the same system.
Just something you may be interested in, I had a few customers who got me to convert back to a single stat and lose the boost. Reason, they were empty nesters and found that that they no longer needed as much hot water.

As you know , Steve, the top stat comes in fairly quickly, say after having a shower or running the washing machine and reheats the tank, even though there may be enough water to last the day without the boost.
Now that OP is so expensive it made a large difference to their bill.
Most of the systems were 400L.
Don't know if any of this applies to you but just throwing it out there for you to think about.
Cheers.

03, I really have to put some thought into what the best fit here is in terms of the hot water storage as our unit is in the roof space which presents further issues in the long term and you are right it does apply here.

A work colleague went solar hot water 18 months ago, he has a similar set up to my solar power and is over the moon with how it performs.

Our Off Peak is 17 c per kwh at the moment which represents a large part of our Quarterly energy bill now.

Oh it gets worse. Technically per township regs I cannot park a trailer on my driveway for more than 3 days and then only for the purpose of loading and unloading. I cannot have "recreational vehicles" on the property unless they are all registered or parked inside an enclosed building. I cannot work on a vehicle to restore it or repair it outside my enclosed garage for more than 48 hours.
Oh ya, if I build that extra building/barn it cannot be bigger than the living space square footage of my house.
So basically my Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" has effectively been cancelled by some local politicians who don't have a life of their own.

But everyone around me bends the rules daily and you hope you don't get busted.

So if you are in an area that allows nice car ports and large out buildings for your work and pleasure take advantage and enjoy the privilege.

Sorry for the extra rant but the futility of governments is shown wrong when a very nice structure like 1/2 Cups car port is built. It is functional and pleasing to the eye as it fits the other architecure style. So again I say well done and, build yourself another.

Ok, rant double over now. Back to normal programming at Shed Downunder.

rmalkow, far out I thought we had a rough deal but that is tough.

I will never complain about our council again……

In terms of bending the rules down the track, any changes I make will be completely reversible, I can deal with that.

Thank for the vote of confidence on the carport even Mrs ½ Cup is in favour of doing anther in front of the Shed Downunder down the track.

Back to situation normal..

Have a top day, the weekend is nearly here…

 

[oldironfarmer]

Oh it gets worse. Technically per township regs I cannot park a trailer on my driveway for more than 3 days and then only for the purpose of loading and unloading. I cannot have "recreational vehicles" on the property unless they are all registered or parked inside an enclosed building. I cannot work on a vehicle to restore it or repair it outside my enclosed garage for more than 48 hours.
Oh ya, if I build that extra building/barn it cannot be bigger than the living space square footage of my house.
So basically my Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness" has effectively been cancelled by some local politicians who don't have a life of their own.

But everyone around me bends the rules daily and you hope you don't get busted.

So if you are in an area that allows nice car ports and large out buildings for your work and pleasure take advantage and enjoy the privilege.

Sorry for the extra rant but the futility of governments is shown wrong when a very nice structure like 1/2 Cups car port is built. It is functional and pleasing to the eye as it fits the other architecure style. So again I say well done and, build yourself another.

Ok, rant double over now. Back to normal programming at Shed Downunder.

Woe is me. I cannot bend the rules. I just can't. There are essentially no rules, just typical laws. So I can't bend what does not exist.

I feel for your restrictions, and it is common throughout the world. Part of a civilized society I guess.

I'm just glad I landed some place where I can avoid the intrusion of others.

 

[jbmatth]

1/2,
Great looking car port that may in the future need wind breaks or even a door to keep prying eyes away.

Woe is me. I cannot bend the rules. I just can't. There are essentially no rules, just typical laws. So I can't bend what does not exist.

I feel for your restrictions, and it is common throughout the world. Part of a civilized society I guess.

I'm just glad I landed some place where I can avoid the intrusion of others.

I'm right there with you Andy, I could build another house on my land and only have to make a call to verify the septic system I plan to use is acceptable, have the power company install a new seal on the meter box, and if I choose to insure it call my ins. agent, and if I want to pay more taxes call the county to let them know I built another house. Far too easy but you won't find me complaining.

JB

 

[1/2 Cup]

How could I use stupid and smart in the same sentence .
As I found best NOT to use the boost button on the meter or best not to touch the meter at all .

HOTFR8, endorsed..

 

[1/2 Cup]

Great carport.


I was not going to respond to the chainsaws either, but will add that I have an MS260 Stihl in the garage if I recall correctly.

Bought second hand for a lot of money when we moved to the house and would probably return the same money again today, so a great investment.

It is a tough thing, and the last time I used it, it had been on the shelf for well over a year, primed, choke off, not on and started second pull.

It certainly surprised me.

Done more work for other people than myself, and to be honest, the most costly part of ownership is probably chains. And bar oil, which are both still within reason.

I think the chains go dull due to the type of abuse I throw at it, and often cutting low or into grass etc leads to sand and abrasives destroying it, so my fault.

Still, it is the only brand I would buy.

Rian, thank you..

My Stihl is an MS180 and I will be giving it a work out this week end.

I will let you know how it goes but I am confident I have made the right choice..

What ever chain saw you buy the chains are almost a consumable item and never fear I will be looking after it...

 

[1/2 Cup]

Woe is me. I cannot bend the rules. I just can't. There are essentially no rules, just typical laws. So I can't bend what does not exist.

I feel for your restrictions, and it is common throughout the world. Part of a civilized society I guess.

I'm just glad I landed some place where I can avoid the intrusion of others.

Andy, consider yourself very fortunate.

Like my old boss used to say "you will never beat the system but you can make the system work for you "

1/2,
Great looking car port that may in the future need wind breaks or even a door to keep prying eyes away.



I'm right there with you Andy, I could build another house on my land and only have to make a call to verify the septic system I plan to use is acceptable, have the power company install a new seal on the meter box, and if I choose to insure it call my ins. agent, and if I want to pay more taxes call the county to let them know I built another house. Far too easy but you won't find me complaining.

JB

JB, thank you...

The possibilities are endless.

Both you and Andy certainly have no reason to complain and to some extent neither do I.

All, I will be Stihl working in the garden this week end, 12 standard roses to finish pruning, lawns and edges, then on to the chain saw to finish curtailing the rapid growth of one only lemon tree.
Its still down to freezing here in the morning but it should warm up by mid morning.

Have a top day..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Great carport.


I was not going to respond to the chainsaws either, but will add that I have an MS260 Stihl in the garage if I recall correctly.

Bought second hand for a lot of money when we moved to the house and would probably return the same money again today, so a great investment.

It is a tough thing, and the last time I used it, it had been on the shelf for well over a year, primed, choke off, not on and started second pull.

It certainly surprised me.

Done more work for other people than myself, and to be honest, the most costly part of ownership is probably chains. And bar oil, which are both still within reason.

I think the chains go dull due to the type of abuse I throw at it, and often cutting low or into grass etc leads to sand and abrasives destroying it, so my fault.

Still, it is the only brand I would buy.

If you touch up your chain every other tank of fuel they are easy to keep sharp. I don't use a power sharpener because they remove too much metal for my liking.

 

[1/2 Cup]

If you touch up your chain every other tank of fuel they are easy to keep sharp. I don't use a power sharpener because they remove too much metal for my liking.

Andy, wise words, I did buy the Stihl file kit.

I spent the whole day in the garden, the blower works a treat and the chain saw got a fair work out as well and I am really impressed as it cuts like a knife through butter..

Thank you for your visit I trust your Saturday has gone well

 

[HOTFR8]

Should that not be a like Hot Knife in butter ? I am guessing 1/2 is like a big kid with new toys .

 

[1/2 Cup]

HOTFR8, you are right there...

I love my Stihl....

I have a few chores to do around at my Dads today, fitting a couple of security lights.

Note to file : We have had a new Bunnings store open here a couple of weeks ago.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/

It is reportedly one of the biggest in Australia, a super store I guess..

The old store has been taken over by Dowell Windows..

http://www.dowell.com.au/

I trust your day goes well..

 

[oldironfarmer]

I assumed you were having trouble with the saw, and were too shy to say "cuts like the back of a plastic knife through frozen butter"

Having the right diameter file and touching each tooth before they get dull makes the knife hotter.

 

[Guster]

All, the West Wing Carport is now nearly there...

View media item 71454

That is my favourite setup! Especially when it is too hot to work in the tin oven in summer or when you need to get that large thing welded but it looks like it is raining for the next month of Saturdays. Nice to be able to work on the car in the shade too.

 

[Ralf99]

I read that the new Shep Bunnings is 19,500 sqm - pretty impressive for the region and the second largest in Victoria.

That's around 30% bigger than the largest Bunnings in the Geelong region - though there are 4 stores in Greater Geelong.

Hope they have mobility scooters like Masters used to have...

 

[CoopVA]

Andy, wise words, I did buy the Stihl file kit.

I spent the whole day in the garden, the blower works a treat and the chain saw got a fair work out as well and I am really impressed as it cuts like a knife through butter..

Thank you for your visit I trust your Saturday has gone well

Can't go wrong with Stihl. Got a chainsaw and leaf blower from Stihl also. Well made and they stand behind their equipment.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I assumed you were having trouble with the saw, and were too shy to say "cuts like the back of a plastic knife through frozen butter"

Having the right diameter file and touching each tooth before they get dull makes the knife hotter.

Andy and HOTFR8 no trouble at all. It cuts well.

I did spend quite a bit of time yesterday getting to know the chainsaw and my only regret is that I had not purchased one a long time ago.

That is my favourite setup! Especially when it is too hot to work in the tin oven in summer or when you need to get that large thing welded but it looks like it is raining for the next month of Saturdays. Nice to be able to work on the car in the shade too.

Guster, I totally agree.

I tend to do all my dirty work out of the shed and the workshop is just a tad small to get a car in there so most of that work in summer is done in the carport I built 2 years ago.

View media item 48909

I read that the new Shep Bunnings is 19,500 sqm - pretty impressive for the region and the second largest in Victoria.

That's around 30% bigger than the largest Bunnings in the Geelong region - though there are 4 stores in Greater Geelong.

Hope they have mobility scooters like Masters used to have...

Ralf99, the new Bunnings store is huge and carries a much expanded range of stuff. I did not see any mobility scooters there but it would be a great move.

Can't go wrong with Stihl. Got a chainsaw and leaf blower from Stihl also. Well made and they stand behind their equipment.

Coop, I am more than happy with the Stihl products, right tool for the right job..


Thank you one and all. Have a great day..

 

[Strouty]

The carport still looks great and the rose looks like it is fine with the move.

 

[1/2 Cup]

The carport still looks great and the rose looks like it is fine with the move.

Strouty, thank you

It has worked well for us.

The rose has not missed a beat as it went through some stress full times during the build..

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

 

[Guster]

Guster, I totally agree.

I tend to do all my dirty work out of the shed and the workshop is just a tad small to get a car in there so most of that work in summer is done in the carport I built 2 years ago.

View media item 48909

Careful... you don't want to go round giving people the impression that garages are actually meant to have cars parked inside them.

The long carport is very nice and quite pretty with the roses but I love the idea of the matching roofline and the full width double carport. Rain gets in a long way sideways in the wind here. I also like doing the messier stuff outside though my approach is a little more alfresco than yours I'm afraid.

They have just recently lifted resource consent for freestanding carports under 20sq.m. here so I might be building one or two. Just as soon as I figure out the minimum distance of separation to call them freestanding or separate.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Careful... you don't want to go round giving people the impression that garages are actually meant to have cars parked inside them.

That's just crazy talk. How could you park a car in one?

 

[1/2 Cup]

Careful... you don't want to go round giving people the impression that garages are actually meant to have cars parked inside them.

The long carport is very nice and quite pretty with the roses but I love the idea of the matching roofline and the full width double carport. Rain gets in a long way sideways in the wind here. I also like doing the messier stuff outside though my approach is a little more alfresco than yours I'm afraid.

They have just recently lifted resource consent for freestanding carports under 20sq.m. here so I might be building one or two. Just as soon as I figure out the minimum distance of separation to call them freestanding or separate.

Guster,

Thank you, I was a little limited for space on this build and of course council building regulations as it was a "replacement" for the old timber one.

The minimum distance here is 500mm as I found out for the West Wings carport..

That's just crazy talk. How could you park a car in one?

Andy, In a word "sometimes" and that's only when you are not using it for storage or an extended workshop...

Thanks guys, enjoy your day..

 

[bolensboneyard]

Great carport/garage Steve. Love the flowers.

 

[dlcwent]

Steve, awesome.......

 

[1/2 Cup]

Great carport/garage Steve. Love the flowers.

Steve, awesome.......

Bobby & Dan thank you..

Here is the view from the West Wing.

View media item 48474
If you are interested there is more photos of the build in my Albums..

Enjoy your day and thank you for your visit..

 

[Redwolf947]

Great choice on the saw!!! I love my ms290 Stihl... I've been following along for some time and am always impressed. Keep it up!!
Mike