patches

After seeing them in 100's of Youtube videos, from fork servicing, to applying finish to furniture, I found them (by accident)... The blue shop towels! (and no, they're not the same as kitchen paper towels... but also not vastly different, haha) Costco has just opened in New Zealand, so thought I would go check it out. To my surprise I saw the shop towels so figured I'd give them a go. The catch... they only sell a 10 pack. So far, they definitely seem better for soaking up oil etc.More "cloth like" than kitchen towel. Don't know if they're worth the $45 premium though. Ouch!

Just finished watching season 1 of Mayor of Kingstown on my commute this morning. Binge watched it over the weekend. Pretty decent. Adrenalized drama with a Sons of Anarchy feel. Available on Amazon. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11712058/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Thanks for that! Yeah, as a weekend-warrior with limited hand tool experience my skills will be surpassed by anything more than a caveman's flint stone 😅 That said, I recall buying an inexpensive coping saw and getting the hell in with it as the frame flex resulted in the blades deforming rather easily and made controlled coping rather difficult. Still possible, but a PITA. Just wanted to make sure the more affordable Stanley block planes did not fall into that category, but sounds like they don't. I think that's a good start though... a Stanley plane and maybe some investment in a sharpening system (thinking the "scary sharp" method with flat glass plates and 3M Lapping Paper). If I really take to the plane and find myself reaching for it all the time, maybe then I can justify the Lie-Nielsen 😅

A few YouTube videos convinced me I need a block plane. A few more convinced me I need a low angle one. But I didn't stop watching there and now I'm convinced I need a Lie-Nielsen 😅 Truthful-jest aside, can anyone recommend a decent quality, hand-tool novice friendly, low angle block plane that won't require a complete overhaul to get decent results from? Options I've available in NZ range from about R1200-odd for a "house brand" or basic Stanley to R5800-odd for some space age looking Veritas. Here's what I've been looking at, in ascending order of price: https://www.placemakers.co.nz/online/tools/hand-tools/files-planers/hand-planes-surforms/block-plane-60-12-150mm-1-12-060/p/4880258 (this Stanley doesn't look like the low angle version, but the description claims 13 degrees) https://www.carbatec.co.nz/product/15113-carbatec-block-plane-13-low-angle https://nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz/en/stanley-black-decker-low-angle-block-plane-60-1-2-35-x-160mm-each--02943183 (not sure if this is the same Stanley as above, based on model numbering, but looks like it's actually low angle) https://www.timbecon.com.au/melbourne-tool-company-low-angle-block-plane https://www.lie-nielsen.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=844&search=block+plane https://www.carbatec.co.nz/product/38192-veritas-block-plane-low-angle-pmv-11 https://www.carbatec.co.nz/product/25355-veritas-block-plane-dx60 I'm semi-tempted by the Lie-Nielsen as that seems to get the best reviews. Although it's a tool well beyond my capabilities, it's the buy-once-cry-once option.

Not woodwork per se, but woodwork related... Yesterday I purchased a Festool vac accessory kit that was on clearance. Although I run a Makita vac, I wanted some of the benefits of the Festool hose (additional length and snag resistant "skin"). The accessory kit and Systainer were a bonus. But no worries, 20min with some verniers, the hoses (old and new) and 20min on Fusion360. Then about 8hrs on the 3D printer and tadaah! A Festool-to-Makita hose adapter. As for the Systainer... that has been earmarked for the nail guns. Need to design an insert, but it should be roomy enough

I think from a strictly legal point the plate should be visible. if not, a secondary plate should be displayed. However, when looking through the Woodhill parking lot, I reckon only 1 in 15-20 vehicles with these racks has a secondary plate. Most Kiwis don't bother and I don't think the police care too much.

If you go by every YouTube Celebrity making river tables then Total Boat is apparently the only epoxy/resin to use, hahaha Can't get Total Boat in NZ, but as the boat building industry here is pretty big, West Systems stuff is available. Not cheap though. As for which types of epoxy, I have no clue. I believe the slower it cures the better the finish and less chance of bubbles, but that's based on youtube knowledge.

I did the very same thing this evening with the CA glue 😅

New addition to the toolbox... + Old news to model builders, new to my workshop. Cyanoacrylate Glue and activator. Instant adhesion. No clamps needed. So many uses!

For all the Aucklanders on here... not as well publicised as one would have thought, but the WRC is in town, and there's some sort of opening event in the Auckland Domain this evening. https://www.wrc.com/en/championship/calendar/wrc/rally-new-zealand/overview/ I work right next door at the hospital so may pop down for a look.

Can't say I've seen many platform-type towbar-mounted racks around the parkinglots at the local trails (Woodwill, Riverhead etc). Most Kiwis seem to run either roof (or ute tray) mounted carriers or the kiwi classic... the bull horns https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CATN9M3/title/4-bike-rack-mk3 Coupled with these https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7CAPN5BKRA/title/bungy-kit-10-pack---red I myself run Thule roof mounted carriers, but I have scabbed many a lift with friends running the bull horns, including a few Rotorua trips (3hr drive) with 3 enduro bikes, strapped on with the toggle bungies, no worries mate! Not the flashest and will likely result in some scuffs over time, but gets the job done. However platform racks are a lot less chaotic and less creativity is required when securing bikes, so probably a better all-round option. The ones listed should be fine. Also a side note, buying Thule racks from car dealerships can be way cheaper. For instance, VW (and Volvo) sell re-branded Thule racks, manufactured for them. Same racks, but over $100 off if you're willing to have VW branding in stead of Thule. (I put black tape over it 😅) Might be worth checking with the car dealers if they have something similar for platform racks.

That's a really good deal 👍 As for the router, the 18V Makita is great, and as it shares it's spindle size with the corded (and now 40V) version, there are plenty of aftermarket accessories and parts available.

Long weekend, wood, nails, glue, and too much free-time with the label machine... Was tired of having all my screws in those organizer thingies and taking that out each time I just need 1 particular type. So purchased a bunch of small cheap food containers from K-Mart and spent a couple of hours fabri-cobbling... and tadaaah! Also didn't feel like routing out all the slots and dealing with the sawdust that ensues, so just made some MDF "sliders" and glued and nailed them on quick-smart with the use of spacer blocks.

I decided to *dust-off the little Peanut Mini Jig for a slightly different purpose. Instead of joinery, I just wanted to cut some neat keyholes in 9mm ply. The purpose... to make a mounting bracket for the Systainer Drill Insert I built, so it can go on the French cleat wall when needed. Ultimately there will be a workbench under the cleat wall, so being able to take the drill insert out the box and clip onto the wall to work with, will be handy. *random though - we say dust-off when referring to utilising an item after a long period of no use. With woodwork tools it should be "dust-up"

Are you thinking of going for 1 brand/platform to replace all those or a variety based on the tool? If going with 1 brand, then Milwaukee, Hikoki (Metabo HPT/Hitachi) or Dewalt are the 3 that could do it, but 2 of which have some drawbacks (ie. Only Hikoki make a battery powered full size router and 10" table saw). If mixing it up and the credit card is loaded and raring to go then based on your list, this would be my pick for replacements... Mitre Saw - Makita XGT 40V Mitre Saw (available in 216mm, 260mm and 305mm, according to your needs) Big Circular Saw - Makita XGT 40V 230mm circular saw (they also to a 270mm). Rail compatible which is handy Small Circular Saw - Makita XGT 40V Track/Plunge Saw. Yes, not strictly a small circular saw, but adds another dimension to things and great cut quality. Also as mentioned above, the rail can be used for the monster circular saw 1/2" Plunge Router - Hikoki 36V 1/2" Plunge Router. Only battery powered 1/2" plunge router at present Dremel - Milwaukee M12 Rotary Tool (or a cordless option from Dremel themselves). Plus side to the Milwaukee is the M12 battery platform has some great tools, especially drills and drivers). If you don't use a Dremel a lit, I'd recommend a trim router with plunge base options as a handy tool to have. Again, I'd go with the Makita 40V Planer (I'm guessing hand plane?!) - Makita XGT 40V 82mm plane. Only battery powered option to offer up to a 4mm cut depth Table Saw - Hikoki 36V 10" table saw. AFAIK only them and Metabo offer a 10" cordless table saw. Hikoki has a rack & pinion fence (not as smooth as the Dewalt's, but still better than many conventional fences) Triton Workcentre - Not too many alternates here without going for individual setups, like router table for the Hikoki router etc. Festool make/made a setup (CMS I think it was) that could have a router or track saw mounted into it. May be discontinued and guaranteed to be pricey Some bonus features of the tools above: All above Makita XGT 40V tools are AWS (bluetooth vacuum) compatable Hikoki make a 36V AC battery adaptor so you could run the table saw and router on mains when convenient By my estimation and based on pricing here in NZ, all the above (plus some batteries and chargers) can be procured for around R65,000... bargain! haha!

Finally got round to my first Systainer insert, after months of procrastinating and finding other bigger projects to tackle. Designed in the AutoCAD for my 12V installation drill/driver and it's various attachments Simple 9mm ply construction with glue and brad nails. 3 of the 4 interchangeable chucks secured in kaizen foam. 2 bit cases below. Left side is for some longer bits and forstners. Driver goes in this side, along with space for a spare battery The insert fits snuggly into about 1/3 of the Systainer Now to figure out what to have in the other 2 inserts🤔

Looking awesome!

Finally sorted out my wood pile into 1, accessible, mobile place Previously it was spread across the wood cart, that shelf that my helmets are now on, and a massive pile in the bottom left corner of this pic. With the exception of the wood cart, I've tried to divide my tiny car port into a reverse mullet... Party in the front (camping, MTB's, motorcycle etc), and business at the back (tools, workbenches, materials). To keep it this organised I'll have to change some behaviours... Only buy sheet goods (or any other lumber) as and when it's needed Be ruthless with off-cuts. Not every little piece is "could be handy later" I won't be easy though 😅

I can't even park my bike on my front lawn without that happening.

Na... Nelson is great and all, but if I'm moving south it will be further south... close to this...

Well that's part of the plan/dream... Step 1... buy a house with a garage, on the South Island, close to the trails Step 2... move motorcycle & kit down to house, and lock away in garage Step 3... AirBNB house to cover some of the mortgage and make visits for riding weekends My wife is 90% convinced on step 1

Forgive me fellows, for I have sinned. I have been having impure thoughts. Thoughts of infidelity and abandonment of those for which I am responsible. The specifics... I am thinking of selling my motorbike to free up space and fun-money for a small CNC router. The drivers being that I don't use it nearly as much as I should, there are limited places to ride around Auckland (which contributes to the lack of use), and if I play my cards right with the CNC, it can pay for itself and maybe even a new bike somewhere in the future (perhaps a kitted 501 or 701... maybe even a Norden... or if I dream big... a Husky 450 RR).

I have spent far too much money on the Benchdogs website, and each time I do, I opt for the "Systainer version" of the kit, which rockets the shipping costs to NZ, but still worth it. I have my eye on their rail hinge system for my Festool MFT. Only thing that's holding me back is that they never have stock (too popular) so pre-order is the only option. "Pre-order" kills the vibe of impulse buying, haha! Belt sanders can be beasts. I've seen some of those "famous WoodTubers" make slab tables by taking the work piece to an industrial sized drum sander after they have done all their prep, epoxy crack filling, etc. Do you have one of those sorts of places, not too far form you?

Totally agree, comparing R3m (or approx NZD 300,000), around the world is not a great way to indicate affordability, but with so many variables (salaries relating to specific industries, tax brackets, interest rates, min. deposit %, etc). I guess they were looking for a quick way to compare, and a little bit of click-bait to help the people in Parktown North feel better about their "expensive" homes. Besides, all us Saffer expats are guilty of converting back to Rands, whether buying a house or a box of smarties 😅 A more accurate comparison would be the dept-income ratio between the median household income and the average house price in a specific region. Even then, unemployment rates may skew outcomes. I fished this snapshot out of a previous post I made. It's from Dec 2021. Not sure how accurate their figures are as the median house price in Auckland at the time would have been around $1.3m (they're lower now) and the nationwide average household income I would estimate at over $100,000.

Business Tech had an article on "What does R3m get you around the world" https://businesstech.co.za/news/property/620301/heres-what-a-r3-million-property-looks-like-in-south-africa-vs-london-australia-new-zealand-and-ireland/?fbclid=IwAR2aAybsxTmWUod9GF_ev2aIURFkiulcx-bi2VcKoFB6L9Ze1DRtwZ3K1hY Anyone else see the issue with the Parnell property they listed? 😂