patches

Oooh! So jealous! I've wanted one of those since they came out! You're going to have to get the matching Pilen hipster helmet and gear! As for commuting in Auckland and kit... I am probably the 2nd worse person to ask (the worst being any of those motorcycle gang members you see riding around in shorts and pee-pot helmets). I typically commute in my work pants (chinos or jeans most days), with tekkies and an Alpinestars offroad adventure jacket, which I beefed up by sacrificing some Leatt D30 body armour to install in the inserts. I do have the matching Alpinestars pants which have some form of abrasion resistance, and they can be worn as over-pants (when I'm not on the pie and twix diet). But generally I'm a fair-weather commuter so I don't ride if it requires too much gearing-up for rain. That said, I also have some cheapie, elastic waist and ankle rain-overpants which will offer sweet-nothing in the way of abrasion resistance, but they're comfy, quick to don on/off and are compact when folded up, so keeping them in my bag "just in case" was not a hassle. That said, if motorcycle commuting was my only/primary option, I would likely wear my boots (MX boots so overkill) and full offroad-adventure kit for those very rainy days.

Yup, I did get that set. Here you can see it next to my other tool-belt gear (for scale) Sadly there is no torque wrench in the set, just a 1/4" ratchet. But that has great build quality, as do all the other components of the set.

Hey there fellow Saffas! Do you miss driving a manual? Do you wish you could get behind the wheel of a solid Uitenhage Built, German engineered vehicle? Would you like the adrenaline rush of driving one of the most stolen cars in South Africa, but without the risk because it's in Auckland? Well have I got a deal for you! hahaha! Just kidding, but I am actually in the process of selling my wife's little 2015 Polo TSi. We tried to trade it in, but as she bought it in Australia and brought it over when she moved here, the wholesalers view it like other Australian imports (most of which are write offs). Additionally it's a manual, and although all Kiwis say "oh man, I love driving a manual", they rarely actually consider buying them, especially little 1.2L Polos. So yeah, I might try my luck on a $1 TradeMe auction... it turned out ok for my Husky dirt bike 😅 (...Unless any of you have teenagers who could benefit from learning in a great little learners car!)

I'll be the first to admit that I use the old "safety squints" and "safety jandals" (the Kiwi word for flip-flops/plakkies) way more often than I should 😶😅

I pay about $60pm for comprehensive on my Husky, insured for about $15k including the upgrades. Fuel is about $2.80/L for 95 and the above-mentioned bikes will be a fair bit more frugal than my enduro bike. Yup! those are the kickers! A bit over $400/year. I go month-to-month as I may put on hold if I can foresee myself not using the bike for 3 months. Which reminds me... I need to renew for May 😅

+1 on something like an MT-03 for commuting. Another 2 options, a little more than your parking bill, but budgets are made for stretching, right?! Being a Husky fan I'd also consider a Svartpilen 401. Will also be light and nimble, plus you could gravel-road it on those tekkies. https://www.cyclespot.co.nz/bike/husqvarna/svartpilen-401/999611795/ Alternatively a Katoom 390 Adventure https://www.cyclespot.co.nz/bike/KTM/390 Adventure/999609021/

Recently started watching this one on a flight, then continued at home https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9170108/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Just finished season 1 which started off very intriguing and the general concept is great. However I either fell asleep and missed a bunch or the writers started dropping acid halfway through, because by the end I was so lost. Anyone else watched it and thought the same? Anyway, I may take a break before I jump into season 2.

Loved this show! Sad that the season has already ended, but apparently Apple has already filmed the next 6 episodes so hopefully the wait isn't too long.

Time to dust off this thread before it hits a year without posts... Anyone here use Shapr 3D for modelling? Particularly the iPad version. Has anyone printed a model produced in this manner (particularly the free version, which I belive has lower quality STL exports)? Inventor and AutoCAD have always been my weapons of choice. Fusion360 more recently as I no longer have an Inventor licence. However, after initial impressions I must say I'm quite surprised by Shapr on the iPad, especially how they have gone about making it intuitive even when controlled with an Apple Pencil. Don't know if it's just the novelty and I haven't timed myself to see which is quicker, but using the pencil to model almost makes it feel more "creative" or fun, and less of an operation. Below is just a simple test model from the hands-on tutorials.

Once again, not strictly a cycling related purchase, but some here may be looking to purchase for cycling related purposes... Recently acquired a Ricoh Theta Z1, to accompany the Insta360 OneX2 purchased late last year. Ricoh Theta Z1 (left), and Intsa360 OneX2 (right) These cameras are competitors and excel in different areas, so the choice of weapon is largely up to the use case. As an action camera, the Insta360 is probably the better bet with more weatherproof casing, on-board touch screen and superior video performance over the Ricoh. Plus it's half the cost and smaller. So why even go for the Ricoh... Image quality in poor lighting and better image stitching in my use case. As previously mentioned I use these cameras for progress capture and issue tracking on some of our construction sites. They are mounted to a hardhat, and are coupled with a smart software platform that stitches passive capture to create a virtual walk-through, automatically aligned to floorplans, previous captures, and 3D (BIM) models (nerdy nonsense). Insta360 Once X2 mounted on hardhat. Ricoh Theta Z1 mounted on hardhat. Side-by-side comparison of captures with each camera. Note the better image quality from the Ricoh (right) and the stitching misalignment on the Insta360 (left). Site progress capture side-by-side with architect's 3D model (the space is will be a pathology lab).

After recently returning from a trip across the Tasman, I can recount some good and bad from the whole experience. Pre-Departure Testing, Travel Declarations and Post Arrival Requirements NZ to AU - At my time of departure, Aus still required a pre-departure test and travel declaration. Requirements are fewer now, but the Aussie online form was easy to follow and getting a supervised RAT at a local pharmacist was straight forward. After arriving in Aus it's all up to you to test (and to know to test) at days 1 & 6. AU to NZ - NZ still requires a pre-departure test and travel declaration. The kiwi online form was also easy to follow (a better UX in my option), however getting a pre-departure test in Aus was a little trickier. Not nearly as many pharmacists do it, and unless one wants to pay the extortionate clinic prices (often around $200 for a supervised RAT), then they better book in early at a pharmacy that does offer it. We used a Terry White ChemMart branch n Melbourne, but had to book and their online system requires those booking to have an Aussie phone number (seriously?!). After arriving the bio-security officers will issue you with 3 RAT test welcome pack and the online declaration will email/remind you on the days you need to take the tests. Flights Auckland to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, Melbourne to Auckland... all packed! Both the AirNZ flights I had (departing and returning to Auckland) were delayed. One by 30min. One by 4hrs. I think the planes and crew are a little rusty. Other than that, it wasn't too bad. Airports Both Auckland and Melbourne's International Departures have very little open in the way of retail or hospitality. Big opportunities missed considering the number of travellers over this Easter-Anzac period and how desperate those sectors have been for increased activity. Sydney's Domestic Departures was pretty open and buzzing, even at 6am. Arrival back at Auckland International was a bit of a debacle. E-Gates not working for most of the Aussie and Kiwi passengers, so they had to join the "undesirable passports" queue that I have to use with my Green Mamba. This made clearing immigration a 45min process. To add to that, Biosecurity was backed up, so add another 45min, and the cherry on top was when finally exiting the airport (at 12:20am), we were told the shuttle bus between terminals was not running (despite multiple announcements on the plane and in the airport that it was), so I had to take a 2km jog to retrieve the car, then drive to pickup the wife. Got home after 1am. Aussie Always great to visit the trans-Tasman neighbours. The country seems to be doing well. A little weird being in a majority-maskless culture and I guess a glimpse into our future (we hope), but one soon adapts. Apart form visting family, I have to admit that much of the trip was spent shopping, and I did notice that the price disparity between Aus & NZ on some general goods was not as much as it has been in the past. In fact I found myself paying more for some general groceries than I do in NZ, so it seems these rates of inflation are not only a Kiwi issue. Not sure on what the official rate is over there (I think in the region of 5.8%), but for some reason the increased cost of living that is NZ's no. 1 concern at the moment seems to be less. Then there's always house prices and when chatting with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, they indicate that average family homes (little 3 bed, 1 bath workers cottages on 400sqm or less) near them, Sydney's inner west (similar to Auckland's Fringe districts like Kingsland, Morningside etc) are around AUD 2M, and they say that casually as though it's not even a concern. Granted Aussue salaries are generally higher, but still... TWEE-EN-TWINTIG MILJOEN RONDS!! Conclusion In general though, it was great to travel internationally again. It had been over 2 years since I had left NZ. I'm sure some of those hiccups will be ironed out with time. And as exciting as travel can be, I'm always glad to return home, even if it is to an overgrown lawn and massive pile of laundry. Did anyone else trans-Tasman over the holidays, or is planning to soon?

It's a Vaughan Dalluge Titanium 7182 https://www.vaughanmfg.com/Products/7182-Dalluge-DDT16P-Titanium-Smooth-Face__07182.aspx#.YmbwRPfVUWM Not sure who might sell them in SA, but you may find a US retailer willing to ship.

Despite being away for most of the weekend, I made sure we got home early to "prepare for the week" or rather, tinker in the garage. Managed to get 3 drawers built and installed for the MFT cart. Started off my making an MDF template to notch recesses for both Makita and Festool systainer feet. The built some quick simple drawers with glue and brad nails. Used spacers to install the runners (soft close 😎) ... and viola! So 3 done, many more to go

Hi Philip! The first step is admitting that you'd rather just gooi a quick sakgat than faff with anything more traditional 😅 Speaking of which, I got to test out the new pocket-hole jig (Armortool Auto-Jig) this weekend. Not bad. Great dust collection. Decent clamping, although I may need to fashion up some support wings to prevent bigger boards from cantilevering off the side. I don't know if it saved me tons of time over the little Kreg one, but may be a different story once I mount properly with side suports etc.

I see Husky Norden 901's are now available in NZ. About R270,000 equiv. Ouch! The dealerships photography also isn't as flattering as the concept pics, but doesn't look like too much of a departure (unlike the T7 concept vs the Tenere 700 Production). Also the s

I'm guessing he means Royal Enfields are no longer available at his dealership? Or is tat for SA as a whole? Here we mostly see Himalayans and the odd Classic 350, but at their price (around R80,000 equiv for the Classic 350), it puts them in 390 Duke or Husky 401 Pilen territory. Not the same style of bike, I know, but for a commuter I know which I'd prefer.

If Youtube has taught me anything, it's that unless you're using a Festool Domino, your project is going to fall apart, catch on fire, and likely result in a lawsuit. 😅 Also, I'm clearly not ready to go pro yet as I was lured into a sweet deal on an even faster pocket-hole jig... I just didn't have the patience to wait for it to get here before building this workbench.

It was time, so it got the hell outta here... But yeah, I think it was closed by Admin as it it became somewhat inflammatory (not dissimilar to the C%#@D-19 threads). Admin has warned that non-cycling related threads need to stay on topic. Both the above-mentioned threads went from informative/helpful intentions to divisive and political ranting. Hence why we avoid mentioning the C-word on this here motorcycle thread 🤫

Finally started on my Festool MFT cart. Managed to get the basic structure done in 2x half days. The basic shell, from 18mm ply using pocket-holes (I know, blasphemous, but I was lazy, haha). The central spine keeps the majority of the base pretty rigid. Added 2x 50mm deep beams underneath to extend the stiffening the full length. Doubles as storage for my 1.4m and 1m guide rails. Added the "side shelf" for resting track saws an other tools outta the way and housing the vacuum. A little high (1022mm), but I'm just under 6'2" and my back often gets sore when hunching over doing fiddly work at the regular height (815mm). The big AEG toolbox doesn't quite fit, but close enough. It may get swapped out for a systainer at some stage And finally... the other neat purpose of the side shelf and reason for the very specific heights... The extended setup! at 2440 x 780 it should be sufficient to manage an entire sheet of ply. Still loads more to do. The systainers will each go on shallow drawers so allow access without unstacking. Also going to make some general drawers for other tools, fasteners, adhesives, etc. But in general, pretty happy with the result so far.

Today I laid out all the tools I want in the systainer caddy/insert, Many of which I had to retrieve from my toolbelt... leading me to realize that I am a walking toolbox (or just a tool/box, depending who you speak to 😅) There are a number of tools I could add or remove from this, but the general idea is there. I wear it backwards (like most kiwi tradies do) and it does weigh a fair few kgs (but I have a fair few extra of those on me anyway, haha). So I guess that's the big challenge or the primary objectives for the systainer caddy: reduce weight carried (easy) increase tool capacity over toolbelt (not too hard) keep tools easily accessible (quite tricky)

Yeah, sadly Stellies is a little far, but I appreciate the offer. If my handmade prototype works, I may remodel/convert the AutoCAD into Inventor or Fusion360, although currently there is no variation in of cutting depth, so even 2D will be fine for my local CNC shop (who charge the equivalent of about R1300/hr for programming and R1500 for machining time). It quickly adds up, so good idea keeping an eye out for Maker-spaces or approach the universities. (I'm on the BIM New Zealand council and we have loads of engineering students attend our events, so I'm sure I can find an willing accomplice there). As for the modular plate design, I was thinking something like this... Rough AutoCAD mock-up of the plates and centre column. The spotlighted areas indicate stepped "tabs" for each plate level to rest on as they get pushed down. So yeah, that's the idea anyway, execution is a different story, haha!

Great work! Coincidentally I started designing somethig similar last night. My plan is to have an insert for a Festool/Tanos Systainer (the Sys3 337 size). There are OEM and aftermarket options available that look something like this However everyone's tool setup is different so I thought about making one specifically for my gear. Additionally I thought about making it modular with the top and middle plates removable and replaceable with another set of plates offering an alternate setup. As I will likely make it by hand, I'm starting off with simple paper templates (drawn in AutoCAD off measurements from the Systainer itself). Once dialled in I'll make a set of templates out of 6mm MDF and the tool caddy itself out of ply (12mm for bottom plate and centre column, and 7mm or 9mm for the rest). It'll be a lengthy process though... Damn I wish I had a CNC router! haha But yeah! Keen to see the finished outcome of your project! Be sure to keep us updated!

For a minute there I thought you were referring to the 2005 series by the same name. https://next-episode.net/invasion https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460651/

NZD144 after currency conversion etc. (about R1480 equivalent).

Amazon delivery arrived yesterday. Must say, the quality of this mini Wera kit is exceptional. From the machining, to the detents. And all the little features. I found myself browsing Wera's Amazon store for more nifty gadgets! (very dangerous, I know). The brand makes so much more than just pricey skroewedraaiers.