September 2022 Newsletter

Hello All,

Well it's that time of year again, newsletter time, which seems to come around too soon for me to have to scratch my head and put pen to paper in some meaningful fashion!

We've had a hiccup in the smooth running of the Shed this quarter in the way of the band-saw mill, the operation of which caused a few people some anxiety. This has been temporarily rectified by the committee deciding that the mill is off-limits until further risk assessment as to the safe operation has been carried out and people are more appropriately trained in its safe use!

Just a reminder, the minimum quiet times for smoko and lunch are as follows;

Smoko 10:00 to 10:20 am
Lunch   12:00 to 12:30 pm

No machinery is to be operated within these times, quiet activities may be undertaken away from the kitchen area, but these times are set aside for social mixing, cards, general ribbing etc...

We had an excellent seminar last month regarding governance of the Shed, presented generously by new member, Brendan Walsh. I think we all learned a few things, none more than I about how to run a good Shed meeting.

COVID interrupted our operation again for a week and other illnesses have seen the Shed remain closed for a few days this month also, it is the season so it is to be expected.

Ken Ryan has done some good work in securing a grant from Park Beach Bowling Club to be used for automating the extractor unit gates on the machines at the western end of the Shed and improving the drying in the spray booth. We have also had a donation, from the Bonville Irish Masters at the BIG Club, which will be used to replace the fixed router table. A much needed improvement!

Jacko's metal magic machines have been delivered so you'll see him tinkering for a while to set them up. Robert also has some new software to amuse himself with in the corner! The cnc router and laser printer, which the software applies to, have paid for themselves many times over in producing commission jobs.

The Strategic Plan is well on the way with the help of Brendan Walsh and will be on display soon. All items mentioned above are from the wish list in the Strategic Plan and are possible due to the generosity of our supporters.

It's good to have Doug back organising the garage sales, we had a good one this month and cleared a lot of saleable items from the Shed.

You will see some reorganisation of the storage areas in the Shed over the next few months to try and free up some areas for use by other community groups, also a re-organisation of the wood storage areas is planned for the end of the year.

Speaking of end of year, Ken Howe and Ken Ryan are organising the Christmas breakup with barefoot bowls planned at the Park Beach Bowling Club, any other ideas see the Kens!

El Presidente

$4,000 received from PBBC was the result of a grant application through CLUBSNSW. The funding which will be used to complete the automation of the dust extraction system, some upgrades to the paint booth and lighting to sanding machines.

They are associated with the BIG Club and have donated $3500 to the Shed. Warren Skinner who owns Toyota and the Pier Hotel recommended the Shed as a worthy community organisation. Warren has been a long time supporter of the Shed. The money will be used to upgrade the table router, a much needed upgrade!

Upcoming events:

Korora View Club

Have requested to visit the Shed and have a look around because they have heard of the great work we do in the community. We have suggested Tuesday 13th September around Smoko and before the free Luncheon.

In Home Care

A representative gave a talk to Shed members last Thursday. Describing their services as providers of home care packages. I have taken some info off the Government site and included it under General Interest below.

Quilting Show

We have been invited to have a stall at this event in October at a date to be finalised. We take advantage whenever we can of these invitations and call for members to help man the stall. They are a good opportunity to showcase the Shed and what it has to offer.

Have been invited to play at two upcoming gigs; The opening of Links Café  ( Marian Grove ) and the Toormina Retirement Village.

We are snowed under with jobs. If anybody has the time and basic skills we have a job for you! 

We are not taking on any new jobs until Christmas at this time. These jobs are our number one fundraising activity which allow us to provide the current amenity to members.

Michael Hohner is seen here carrying out repairs to this little beauty!

Ken Ryan working on a job for a local business, Special Occasions, owned by Margaret Bonfield, who is a long term supporter of the Shed. 

Ken has taken on management of the paint shop. He has been doing this for at least a year now along with all the other jobs he does for the Shed including sourcing and applying for funding opportunities, maintenance, electrical fitting, assistant treasurer etc etc.

Jacko (Peter Jackson) and Terri Cooper working on a lawnmower, getting it working for sale at the next garage sale.

Rob Houston putting the finishing touches on a cnc routered 21st Bday key. Rob is another long term member who never stops. 

Ian Kerr putting the finishing touches to another commission job.

 

Tom Skinner another tireless worker for the Shed. Tom manages and often completes loads of the commissioned jobs. He also does truck loads of extra untold jobs around the Shed. 

Don Langley loves a challenge. He saw a unique occasional table in a woodwork magazine on the lunch tables and decided to make one. The wave shape he designed from scratch and then set about turning it into a reality. The red cedar was donated to the Shed and he is value adding for the Shed. It will be for sale in the Shop once he has designed and made the legs.

Scott Mullan found a piece of this blood red timber, in the stores, called African padauk. He is turning it into a bowl, which he is also donating, for sale in the Shop.

Dave Newman is a recent sign up. He is making these intriguing foldable circles. I got too involved in chatting and can't remember what they are for?

Arlan and Daniel working on a coffee table

Brett McAnally proudly holding his latest project, the bat mobile

Wayne (The Yank) building this food locker for the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Center. The Shed is donating this to the Neighbourhood Center so that the bread and other food stuffs they make available to the needy don't get attacked by the birds etc. as it sits out on their verandah.

We have been working with a local group who have been providing aid to fund victims in the Northern Rivers area, we have contributed to this worthy cause in a number of different ways including cash donations, commission jobs and using the ute to transport donations.

I would call this a metal folder but i have it on good authority that is actually a Pan Brake!

This is a manual guillotine! not for loping off heads but for cutting sheet metal.

Both these machines are funded by grants and have been ticked off the new Strategic Plan.

Portable LED Lamps for the linishers and other machines which need extra lighting, kindly donated by Park Beach Bowling Club and displayed by yours truly.

The Mill is not available for work presently as a number of members have expressed concerns about the safety of operating the Mill. A risk assessment has been carried out and documented, training and advice has been sourced from Coffs Harbour Hardwoods and equipment for handling  the logs has been purchased. The Mill will be back in operation soon.

Doug Tysoe is back and has hit the ground running!

Reminder: The sale is on the first Saturday of each month during the year.

As you know, sale days are an important source of income for the Shed, averaging around $1200 - $1500 a month.

It has been encouraging to see member numbers have increased at the Friday setup and also at the Saturday sale days. The Shedmen's  performances have also been very popular. A big THANK YOU to all those who help, many hands make light work!

An issue that has come to light recently is the need to put everything back on Monday morning after the sale, so that normal work can begin. Last Monday the whole job fell on Doug's shoulders! It was due to a set of unusual circumstances, however, it would be very helpful if a couple of members could come early on that Monday to lend a hand.

Members are reminded not to rummage through received goods until they have been evaluated and priced. If you a looking for a particular item then let Doug know. He keeps a book on requests from members and earmarks received items for consideration by these members before putting them out for general sale.

         David Churchyard is home and recovering from his operations. 

2022 has been a sad year for the Shed we have had more deaths of members this year than any other year. We will miss their camaraderie and efforts for the Shed.

All these guys were long term members starting when the Shed was in Marcia St. 

We often provide ongoing advice and support to members wives, who require help with jobs that their late partners would have dealt with. 

Ian was born in the Riverina at Berrigan in 1952. 

His parents ran a wheat and sheep farm. He attended a small country school with 12 students, called Green Swamp Rd.

Ian’s father died when he was 9 yrs old. His mother sold the farm and they moved to Scone initially, however, she soon decided to move to Wagga Wagga where his sister was living. 

Ian lived in Wagga until he finished his HSC in 1970, one of the first cohorts to sit these exams.

He then applied for a job with the Steel Works at Port Kembla and started as a trainee mechanical engineer with some fitting and turning thrown in. He rose to the position of shift foreman and worked happily enough until they changed the shift arrangements, introducing day shift only which meant a significant reduction in pay!

So in 1980, he moved into the mining industry and after Port Hedland and Tarago ended up at the Port Kembla coal loader. Talking to a workmate he found out that there were well paid jobs for engineers in the Merchant Navy. He decided to apply and was quickly snapped up. 

He worked mostly along the east coast on boats carrying gypsum, HCL acid etc. The pay and conditions suited him: 6 months on, 6 months off, treated as an officer with full room and board!

Ian retired after 9 years and moved to Bodalla where he became interested in mud brick houses. He designed and built his house and moved on to build 4 others. During this time he designed and built a machine to enable workers to go from making 100 bricks a day to a 1000! He expanded the business purchasing excavators, earthmovers and graders.

By this time he was in his 40’s and met the love of his life Dianne. They married in the early 90’s and he also took on responsibility for her 4 sons. They had a daughter in 1996. In 2004 Dianne gained council permission to hold all night music events (raves) at Bodalla on his bush block. Three years later and fed up with the behaviour of a small minority he sold up and moved to Coffs. 

He started a handyman business which went well until he had a serious motorbike accident and was forced to reinvent himself due to these injuries.

Now spending too much time at home his wife Dianne urged him to join the Men’s Shed. He had heard of the Shed when it was at Marcia St. He finally decided to give it a go in 2020 and hasn’t looked back.

Ian now spends his time playing table tennis, gardening and he enjoys trying his hand at woodwork.

It is that time of year again! Membership renewals are due at the end of the month, The subs will remain at $60 this year. You will receive an email with the details of how to pay by direct deposit if you are able or you can come in and pay directly.

Please remember to update your details, especially your email address as this is the main method of communication with members.

Your membership will lapse on the 1st September and you will be required to rejoin after this time.

The Shed committee is also asking members to complete an emergency medical care form, which is attached to the members' subscription form. The reason for collecting this information is to help in ensuring that the most appropriate treatment is provided in the case of an emergency eg. heart attack, seizure, injuries etc. At present, we have no way of knowing what to say to the ambulance medics about any pre-existing conditions etc.

Providing this information is entirely voluntary and will be kept securely in the Office. It will only be used when and if required.

This applies to ALL members, non members are not permitted to operate any fixed machinery in the Shed due to liability and insurance issues, regardless of their expertise.

We acquire new machines from time to time and therefore need to update our members induction records/competency forms. Ken Ryan conducts inductions for new members after smoko on a Thursday (book through office). Existing members needing induction/refreshers on unfamiliar machines can also arrange this with Ken.

All members have induction records/competency forms kept in their file in the Office. It is important that you are signed off to use equipment in the Shed. In fact, it is a legal requirement for our insurance and accreditation.

Coffs Harbour Community Men’s Shed 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan is in its final draft and will be completed in the near future.

We are presently updating and working on the vision and mission statements, to make them simpler and more relevant. Once the the Plan is ready it will be available for members to view. Copies will be posted on Notice Boards in the Shed.

It will also be presented to members at the AGM.

You will be advised of any job charges at this time, usually $10, for the use of consumables eg. glue, screws, nails, sandpaper etc. and equipment maintenance, per job sheet

Donated wood etc is used extensively for commission jobs, thus value adding, which helps offset the costs of running the Shed. If you wish to purchase/use wood etc for your job, please ask at the Office FIRST.

Materials are generally sold at half the retail price, however, if used without consultation then full retail/replacement price will be charged. Members also store wood for projects at the Shed and will be justifiably upset if members use or cut up their material.

It is often unreasonable to expect to cut off a smaller piece from a larger usable length and expect to pay just for the piece you desire. You may be asked to try your luck at Bunnings.

On that note, we need to have a clean out of unclaimed/abandoned jobs in the Shed. We are running out of space and need to make some much needed space. If you have jobs/materials stored at the Shed it will need to be claimed asap or it will be disposed of.

Please be considerate when using common areas such as the kitchen and toilets. Other members regularly have to clean up these areas.

Report any problems with equipment to the Office so that it can be attended to.

Remember to sign in and out, it allows the committee to monitor usage and safety officers to check off members in the case of emergencies including mandatory fire drills.

Tea and coffee etc are provided as a courtesy. A donation of $2 towards costs is expected and appreciated as you sign in.

This gives you a bottomless cup throughout the day, which is a great deal in anybodies eyes. The Shed outlays about $150/month for Tea, Coffee and Sugar. 

This doesn't include the cost of milk, butter, bottled water etc., or the costs of cleaning materials to endeavour to keep the area fit for purpose.

An increasing number of members are opting not to stop for breaks during the day. These breaks are important as a social occasion and to refresh the mind and body.

Members are reminded to wait until after lunch before they spirit away food stuffs provided by OZHarvest. Members regularly make use of these items for morning tea and lunch.

Home Care Packages (HCP) are one of the ways that older Australians can access affordable care services to get some help at home. They are designed for those with more complex care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide.

Depending on the level of Home Care Package you receive, you can get assistance with a range of different services.

To help you maintain your personal hygiene and grooming standards.

To help you treat and monitor medical conditions at home.

To help you maintain movement and mobility.

To help ensure that you continue to eat well.

To help manage particular conditions and maximise your independence at home.

To help you keep your home clean and liveable.

To help you keep your home and garden in a safe condition.

To help increase or maintain your ability to move around your home safely and independently.

To help you with mobility, communication, reading, and personal care limitations.

To get you out and about to appointments and community activities.

To help you remain social and interact with your community.

Who provides these services?

Services are provided by a variety of organisations across Australia. 

How does it work?

You choose a service provider that is right for you. The government then pays your provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs.

As everyone’s care needs are different, there are four levels of Home Care Packages with different funding amounts. These cover basic support needs through to high care needs.

The package level assigned to you is based on your needs.

Package levels of care needs

Level 1 Basic care needs – $9,179.75 a year
Level 2 Low care needs – $16,147.60 a year
Level 3 Intermediate care needs – $35,138.55 a year
Level 4 High care needs – $53,268.10 a year

You work with your chosen provider to identify your care needs and decide how best to spend your package funding. Your service provider coordinates and can manage your services for you on your behalf.

What will it cost me?

You’re expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford it. Your contribution is made up of three types of fees:

Your provider may ask you to pay a basic daily fee based on your home care package level.

Some people may also have to pay an income-tested care fee. Whether you pay it, and how much of it you pay, is determined through a formal income assessment from the Services Australia. If you have to pay this fee, there are annual and lifetime limits on how much you can be asked to pay.

Any other amount you have agreed to pay for extra care and services that wouldn’t otherwise be covered by your Home Care Package.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through an assessment, but you must also be:

Your financial situation won’t affect your eligibility. But you will need a financial assessment to work out exactly how much you may be asked to contribute.

If you think you only need a low level of support – perhaps only one or two services – you may not need a Home Care Package. You may be more suited for help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

We are endeavouring to have a representative from one of the local provider come and give a talk to members at the Shed. We hope to match this talk with the September Tuesday Luncheon day. More details when we have a firm booking.

Method 1
Household Remedies

1 Use white vinegar. The vinegar reacts with the rust to dissolve it off of the metal. To use, soak the metal in white vinegar for a few hours and then scrub the rusty paste off.
If the object is too big to soak directly in the white vinegar, pour a layer over the top and allow it time to set. You can also wipe it down with a rag soaked in vinegar.
Try dipping aluminium foil in the vinegar and using it as a brush to scrub off the rust. It is less abrasive than steel wool, but will still do the trick in removing the rust.
You can use regular vinegar and simply allow your rusty metal objects to soak in it for up to 24 hours before rinsing. This method should not require as much scrubbing.

2 Try a lime and salt. Sprinkle salt over the rusted area so that it is thoroughly coated and then juice a lime over the top. Use as much juice as you can get, and allow the mixture to set for 2-3 hours before scrubbing off. Use the rind from the lime to scrub the mixture off. It is strong enough to remove the rust without further damaging the metal. A lemon can also be used instead of a lime.

3 Make a paste using baking soda. Mix baking soda with water until it is thick enough to spread on the metal. Allow time for it to set and then scrub off using a toothbrush, and rinse with water.
The baking soda mixture can be watered down as much as you would like, there is no exact recipe.

4 Try using a potato and dishwashing liquid. Cut the potato in half and cover the cut end in the liquid. This will make a chemical reaction with the rust, making it easier to remove. Place the potato on the metal and leave it for a few hours. To reapply, simply cut off the used end of the potato and add more liquid, letting it soak into the metal for more time.
If you don’t have dishwashing liquid, you can use baking soda and water instead with the potato.

5 Use oxalic acid. Take protective precautions with this method––use rubber gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Do not smoke or directly inhale the fumes of the acid. Wash the rusted item with washing-up liquid rinse and carefully dry. Mix about 25ml (a teaspoon is 5ml) of oxalic acid with 250ml of warm water. Soak the item for approx 20 minutes or clean down the item with a cloth or brass brush. Wash fully and dry the item when rust removal is finished.

Method 2
Store-Bought Options

1 Use a chemical remover. Many different types of chemicals can be purchased to help dissolve rust. They are typically made from phosphoric or oxalic acid and can be harmful to bare skin. Always take precautions when using a chemical to dissolve the rust.
Follow the directions for your rust-removal product, as application may vary between products.
These chemicals often need to set for a long time and require scrubbing afterwards, so be ready for a little extra work. These products can be expensive and only work for small-scale projects, not larger rusted items.

2 Convert the rust. Purchase a rust converter which works to stop rust from eating away any more of the metal. It is similar to a spray paint, and acts as a primer for a coat of paint over the top as well.
Although this stops rust from expanding, it may not be as effective as completely removing the rust from the metal.
This is only an option if you plan on painting over the metal. It will also leave a rough texture under the paint, as you are essentially just adding a covering to the rust.

3 Use abrasive tools to scrape the rust off. This method requires a lot more elbow grease, but you can effectively remove rust by simply scraping it off. Steel wool is easy to use and something you may already have in your home. Use an electric sander to remove rust on large pieces. Always start with the roughest grain and slowly move to finer grains to minimize the roughness of the metal.
Any metal tool can be used to scrape metal, but use a fine grain sandpaper afterwards to try to remove any marks the scraping may have made.

4 Use citric acid. Buy a small box of citric acid in the powder form from your favorite supermarket in the baking/cooking goods area.
Put some citric acid in a plastic container and pour in hot water, enough to cover the item being cleaned. For fun you can watch the bubbles reacting!
Leave overnight then rinse and dry.

Method 3
Clothing
Remove rust stains from clothing. If you happen to come into contact with rust, you can remove the residue from your clothing using lemon juice and water. Apply lemon juice to the affected area, but don’t let it dry. Use water to rinse the juice and rust away. Wash the article of clothing after using the lemon juice to aid in removing the rust. For heavier fabric with a worse rust stain, you can also apply salt to the area in addition to lemon juice.

Method 4
Brick or Concrete
Remove rust stains from brick or concrete. Create a paste of 7 parts lime-free glycerine, 1 part sodium citrate (available from pharmacies), 6 parts lukewarm water, and enough powdered calcium carbonate (chalk) to create a thick paste. Spread the paste over the rust-stained area and leave it to harden. When it does, use a metal tool to scrape it off. If the stain has not been fully removed, use the same method and apply the paste again.
Go over it as much as you can to get it off.

Method 5
Rust stains on porcelain or ceramics
Clean porcelain and ceramics of rust stains. Use a paste of borax and lemon juice and spread over the area. Scrub it off using a pumice stone, and reapply if necessary.
Don’t use this method on ceramic cookware, as it will damage the material with scrapes.
Dry off the ceramic or porcelain afterwards to prevent new rust from forming.[6]

Method 6
Stainless Steel
Remove rust from stainless steel. Use a very fine grain sandpaper and rub down the stainless steel with it in a circular motion. Follow this by rubbing it down with a slice of onion, and rinse with hot water.

Method 7
Tools
Remove rust stains from tools with diesel. Pour it into a can and place the rusty tool (such as stuck pliers, screwed items, etc.) in it for a day. Remove the soaking tool from the can. Brush if needed, using a brass brush. Clean it with an old rag before using, and behold, the tool will work again.

Method 8
Preventing Rust

1 Keep metal dry. Rust is a chemical process in which iron oxidizes and begins to flake away the metal. This is caused by water that soaks into the metal or comes in contact with the metal frequently over time. Try to keep the metal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture buildup.
Always thoroughly dry metal after it comes in contact with water.

2 Apply a primer. If you plan on painting your metal, use a paint primer to help the paint to stick and keep the metal away from moisture. If the surface of the metal is smooth, you can use any spray-on primer. A rough metal surface needs to be primed with a "filler" primer which will work to fill in any divots or pocks in the metal.

3 Apply solid coats of paint. Paint, in addition to a good primer, will keep metal away from moisture. Make sure you use a high quality paint for the best results.
Spray paint works well for metal, but applying paint with a brush will help it to stick better.
Seal the paint with a clear top coat to reduce the rate of oxidation.