September 2022 Newsletter
From the President
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;
Lunch 12:00 to 12:30 pm
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
General News
Community Relations
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.
Commission Jobs
Members jobs
Disability services Members
Community projects
New Equipment
Garage Sales
Members Health & Well Being
Member Profile: Ian Ebert
Notice Board
Membership Renewal
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.
Using Fixed Machinery
These records must be kept up to date since the insurance company can refuse compensation claims for injury etc. if it is not. They have the right to request access to these records in processing claims
It is your responsibility to make sure that you are not using machines that you are not inducted or competent to use.
Strategic plan
Important Reminders
Job Sheets MUST be filled in and filed with the Office before you start any work at the Shed. This is a common sense rule so that the Shed managers know what is happening in the Shed.
Our Community
Tool Box meetings are held at morning tea during the week following the Committee meeting (2nd Thursday monthly) to give feedback to members.
Free member luncheons have been well received and will continue to be provided every month, on the 3rd Tuesday, as an initiative to promote social interaction away from the tools. To avoid confusion here are the dates for the rest of the year, September 20th, October 18th, November 15th and December 15th.
Xmas Party is being organised by the 2 Kens, the plan at this stage is Bare foot bowls at PBBC and dinner up stairs. Put the 15th December on your calendar!
Crib is being played by an increasing number of members during breaks. All are welcome to take part whether you are a novice or an experienced player.
Welcome to the digital world classes are about to start. We have a submission in for a grant for a couple of laptops for these lessons. In the meantime, we have 3 ipads that have been donated and will be used to introduce members to the digital world. They are much easier to use and are a great way to learn the fundamentals. There are not many tasks that you can't achieve with these portable alternatives. If you are interested please put your name down at the Office with preferred times. I am considering running classes on either, Tuesday, Wednesday or Fridays after morning tea for about an hour over 4 weeks to start.
Cooking healthy meals on a budget Classes are also being offered for those interested. Please register your interest at the Office. Availability will be subject to numbers.
General Interest
Home Care Packages
Services are provided by a variety of organisations across Australia.
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.
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.
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:
- Basic daily fee (up to $11.26 from 20 March 2022)
- Income-tested care fee (up to $32.30 from 20 March 2022)
- Additional fees
Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through an assessment, but you must also be:
- an older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home, or
- a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.
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.
Removing Rust
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.
Management 2022 (voluntary)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Chris Hansen
Vice President: Robert Houston
Secretary: Tony Winter
Treasurer: Garth Howard
Assistant Secretary: Warren Sanger
Assistant Treasurer: Ken Ryan
GENERAL COMMITTEE
David Churchyard
Alan Cook
Peter Jackson
Ken Howe
Glenn Cox
Brian Franklin
OPERATIONAL MANAGERS
Shed Managers & Office Administration:
Robert Houston
David Churchyard
Alan Cook
Health & Welfare Officers:
David Churchyard
Ken Howe
Woodwork Shop:
Tom Skinner
Metalwork / Engineering:
Peter Jackson
Equipment Maintenance:
Ken RyanBrian Franklin
Alan Cook
Music Group - The Shedmen
Garage Sales:
Doug Tysoe
Newsletter/Website:
Supporters of the Coffs Harbour Men's Shed
The Coffs Harbour Community Men's Shed wishes to thank all our supporters, both large and small,
for their ongoing support and generous donations of time and money.