Mar 18, 2023 | Uncategorised
A private project by Andy Bryson has just been completed, that of a custom designed coffee table for his lounge room. This table has been on the back burner for some 18 months, but was finally begun during the Christmas/New Year quiet period. The design inspiration came from one of the Parker furniture range of the 1960’s, and was adapted to suit Andy’s lounge room requirements.
Tassie Oak was the chosen timber, and the various pieces were cut from lengths of 190mm x 19mm boards purchased from the timber storage container. The component pieces of sides, ends, legs, shelf and top were then cut and shaped, followed by many hours of hand sanding to get the desired finish. The next step was to assemble the table, using only biscuit joints and waterproof glue and several arms and hands to juggle the pieces into position before clamping.
Once the glue had set, final shaping and many more hours of sanding commenced, starting with 80 grit, and finishing with 400 grit, resulting in a glass smooth finish ready for clear lacquering. The last coat of clear lacquer had hardener added to it to give the table a longer lasting surface. This is an example of a private project that any shed member can undertake with the help and advice of shed members who can and do contribute their many years of experience in various fields.
Parker table design inspiration
Component pieces of the coffee table.
Assembly and clamping.
Final shape after sanding, ready for clear finish.
After final coat of clear.
Finished project in the lounge room.
Mar 18, 2023 | Uncategorised
The shed’s 6″ jointer machine was recently damaged by one of the cutting blade screws snapping off, resulting in 8 more blades being damaged along with damage to the two shoulder guides. This event required dismantling the jointer, replacing the damaged components and reassembling it, but not without a lot of head scratching by Kevin, Bill and Wozza before finally getting it back in working order.
This episode turned our thoughts to upgrading the jointer to a more versatile machine with a wider 10″ planing head and dual function as both a jointer and thicknesser. After consultation with the executive committee, the decision was made to buy the new machine and sell the old one. It was then arranged for Peter Cameron to up pick the new machine in Brisbane, and delivering it to the shed where it is now installed and operating. Kevin has given a group demonstration to members on the operation procedures, to be followed by individual training before members use it for the first time.
Old 6″ jointer
New 10″ jointer/thicknesser
Mar 18, 2023 | Uncategorised
As part of our ongoing support for our members, on Tuesday 7th March we arranged for an Occupational therapist, Debbie Casey, to give an informative talk on ways that our members can be helped with various programs, organisations and personal aid equipment. Debbie presented a slide program on the large screen tv in the lunch room, outlining ways in which our members can be supported, as well as ways to help themselves with exercise etc. These talks are well attended by our members, and Debbie was thanked for her time and effort and we then presented her with a gift package of a turned pen by Kevin, as well as some honey and rosella jam.
Debbie Casey talking with Kevin and Peter.
Mar 4, 2023 | Uncategorised
A member of the Gold Coast Regional Beekeepers requested the shed to make a display bee hive based upon a sample which the shed had previously made. The subsequent quote was accepted, and the project was assigned to Wozza, and with his usual efficiency, duly set about the task. Having a sample to go by, he quickly measured and cut out the various pieces, using the appropriate shed machinery. Once all the pieces were complete, assembly and then painting with a clear finish resulted in the finished display hive, as shown here. Once the hive is populated with bees, the two protection panels on the top half of the hive can be removed, revealing the bee activity behind glass panels.
Assembled hive with top glass covered.
Upper and lower sections of the hive.
Mar 4, 2023 | Uncategorised
Spinning Wheel Restoration
A challenging project was brought into the shed recently, and that was to restore a spinning wheel to working order. As this would involve woodturning skills, the project was assigned to the capable hands of Bob Graves. The challenge was to replace a missing spoke from the wheel, as well as a missing leg, actuator arm, foot treadle and support bar. Bob proved up to the task, with help and advice from various shed members, and the spinning wheel is now back to full working order.
Restored spinning wheel
Feb 21, 2023 | Uncategorised
DIESEL. One of our members, Hal Blanchard, is associated with his brother’s diesel distribution business and Hal regularly fills up the ute’sdiesel tank as an ongoing donation, Hal filled the ute last Tue and we are most grateful for his & his brother’s generosity. Hal just happens to be an ex-RAAF member.
