A very special member of our menzshed has recently been confined to a wheelchair. Access to his home was proving difficult especially for his wife who was needed to push the wheelchair over several boundary rails and door trims. But wait…some innovative members, namely Wayne and Colin, designed a ramp to cleverly accommodate several changes of floor level. Now a smooth transition has been accomplished from inside to outside. It has to be said that this was no easy design and involved much head scratching and freely given advice.
Kitchen Infant Safety Cooking Support
John, a grandparent many times over, believes that a young person’s involvement in the kitchen is a valuable skill to develop. He has designed a special structure which safely accommodates a young person from say 3 years to 7 years. A far better option than that of setting a child on a wobbly chair or stool. Both senior cook and junior cook can relax at the kitchen bench and cook up a storm. Plans may be available at the menzshed.
Mini Caravan Refurbishment
Grant has been given this project to finish. It had been abandoned by the previous owner who has generously donated it to our menzshed. The trailer part was a work of art according to Grant who has cleaned, serviced and spray painted the entire undercarriage. Now he will replace the upper canopy and strip the flooring to lay new plywood. We have another caravan at the shed so now there is the spirit of competition driving both parties and comparisons of progress, style, finish and innovation are being closely monitored and discussed at smoko. Of course much advice is being freely disseminated but how much is being absorbed will be revealed in due course. Watch this Space
Christmas Party
MENZSHED NELSON WHAKATU CHRISTMAS PARTY 2022
Our very sincere Greetings & Best Wishes to you and your family over this festive season
Just a reminder that our Xmas party is on Tuesday 6 December starting 12.30pm
*After our usual morning workshop session *At the Shed, Haven Rd,Port Nelson.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS: SANTA goes WILD this year!
Entree- generously sponsored by some members
We have a range of wild food generously donated by some of our members to elevate our celebrations this year including venison, wild meat sausages, mussel fritters, and whitebait
Main- Provided by Shed Social Fund
Bar B Q food - a selection of traditional Bar B Que meats, salads breads and condiments ….and some non Al bar refreshments and tea/coffee
Dessert– provided by you
You may like to bring
A plate of Xmas baking - either slices/cakes/pastries/desserts ( to be served with provided Tea/coffee)
Additional refreshments of your choosing /preference - beer/ wine
Your wife / partner is specifically & cordially invited to this salubrious festive occasion so please ensure that this invitation is passed on and encouraged.
See you all there…… No RSVP required
Seasons Greetings - The Menzshed Nelson Whakatu Committee
Combined Effort
Lloyd and grandson Caleb work together on a skittles project. Menzshed is not just for old men, it allows for the experience and skills gained over many decades to be passed on to the young and often the ‘not so young’.
Denis models refurnished Bus Shelter
In order to make room for a wicking planter box, Colin’s wife suggested they get rid of their ‘bus shelter’. So, Colin, with the help of Peter and Trent, have completely dismantled, painted and reconstructed the garden structure to better than new condition. Denis was so enraptured with its presence and comfort he has decided to purchase it for his daughter thereby giving pleasure to her and much needed funds for the Nelson-Whakatū Menzshed. Well done Denis and cheers to Colin, Peter and Trent.
Sliding Compound Saw
Richard setting up the new compound sliding saw with laser. He follows the instruction booklet to the letter as it is a complex machine which will require a rigorous training schedule. A major safety factor is that it has a soft start up which avoids the sudden and hazardous surge kick common with older models. A laser allows for super accurate cutting and a constant speed motor under varying load conditions make for a smooth finish.
Bench Seat for Abbeyfield.
Mark and Richard have built up this bench seat as requested by Abbeyfield. A small bequest was left by a former resident who specifically wanted a seat by the local bus stop. They have built similar models and have the blueprints ready to hand. They have chosen top quality pine timber clears and all joints are supported with weatherproof bonding agents and galvanised connectors. It will endure and be appreciated by the rest home’s residences.
Concrete Power Trowel
Rob, at the menzshed, has spent many hours repairing this donated power trowel. New paddles have been fitted and Rob has got the petrol motor humming once again. What was once a sad and tired machine has been transformed into a useful and much sought after building trade concrete surfacer. A mechanic by trade, Rob can turn his hand to any number of mechanical problems with a successful outcome. Such people are invaluable as part of our Menzshed who willingly and selflessly give their time and skill for the benefit of the greater community.
Chatham Island Robin
Colin and Trent have been given the task of building, initially, 12 bird carry cases which will be used to transfer the critically endangered Black Robin from their special breeding location to a second predator free island. Great care is required to prepare these cases. They have to be sanded to a fine finish so that no splinters are present which could impale or harm the fledgling birds. Visit the DOC site <https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/black-robin/> for an in depth discourse on the present state of play of these beautiful feathered creatures.
The Newman Shield
Denis has spruced up the hundred year plus Newman (cricket) Shield and created a snug velvet lined carry/display case to give it style and protection to last another hundred years. Well done Denis.
Trellis Production
Mark and Richard are part of our R and D (research and development) team. Here they are ironing out the problems of getting a regular curve in the timber, a balance of aesthetics and pragmatics, giving us a pleasing item with a purpose in mind. This is a custom made trellis but more can be made to order. Please note that these items were made pre covid, hence no mask wearing.
Playcentre Trolley
Rob has been given another job. Not that he is a painter, he is actually a skilled mechanic, but it was a job needing doing and he put his hand up. So as he puts on the fifth coat he is perhaps happy to be completing the task and the playcentre will be delighted with his newly honed painting skills. Thanks for a great job Rob, we just have a few other projects in mind…motor mowers up at the Whakapuaka Cemetry needing a bit of TLC.
Caravan
We have two members renovating caravans, stripping them out and completely re doing the works. One big job and not for the faint hearted. We are watching their progress and ever ready to give advice and the occasional helping hand. Ron, in photo, has the major task and is seen contemplating his next decisive move.
Last of this season's Rat Traps (more later)
These Doc 250 Rat Traps are the last for the next few winter months. Colin, having organised the entire rat trap making show, with a few dedicated helpers, has made in the region of 3000 traps of various sizes and descriptions. They have travelled far and wide, even to the North Island and have been a mainstay for the shed’s finances. Colin is taking a well deserved break and a new team will be ready, Spring time, to recommence production. Many thaks to you Colin. When you return we will be chewing your ear for a few handy tips.
Ice Axe gets new handle
An antique ice axe with a broken shaft was submitted for repair. The shaft needed to be skillfully worked and fitted. Jeff Sewell, a new member and highly skilled wood turner, set to and fashioned a beautiful replica.
