But not necessarily in that order! First, a new book.
Published by UKMSA this year (2024) but with stories of Shedders from 2021. Sheds and what they do for people through Shedders own eyes.
In here accounts originating from Marie, Elaine, Paula, Graham and Railway Dave (from Norton).
Staithes Shed
In pursuit of reducing the impact of dust in their workplace, Staithes Shed invited Axminster Tools to come and make recommendations on approaches and their equipment items. The recommendations make interesting reading. Thanks for sharing, Jim.
“Hi James
Great to meet you and the Shedders last week thank you for your time. Firstly apologies for the late reply was an unexpected manic start to the week.
After having a look around the shed and the layout I have the following recommendations to suit the requirements I feel would tick the boxes for the Shed workshop.
With the main extractor this would be the list ranked top to bottom based on what I have seen
or
These two machines are top of the list, cyclone extractors with Hepa filter, slightly quieter than the standard extraction machines and deliver premium air flow. Both would have the capacity to go through the wall and onto the ducting for both sides of the room and also leave enough wiggle room to introduce additional machines onto the ducting at a later date if required. Both come with a remote control also but both require a 16 amp plug.
Second on the list
The smaller brother to the Laguna already listed, good airflow and would have enough to power both sides of the room on the ducting system. Hepa filter to enhance the fine dust filtration and remote control. Would be about at its max with the machines already in place but could certainly take a few smaller machines such as a bench sander scroll saw etc.
The third on the list
This would be the minimum id drop to, will go through the wall but would need to power one or the other side of the room as does not have the air flow to contend with both as the same time. Heppa filter and remote with the machine slightly noisier than the others above but in fairness nothing too much to write home but is noticeable.
These would hook up to the 63 mm ducting in place and service the machines discussed. As said Id take the Mirka extractor off the table saw and use this on the mitre saw and connect the table saw to the duct work.
Id also recommend a replacement filter
Suspend centrally in the workshop for maximum effectiveness
As for lathe extraction hoods we have the following
Sits on the bed of the lathe and can be moved directly behind the headstock. Will attach to ducting to pull away the fine dust
Two of these one behind each lathe can be adjusted to height and sits behind the head stock. These are my personal choice as believe it gives you a more concentrated point for air flow
Other points:
Flexi hose
Varying lengths and diameter would certainly need some to connect the extractor to the ducting, and as said different variations to the table saw as in rigid or contractable
Independent extraction for the lates
One for each lathe with a length of hose attached to the lathe dust extraction examples above. This would then not need ducting on the other side of the room
Gulper kit instead of a sweeping brush
Connects via hose to the ducting as discussed.
Not sure if you have managed to have a look at the Charnwood extractor yet, I have had a check and we don’t supply a Hepa filter for this machine. Looking at it again, it actually is not as big as I thought and may struggle powering ducting but would not know this until you try it.
I appreciate a lot of information more than happy to answer any questions you may have and put together a few quotes and prices for you to have a look over. I am off for a few days this week, so may not reply straight away but more than happy to help if you need anything further
Hope the info helps and doesn’t confuse things even more.
Thank You
Mark
B2B North
B2B North
Meanwhile, the greenhouse has proven a hit this year.
Also, Staithes Shed had a visit from Paddy Chandler to see what was going on (and to warm himself at the fire probably!).
Colin Easterby has sadly died. He was a staunch supporter of Sheds and their role in helping counter social isolation. He originally attended Staithes Shed but ill health caused him to enter a care home in Whitby in 2020 (just as lockdowns happened).
Colin came to Whitby Shed on a couple of occasions but really his connection with Sheds continued through Graham and WhatsApp. He was a big man (aka Big Col) but in his wheelchair he came down to the level of the rest of us.
A true friend who gave and received as most Shedders.
Whitby Town Shed
Whitby Town Shed has been moving forward with digital technology and particularly CNC routing and 3D printing. These are something that is working very well indeed alongside the traditional woodworking.
Recently the Shed purchased a 3D printer plus a new planer/thicknesser and a suite of Ryobi battery tools.
BayThorpe Shed
Following their purchase of their Shed building from NY Scouts, the Shedders are into further developing the premises to suit them. They continue to be a visible part of the local community and involve themselves with visitors too in supervising car parking in popular Robin Hood’s Bay.
Lance of BayThorpe Shed shares his story and involvement with Whitby Sheds
Lance in a beany hat!
My connection with the Men’s Shed goes back around 10 years. I had been suffering drug resistant depression caused by a brain tumour and was really struggling to motivate myself to do anything.
Someone mentioned that a “Shed” had opened up in Littlebeck and I gave Graham a call and he enthusiastically invited me pop along. Little did I know that this would be the start of a long relationship and reconnection to woodwork – one of my passions. The people were lovely and welcoming and SAMS Shed was a hive of activity – a real tonic to my sedentary life, which I looked forward to each week.
After a few years, the Shed moved to Whitby and there was a fresh set of faces and new challenges. I spent a good deal of my time teaching woodturning and participating in making various projects – all very enjoyable.
About 4 years ago, I was kindly invited by my good friend Steve to go to the Shed in Robin Hood’s Bay and I have been going there ever since.
When I look back, I’ve met some wonderful people and had some great times with all the Sheds.It’s amazing how the mist of depression lifts over a cuppa, a chat and achieving something however small.
For anyone looking to find a non-judgemental, friendly and creative group, look no further.
Finally, I want to thank Graham for all his help and support over the years. Without his benevolence, selflessness, inspiration and energy none of local sheds would exist.
Best wishes,
Lance
**** And without the bunch of merry Shedders at each Shed (now including Norton) none of the magic could have taken place. Sheds to many of us have been a blessing as a source of many deep friendships. Lance now gives oversight to BayThorpe Shed.
Norton Shed
Norton is expanding, with the Shed operating 4 mornings a week. Recently a morning was added for (mainly) men with a cancer diagnosis working with local Social Prescribing Link Workers specialising in cancer support, Macmillan Cancer Support, Northern Cancer Alliance (NHS) and Northern Cancer Voice (a charity). “Shedding Light into Cancer” is in its 7th week. The Shed is planning a model railway too, that will fit well with the 3D printing and scanning going on.
On Saturday the annual Remembrance Service for young people took place (schools and uniformed organisations) and this years addition to the collection of exhibits was unveiled – the WW1 cannon! The war horse and Labrador dog were on display too. Hundreds and hundreds of poppies made from bottle bases were “planted”. Truly a field of poppies. They were provided by the staff of Norton Sports Charity.
