CSS F.A.T. MAG OCT-DEC 2021 by Engage Media

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Diving in

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2021

SCOTT

PYE

Boatbuilder Steve Foster tackles the biggest project of his career Page 18

Staying power

What’s kept one abrasives manufacturer in business so long

The Team 18 driver prepares for this year’s biggest motorsport race

Page 22

Page 10

Log out How a timber shortage is testing builders Page 14

Can do

The latest in construction laws and codes Page 25 C SS M E M BE RS – AU STR A L IA N OWN ED AN D I N DEP EN DEN TLY OPER AT ED

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CONTENTS October-December 2021

About us The store listed on the front of this magazine is a member of the Construction Supply Specialist Group. While the majority of your work will be conducted with your local CSS Member, this store is part of a national network of stores that can provide you with exceptional service and support wherever you may be working in Australia. For more store locations, visit www.constructionsupply.com.au.

COVER STORY

Go team

Team 18 members gear up to compete in Australia’s biggest motorsport race of the year.

04. Welcome

06. News Regions benefit from the exodus from capital cities; Canteen recruits robots; and more

14. Business The timber shortage putting pressure on small builders to keep housing projects and their own profitability on track.

18. Members in action Bundaberg boatbuilder Steve Foster tackles the biggest project of his career—a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef.

22. Supplier profile Why Klingspor is one of the world’s top five abrasive manufacturers.

25. Legal matters The most up-to-date information on construction laws and codes.

27. Tech talk Choosing the best diamond-cutting blades for the toughest jobs.

COVER PHOTO: SUPPLIED

40. F.A.T. MAG fun Crosswords and more! PLUS Supplier editorials

Advice, new products and more from a selection of CSS suppliers. Check out past issues of the CSS F.A.T.MAG at www.cssfatmag.com.au. CSS F.A.T. MAG 3

WELCOME

The best things in life Hello everyone. Welcome, once again, to the F.A.T. Mag as brought to you by CSS and its members. As always, we hope you enjoy the articles and information our marketing team and their associates have put together for your entertainment and enlightenment. Being a Victorian and being locked down as much as we have of late, I find myself thinking about all manner of things and wondering how we might have coped with the lockdowns without the array of electronic and digital accessories we have at our disposal. An electronic meeting with kids and grandkids offers a ‘virtual release valve’ from time to time, and I’d be lost without it. While it is never the same as being tactile and interacting with people in a physical sense, computers and gadgetry are providing periodic ‘interludes’ to help keep us sane in this household. It is easy to focus on the negatives in situations like this, so I like to throw out challenges to encourage people to think, remain positive and stay motivated. In this time of change and uncertainty, I’ve been giving a lot of consideration to the things that are important to me as a person. We have all heard it said that ‘the best things in life are free’ and that ‘love is all you need’, but when you get right down to it, what is it that is important to you right now? Is it fame, fortune, family, friends, music, drink, entertainment, notoriety or something else altogether? If you are honest with yourself, the answers might surprise you. I shared my list with a few people who mean a lot to me and asked them to take up the challenge and do it for themselves. They tell me they enjoyed the experience and found it worthwhile. For what it is worth, here is my list in order of importance to me and with a few 4 CSS F.A.T. MAG

“We have all heard it said that ‘the best things in life are free’ , but when you get right down to it, what is it that is important to you right now? If you are honest with yourself, the answers might surprise you.” thoughts. Hopefully it will stimulate you to do the same for yourself. 1. Health – At this time of life, this has become a top priority for me. Without continued good health all other matters will fall away rapidly. We all need this to ensure all the other important things in our lives stay with us. 2. Family And Friends – It is thoroughly fulfilling to care about people who care about you. This is a safety support mechanism that works two ways and provides all sides a barrier against loneliness, isolation and depression— even if it must be in a virtual sense. Love of family is like nothing else and many of my good friends are considered family. 3. Love – Not romantic love; that is taken care of with Family and Friends at 2 above. This love is the life force that drives me to enjoy, embrace and do all the ‘stuff’ I like doing. It is my life drug of choice. 4. Happiness – Being able to laugh and enjoy what is going on around me and then immersing myself and being part of it is a must. Feeling that ‘buzz’ inside that says—‘This is what I’m talking about’. 5. Time – Something I’ve never taken for granted. I have always known there

is no controlling it and we all only have a given amount of it. Important to make every second count. 6. Passion – Setting goals, dreaming and chasing ambitions have always provided drive from within for me. I don’t always get there but the achievements made provide the catalyst for the next set. 7. Knowledge – Having the knowledge to ‘do and be a part of life’ has always played a part in my life and there is enjoyment in acquiring new skills, information and understanding. 8. Opportunity – Without opportunity there would have been voids in my life. I’ve never taken or made the most of every opportunity that has come my way, but I am happy with my position in life and regret nothing. 9. Safety/Security – It is comforting to feel safe and secure and know that we live in a great country where we can examine what is important to us without restriction. 10. Rest And Relaxation – Always been a great believer in working hard to provide the opportunity to ‘rest and relax’ just as hard at the other end of the scale. Looking at this, maybe the good things in life are free after all. Without doubt, there will always be debate about what are the most important things in life because we are all individuals. Some want material possessions and to have more than the people next door. Some might want power and glory and some may just want simpler lives. I would suggest those lists will be different than mine but, as the song says, “que sera, sera”. As always, stay safe and enjoy the read. Jeff Wellard

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NEWS Regions benefit from exodus from Sydney and Melbourne ABS data released in August includes housing finance, building approvals and interstate migration. “More than 60,000 people departed Sydney and Melbourne to other parts of the country in the 12 months to March 2021,” said HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon. “The exodus of residents from Melbourne is a trend that has emerged following the COVID recession with more than 32,000 residents departing in the year to March. Sydney also lost 31,600 residents to other parts of the country over the same time however, this is consistent with the trends of the past 20 years,” added Mr Reardon. “This shift in population is the main driver of the tight rental market that exists across the country, other than in Sydney and Melbourne. “Regional areas have seen a greater increase in building approvals than capital cities as the population shifts toward lower density areas. “The 220,000 building approvals in 2020/21 is the most in a financial year since 2017/18. “Given that the population is moving interstate and building new homes it is unlikely that they intend to return to Sydney or Melbourne.

“The shift in population out of Melbourne is a new trend and one that is compounded by the loss of overseas migration that has underwritten economic growth in Victoria for the past decade. “ABS Housing Finance data was also released today and shows that there were 94.4 per cent more loans issued for

construction of a new home than in the previous financial year. This is the most loans ever issued for construction in a 12 month period. “HomeBuilder and other grant programs have also ensured that there were more loans issued to first home buyers in 2020/21 than in any previous financial year.” 

Infrastructure growing Australia’s major project activity has eased during the pandemic, but the outlook has improved considerably, particularly for renewables, according to a report by ANZ Research. The cyclical and structural changes triggered by the pandemic have both positive and negative implications for Australia’s major infrastructure project pipeline in the near term and over the longer term. Although some sectors will be more affected than others, the pandemic’s impacts 6 CSS F.A.T. MAG

are pervasive, touching everything from transport to electricity to resources to non- residential property. ANZ Research’s Australian Major Projects report said Australian major project activity is set to ramp up quickly over the next two years, with an increase of up to $21 billion yearon-year in 2021-22 alone. By 2022-23, the potential investment pipeline swells to almost $93 billion. If achieved, this would be the highest level since the mining boom in the early 2010s. 

Let’s stand up to cancer this Bandanna Day… with the help of robots Just when young people are supposed to start embracing life – cancer comes crashing in Friday 29 October is Canteen’s National Bandanna Day, the one day every year that generous Aussies, just like you, buy a bandanna or donate to support young people impacted by cancer. Every single $5 bandanna sold, and even the smallest $1 donation, goes directly to helping young people build coping skills and resilience that will last them a lifetime. Bandanna Day is so important because it allows Canteen to give young people the support they need at exactly the time they need it. Unfortunately, young people diagnosed with cancer are often forced to spend long periods in hospital undergoing treatment. This means they’re often isolated, miss weeks and sometimes months of school, start to withdraw from their social lives and can feel disconnected, depressed and challenged by a range of other social and emotional issues. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to embrace new technologies via our ‘robots’ program to make sure that these young people can remain connected to their friends and school throughout even the toughest cancer treatment plan. Described as ‘an iPad on a Segway’— and we have a version that sits happily on a desk too (pictured above)—our robots are specially designed for young students going through cancer treatment to stay connected to life. Each robot uses teleconferencing technology to sit in class while being operated remotely by the young cancer patient from home or hospital. Through their robot, they can attend classes, see and be heard by their friends and teachers and, perhaps most importantly, maintain daily routines and continue to feel a sense of normalcy. Each young person is also supported by a keyworker from Canteen who works with them to make sure their specific needs are met by the program – and to link them up with any other helpful

Canteen services such as counselling or online support. According to Matt*, aged 12; “My robot helped me to stay connected and stay close to especially my core group, but not just my core group, all my peers. So just even rolling down the hallway and seeing everyone and just being in that environment and in that sort of group in collection, it makes you feel like you’re a part of something and you’re not; ‘Okay, I’ve got cancer now. I’m not a part of anything. I’m by myself’. It helps you feel like you’re with people and there are people there.” Canteen robots also provide some much-needed independence at a time when young people feel that cancer has shaken their world. Depending on which robot they have, they can adjust the height of the robot, mimicking the motion of putting their hand up in class and move around throughout the school. In addition, each young person can choose when and how they use the robot. As Pheobe*, aged 14, says; “It made me feel like I was doing something,

I wasn’t just giving up… It’s on my terms—it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something—when I’m having a bad day and I can go into school.” Robots make the transition of returning to school after treatment easier for young people because they’ve maintained a virtual presence in the classroom during treatment and feel just as engaged with their school and friends as before treatment. Canteen’s vision is to be able to provide a robot to as many young people who need it, just like Matt and Phoebe, as we can. With your help, we can give young cancer patients the chance to feel supported and connected throughout one of the toughest times in their lives. Watch this space for details about how, why and what CSS will be doing to help.  For more about the robots program please visit canteen.org.au/robots. To join in on the fun of Bandanna Day, go to bandannaday.org.au. *Names and ages have been changed to protect privacy. CSS F.A.T. MAG 7

NEWS

Death, injuries spark falls safety warning A 23-year-old carpenter died in hospital in August after suffering critical head injuries in a suspected three-metre fall at a Moonee Ponds construction site. The tragedy follows 11 serious incidents involving falls from height since 24 July, including:  A worker who suffered serious injuries after falling about 4.5 metres while removing ceiling panels at a Reservoir factory.  An apprentice who fell about six metres from a ladder at a construction site at Oakleigh, suffering broken bones and suspected internal injuries.  A worker who sustained serious injuries after falling about 3.5 metres from the roof of a Kensington property while installing solar panels.  A worker who suffered chest and facial injuries after falling about three metres

from an unloading dock in Thomastown. WorkSafe Acting Executive Director of Health and Safety Andrew Keen said falls from height were preventable yet remained one of the biggest causes of death and serious injuries in Victorian workplaces. “The tragic death of this young carpenter and the many recent incidents highlight the very real risk of falls and the heartbreaking and life-changing consequences,” Mr Keen said. “We want every workplace to reassess the effectiveness of their fall prevention measures and don’t assume that just because you haven’t had an incident that your business is operating safely. “WorkSafe can and will take action against employers who are not taking the risks seriously and are putting workers’ lives at risk.”

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CSS F.A.T. MAG 9

October is synonymous with the race that excites motorsport fans in Australia and beyond. Every team is ready for action. Liz Swanton catches up with one of them.

10 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Go team

harlie Schwerkolt remembers catching the Bathurst bug but he could not have imagined he would one day be playing to win. The Queensland businessman who owns Team 18, was about six when he first went to Australia’s most famous race circuit. Family photos show him perched on his dad’s shoulders as Fords, Holdens and Studebakers did battle. Now, with two ZB Commodores, solid backing from tool specialists DeWALT and IRWIN, and topnotch drivers Scott Pye (#20) and Mark Winterbottom (#18), he has everything crossed for 2021. “Bathurst is our ‘grand final’, the biggest race of the year. It is the one you want to win. So we put in so, so much effort because we’ve never won it and we really want to, and because it is the race it is, we have as good a chance as anyone.” However, as much as he wants that win, Schwerkolt admits he is a ‘handsoff’ person at Bathurst, at least as far as race strategy and management are concerned. “If there are some really tricky calls to be made, I might get involved but my role is to empower my people to make their decisions and make it work, and I have good people. My role is looking after our amazing partners and the commercial aspects of the business.”

PHOTO: ARUNAS KLUPSAS

THE GOOD GUYS

One of the ‘good people’ is Phil Keed, the highly experienced race engineer on Scott Pye’s DeWALT Racing Commodore. Keed also has childhood memories of watching Bathurst with his father, although he didn’t go to the race until he was a teenager. “In 1988 we lived near Colin Bond’s workshop. I knew I wanted to be in motorsport, so they let me sweep the workshop floor and things like that. Then they invited me to Bathurst as part of the team.” Bond and co-driver Alan Jones finished third that year, and the die was cast. Keed built a career in motorsport, initially rallying, here and overseas. He joined Supercars in 2003, working with racing legend Peter Brock, and learned that planning for Bathurst starts early.

COVER STORY “About six months out, our leadership team had a couple of casual meetings and worked through last year’s problems and what we need to think about or start putting in place for this year. Then three months out we start to think seriously about everything.” Now, with just three test days per year, preparation is harder than in the past. The team aims to have one as close to Bathurst as possible, looking at what parts are necessary, drilling fuel stops and parts changes under more race-like conditions—especially brake rotors, as Bathurst is the only race where they are changed—and fine-tuning how race-day strategy will work. The real challenge is getting enough laps for the co-drivers. “James Golding is driving with Scott, and Michael Caruso will share the IRWIN Tools car with Mark Winterbottom. They’re both excellent but there is never enough track time for co-drivers. It is a problem, because there are always differences between drivers and the way they like things set up. “Some is personal preference and some are physiological things. It’s not as simple as keeping the main driver happy and the co-driver having to suck it up. The co-driver has to do a lot of laps; if they aren’t comfortable, you can lose a lot more time than with your main driver making some small compromises.”

“Bathurst is our ‘grand final’, the biggest race of the year. It is the one you want to win. So we put in so, so much effort because we’ve never won it and we really want to.” Charlie Schwerkolt, owner, Team 18

THE DRIVER’S RACE

Scott Pye’s first race at Mount Panorama was in 2012 as a co-driver before joining the main game in 2013. He has posted several impressive results including second in 2017 and 2018, and sixth last year with his current team. Like his colleagues, the love affair started in childhood. “My dad always watched it. One of my early memories would be him cracking a beer at the start of the race and not leaving the couch all day. I love the race, the atmosphere, the build-up, the unknown. “It’s such a level playing field. Everyone has a chance because there are so many variables. You just need to get everything right on the day and not give up but there is only ever one winner so it either makes your whole year or breaks your heart.” For Pye, Bathurst preparation happens every day. No longer is it enough to

Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt sees his role as empowering “my people to make their decisions and make it work”.

CSS F.A.T. MAG 11

COVER STORY “It’s such a level playing field. Everyone has a chance because there are so many variables. You just need to get everything right on the day and not give up.” Scott Pye, driver, Team 18

step up the fitness routine just before ‘the great race’. Drivers must be at peak physical fitness all year round. “Where it changes for Bathurst is your preparation for hydration and nutrition. You have to be mindful of just how busy the week is, not just with the race but with all the other commitments, to make that a priority. “We have a physiotherapist or a trainer with us to help us stay on top of those things. If you get distracted by everything else that is going on beforehand, it is easy to forget the things that are so important on race day. “It’s also important to take some time for yourself, and time with your crew, to make sure you enjoy it. It is a long day on Sunday and anything can happen, so it’s important in the lead-up to stay as relaxed and positive as possible.”

FOCUS

Pye finds the circuit more mentally demanding than physical. One error and you’re out, so focus is vital. For other races, a driver’s brain is ‘on’ for an hour or two; here, it is six hours or more. “Another driver once said it’s a bit like Christmas morning. Everyone wakes up excited but no-one is guaranteed a present. It is an emotional rollercoaster that week and quite tiring. We all have hopes and expectations but there are no guarantees, so I just try to keep my mind clear and relaxed. “There’s never going to be a smooth Bathurst. I’m fortunate that James [Golding] is pretty comfortable in the car, fit and ready to roll. He was one of the top co-drivers last year so I think we can be strong. We’re quick; we just need cool heads on the day—and we can buy a ticket to the end.”  12 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Below, clockwise from top left: DEWALT Racing driver Scott Pye (middle) debriefing after a practice session with his race engineer Phil Keed (left) and data engineer Mark Sylvester; Taking a lap of Mount Panorama, Bathurst; Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt with former Supercars racer and TV pit lane reporter Mark Larkham (left); Team 18 mechanics undertake final preparations before the DEWALT Racing Commodore hits the track; Testing the DEWALT Racing Commodore around the track at Mount Panorama in preparation for the biggest race of the year.

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BUSINESS

Timber!

At a time when they should be busier than ever, a timber shortage is putting pressure on small builders to keep housing projects—and their own profitability—on track. By Cameron Cooper

PHOTO: WASJA - 123RF

conomist Tim Reardon thinks the outlook for builders, tradies and apprentices who are seeking work has never been better—except for one sticking point that is clouding the picture. A timber shortage caused by an international home-building boom and supply chain disruptions as a result of COVID-19 is leaving some builders short of supplies and causing on-site delays. This comes at a time of high levels of housing starts in Australia as a result of government building incentives and the diversion of people’s spending from overseas travel to DIY and renovation projects. Reardon, the chief economist at the Housing Industry Association, says the timber-supplies dilemma is testing some builders as they try to keep up with ongoing demand for housing on the back of the Australian Government’s HomeBuilder program, applications for which closed in April. The initiative has provided eligible owner-occupiers, including first-home buyers, with either a $25,000 or $15,000 grant for housing or renovation projects. “We’ve seen an enormous spike in

building demand that has been driven by HomeBuilder, lower interest rates and demographic shifts,” Reardon says. “So there’s never been a better time to be an apprentice in the building industry.” However, he concedes that the lack of timber supplies is a problem. Australia relies on imports for 20 to 25 per cent of its timber. High demand for timber globally has seen prices rise by up to 500 per cent in a market such as the United States, with timber traders therefore opting to send much of their product to the US rather than markets such as Australia. Supply chain constraints have also been a factor. Although Australia’s domestic timber supply is up about 17 per cent compared with mid-2020, Reardon says it is simply not enough. “Domestic production is never going to be sufficient to meet this enormous volume of demand.” STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT Across Australia, new home builds and renovations are taking longer due to a scarcity of timber. The shortfall is also having a domino effect, with electricians, bricklayers and plumbers often left

waiting to do their work because of house-frame delays. The fear is that businesses could close and jobs may be lost. Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) CEO Ross Hampton says it is clear that building demand is stretching resources, whether it is timber, tradies or even products such as bathroom fittings. “It’s important to note that shortages are being seen across all building products, not just timber,” he says. Hampton notes that Australia’s sawmills are running at increased capacity to supply as much timber as possible, with overtime, double shifts and weekend operations becoming the norm. “So there is very little capacity to increase production.” He believes governments have a role to play in making Australia more self-sufficient. “The current timber shortage should be a wake-up call to Australian policymakers that cyclical timber shortages will become more frequent and acute if state and federal governments don’t use policy levers to drive more softwood (pine) plantings to meet future demand,” he says. “It is CSS F.A.T. MAG 15

BUSINESS “But all those homes will be built—it may just may take a little longer than originally anticipated.” Tim Reardon, chief economist, Housing Industry Association

SEEKING SOLUTIONS The AFPA believes there is no quick fix to the timber shortage, but that plantation expansion and management will be the key. “The capital investment to increase production cannot happen if we do not grow the plantation estate to increase the future log supply,” Hampton says. “That means that, longer term, we can boost our timber processing capacity by increasing our plantation estate today.” The association estimates Australia 16 CSS F.A.T. MAG

has about two million hectares of plantations across softwood and hardwood, but that it needs another 400,000 hectares to meet future demand. “Compounding the shortage and need for urgent action to grow the plantation estate, about 10 per cent of Australia’s one million hectare softwood estate was lost during the 2019-20 summer bushfires,” Hampton says. Given the lack of timber, Reardon expects some builders to turn to steelframed housing from manufacturing strongholds such as Wollongong in NSW. He says such steelwork accounts for about 10 to 12 per cent of home frames in Australia. Reardon says builders need a compelling reason to switch to steel, and the current timber shortage provides such a reason. “So we can expect to see a significant rise in steel-framed housing in Australia. Once builders switch to steel, they don’t switch back to timber because business relationships are formed with suppliers and if they

don’t let you down you tend to stick with them.” POSITIVE OUTLOOK While he expects Australia will by and large have to ‘wait out’ the timber shortage, Reardon says there are positive signs on the horizon of stronger timber supplies. International timber producers are lifting output, leading to significant recent price falls for timber in the US. “That’s a clear sign that the global market is back closer to a supply and demand balance.” Reardon says it typically takes three to six months for such trends to have an impact in Australia. “I think we are six months into a 12-month-long problem.” As to the role for governments, Reardon says unlocking additional forests for timber production and ramping up under-utilised mills are among the possible responses. “But this is a case where time is the necessary ingredient to solve this problem.” 

PHOTO: RFKOM - 123RF

clear that we cannot rely on imported timber to fill the gap—securing Australia’s housing timber needs must be seen as a sovereign capability priority alongside fuel and food.” Despite the timber dilemma, Reardon is confident that builders will not become idle, because so much work is already under way. “It’s going to take the industry some time to digest,” he says. “But all those homes will be built—it may just take a little longer than originally anticipated.”

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Bundaberg boatbuilder Steve Foster had several key agendas in mind as he tackled the biggest project of his career—a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. By John Burfitt

Hope floats W

“Creating this pontoon was an effort of the people of this region. I know when they eventually get to visit, they’ll be as proud as I am.” Steve Foster, owner, Oceaneer Marine Services

hen boatbuilder Steve Foster was approached two years ago about constructing the new Lady Musgrave Experience Pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, it marked something of a first in his career. With dimensions of 35 metres by 12 metres, the three-level greenpowered pontoon was the biggest project Foster and his Bundaberg-based company Oceaneer Marine Services had ever undertaken. Foster has been in the boat-building game for 34 years and founded Oceaneer in 2014. Undaunted by the scale of the giant pontoon, which was completed in August and is located on Lady Musgrave Island 65km from the Queensland coastline, Foster admits he approached the project with the same rule he always applies to all his work. “No matter what the project, I always remember the biggest jobs are actually just a lot of small jobs that need completing along the way,” he says. “This one was unlike anything we had done before, so the team and I had to step up to the task and get our heads around it. But every job is different as no two boats are exactly the same. Remembering that point is what prepared us for what was ahead.” BUILDING THE BEAST The three-level construction—two above water for activities and services, with the bottom an underwater observatory that offers up-close views of the reef and overnight accommodation—is one of the new attractions at the southern end of the Coral Coast. The pontoon can accommodate 30 guests, with an overnight stay starting

Boatbuilder Steve Foster of Oceaneer Marine Services from just under $600. The pontoon was the brainchild of Brett Lakey, managing director of the Lady Musgrave Experience. In February 2020, Lakey handed the job to Oceaneer Marine Services to turn his dream into a reality. Building the pontoon required a wide range of materials, including over 70 tonnes of aluminium and over 200km of welding for the main structure along with 28 panels of 54mm glass for the observatory. The entire structure has been built to high-spec sustainable and eco-friendly standards with a zeroimpact design that’s completely solarand wind-powered. The project became the company’s main focus for 18 months but Foster admits it presented an important opportunity not just for Oceaneer, which moved from Brisbane to Bundaberg in CSS F.A.T. MAG 19

MEMBERS IN ACTION

A project as big as the Lady Musgrave Experience Pontoon has put Foster’s Bundaberg-based company on the map.

“No matter what the project, I always remember the biggest jobs are actually just a lot of small jobs that need completing along the way.” Steve Foster, owner, Oceaneer Marine Services

2018, but also for the entire region. “A project this big has helped put our company on the map, as well as the Bundaberg region to be taken seriously in the boatbuilding world,” he says. “Working on the pontoon with so many local people helped prove you can do a project of this scale here without having to go back to Brisbane.” STAYING LOCAL Throughout the construction process, there was a focus on keeping it as local as possible, by employing up to 19 builders on site and also involving a network of tradespeople, craftsmen and suppliers. “We knew if we were really serious about keeping it local and wanted the outcome to be stamping this region as 20 CSS F.A.T. MAG

a place for quality boatbuilding, then we had to rely on the skills of the people around us,” he says. “Most of what we used was sourced locally and it was interesting to learn what other skills the people in your immediate network can do and do well. There were a few things we had to go back to Brisbane for, but overall, what we needed was sourced locally in the Wide Bay region.” One of the main suppliers to Oceaneer was the CSS member store The Bolt Place Bundaberg, one of the coast city’s fastening and hardware supply companies servicing the agricultural, building and industrial segments. Julie West, co-owner of The Bolt Place Bundaberg, says Oceaneer’s work on the Lady Musgrave Experience Pontoon was an inspiration to other businesses in the region. “When they first started work on it, I was so impressed that a small family business like theirs had the talent, knowhow and initiative to take on such a big project,” she says. “It has been a massive undertaking, and yet these guys are so understated and just keep busy, getting it done.

I think of them as a true example of ‘quiet achievers’.” West recalls the Oceaneer team dropping by the store a few times every week to collect various orders throughout the pontoon’s construction, and knows they kept other businesses just as busy. “That’s a big thing for our community, to have people committed to buying locally, first and foremost,” she says. It was the day Foster watched the pontoon be moved—piece by piece— from the Oceaneer premises to the dock at Burnett Heads and then lowered by crane into the water that signalled their mission was almost done. Once the construction was fitted in place, it required a final fit-out before the job was finally complete and the gleaming new Lady Musgrave Experience Pontoon was open and welcoming guests onboard. As for the best lesson of the experience, Foster says, “To always believe in yourself, believe in your staff and have some fun along the way. But creating this pontoon was an effort of the people of this region. I know when they eventually get to visit, they’ll be as proud as I am.” 

NOTHING IS TOUGH

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Flextool.com.au

SUPPLIER PROFILE

Sticking around

round 20 years before WWI began, Johannes Fredrich Klingspor decided to start a gluemaking business near the small German country town of Haiger. “It was in the area where they used to breed the cavalry horses for the German army,” explains Paul Hoye, managing director of Klingspor Australia Asia Pacific, “and one of the by-products was glue, made by melting down the bones of deceased horses. Of course, these days, it’s all synthetic glues and resins—but our original factory is still in the same area, 30km or so from where it started in 1893.” It was a natural progression for

22 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Klingspor to move from glue-making to abrasives—and today, Klingspor is one of the top five abrasive manufacturers in the world. It manufactures cutting and grinding discs, flap discs, fibre discs, abrasive sheets and rolls, flap wheels, diamond blades and custommade abrasive belts.

FROM GLOBAL TO LOCAL

Klingspor was European-centric to start with, but by the 1970s it had moved into the US. Divisions in Australia and South Africa followed in 2000, with the former headed up by Hoye. “There were just two people in the company when I started, and now we have 30 staff,” he says, “with three people celebrating their 20th year with

us next year.” It’s not unusual; employee longevity is something the company prides itself on. “In Germany, they take about 20 apprentices a year—many studying engineering—and a lot of them stay for their entire career,” Hoye explains. “Everybody in Haiger knows Klingspor; there are people who are fourth generation working in the factory, some of them doing the same job their grandparents did.”

DECADES OF INNOVATION Since its inception, Klingspor has introduced countless innovations in grinding equipment, including the cutting and grinding discs that came out in the 1950s.

PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KLINGSPLOR

Klingspor started out as a glue factory— and over a century on, the company is one of the top five abrasive manufacturers in the world. By Rachel Smith

Klingspor has many new products in the pipeline.

“These discs were quite groundbreaking because there wasn’t a high-speed, handheld grinding tool for metal until that point,” says Hoye. “We worked with a power-tool company called Flex, which had the technology to make the angle grinder, but not the tools to go on it—so we worked in conjunction with them to make the tools to go on the grinder. The flap-disc is another Klingspor innovation—that tool actually celebrates its 50th birthday this year. It was handmade on an aluminium hub, which was really labour-intensive and expensive. And now we’ve got machines that produce a flap-disc every three seconds and with more accuracy than any other brand.”

Although you can buy machines that make flap-discs, Klingspor’s engineers design and build the machines in-house to make their own, which is something that sets the company apart, says Hoye. “Today, the company’s German factory produces 110,000 flap-discs per day, and 350,000 cutting and grinding discs per day, and they have around 50,000 products in their portfolio overall.” In Australia, Klingspor’s Silverwater factory has also been manufacturing abrasive belts in a range of materials and sizes for the past 15 years. “There are literally thousands of machines that use these belts in all different sizes— and we have six people in our belt department making any size people

want. I think the narrowest belt we’ve made was 3mm wide, the widest we can make is 1650mm, and the longest we ever made was more than 10m long!”

KLINGSPOR’S CUSTOMERS

Klingspor Australia sell to everyone from ‘mum n’dad’ hardware stores, to huge multinationals—and everything in between. “Some of our customers spend hundreds a month and some spend hundreds of thousands, but we treat all our customers the same and people tend to like dealing with us,” says Hoye. The company also puts on training sessions for its customers so they can learn more about the tools and production process. “We test products, talk about the theory, and we do CSS F.A.T. MAG 23

SUPPLIER PROFILE “Some of our customers spend hundreds a month and some spend hundreds of thousands, but we treat all our customers the same and people tend to like dealing with us.” Paul Hoye, managing director, Klingspor Australia Asia Pacific hands-on practical training, too,” he explains. “Even people who’ve been selling abrasives for a long time come away having learned something new.”

WHAT’S ON THE WAY

COVID-19 left many companies in strife but Klingspor actually grew significantly last year—and they’ve got lots of new products in the pipeline. “Most people I talked to in manufacturing or engineering, or people supplying

24 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Having moved from glue-making to abrasives, Klingspor is now one of the top five abrasive manufacturers in the world.

construction or mining projects, seem to be busy and that was the case for us too,” says Hoye. “We’re always expanding into new areas. Five years ago that was diamond, and we opened a factory which produced very good quality diamond blades. We also just brought out a range of wire brushes which have done extremely well, and we have new products coming next year.” What would Johannes Fredrich

Klingspor think if he saw how the company had grown in the past century? “It would have blown his mind, I think!” laughs Hoye. “A lot has changed at Klingspor, but what’s stayed the same is the friendly, can-do culture we’re known for. There’s a reason our customers stay with us for a long time. We look forward to being that one-stop shop for the customers in our field, and doing more of what we do best.” 

LEGAL MATTERS

Know the rules

With construction laws and codes at state and national levels changing regularly, do you know where to find the most up-to-date information? By Meg Crawford

he regulatory framework for Australia’s construction industry is a minefield to navigate. For starters, there are national as well as state schemes, with various pieces of legislation and codes in operation throughout, governing everything from fees and charges through to planning approval and nonconforming building products. Plus, the consequences of non-compliance can be dire, including the imposition of financial penalties and loss of licenses.With this in mind, we’ve gathered a useful list of state and federal resources to keep you on top of developments. NATIONAL BUILDING ADVISORY SERVICES AUSTRALIAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (ABCC) The ABCC is the watchdog enforcing the Code for the Tendering and Performance of Building Work 2016, which applies to commonwealth funded building work. The ABCC’s website contains information about the Code and its application to

building industry participants (including subcontractors). www.abcc.gov.au/building-code AUSTRALIAN BUILDING CODES BOARD (ABCB) The ABCB is a joint government initiative responsible for the development of the National Construction Code (NCC). The NCC sets out the minimum requirements for design and construction of new building work and plumbing and drainage across all states and territories. Each state and territory has passed laws giving effect to the NCC. The ABCB has links to the NCC and a library of explanatory resources, as well as offering continuing professional development courses. www.abcb.gov.au/ STATE BUILDING ADVISORY SERVICES ACT GOVERNMENT The ACT maintains the ‘Build, buy or renovate’ website, which contains everything construction industry participants may need to know about

working in the territory, including information about applicable legislation and licensing requirements. www.planning.act.gov.au/build-buyrenovate VICTORIAN BUILDING AUTHORITY (VBA) The VBA governs Victoria’s building a nd plumbing industries, which are regulated by the Building Act 1993. The VBA provides information and resources about the Building Act, as well as the other laws and regulations applicable in Victoria, including the NCC. www.vba.vic.gov.au/ SERVICE NSW Service NSW (formerly the Department of Customer Service) operates a Building Code Advisory Service to provide general information and a dvice about the NCC and related matters. www.service.nsw.gov.au/ services/business-industriesand-employment/building-andconstruction-industry CSS F.A.T. MAG 25

LEGAL MATTERS

QUEENSLAND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (QBCC) The QBCC regulates Queensland’s building industry. The QBCC’s site contains a ready reference covering everything from licences and building requirements, through to complaints and offences, and provides handy tools. www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/ SA.GOV.AU In South Australia, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and associated Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 set the development and building framework. The website contains links to and summaries of the relevant requirements. www.sa.gov.au/topics/planningand-property/land-and-propertydevelopment/building-rulesregulations-and-information DEPARTMENT OF MINES, INDUSTRY REGULATION AND SAFETY (DOM) The Building and Energy unit, which sits within the broader DOM, oversees the building, building surveying, electrical, gas, painting, and plumbing industries in 26 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Western Australia. Further, it maintains responsibility for resolution of building service and payment disputes. The website has a useful list of information about building codes (including the NCC) and relevant Australian Standards. www.commerce.wa.gov.au/buildingand-energy/compliance-buildingstandards CONSUMER, BUILDING AND OCCUPATIONAL SERVICES (CBOS) CBOS administers Tasmania’s Building Act 2016, as well as other relevant construction laws. It’s a source of straightforward information about everything from security for payment through to building in hazardous areas. www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/ technical-regulation/buildingstandards BUILDING PRACTITIONERS BOARD The primary laws regulating the Northern Territory building industry are the Building Act 1993 (Building Act), and the Building Regulations. The Building Act established the BPB, which regulates building practitioners. The BPB’s website contains links to relevant laws and has information and forms for registration. bpb.nt.gov.au/

MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATIONS MASTER BUILDERS Master Builders is a representative body for the building and construction industry, with branches across the country. Membership provides access to legal, financial, OH&S, industrial relations, technical, registration, insurance and training specialists. Further, Master Builders provides access to codes and other relevant legislative requirements. www.masterbuilders.com.au/Home CFMEU Many tradespeople and labourers may become members with the CFMEU, the relevant union in Australia’s construction industry. It has state branches across the country, as well as a national umbrella body. It provides information to members about workplace rights, and represents its members in various matters. cg.cfmeu.org/ HOUSING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (HIA) The HIA is a membership association for building professionals in the home building industry. As well as advocating for its members, it provides a wealth of information about industry standards and regulations. hia.com.au/ 

TECH TALK

A cut above Efficient, long-lasting and fast, diamond-cutting blades are designed to take on the toughest jobs. By Frank Leggett

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

iamond-cutting blades are specifically designed to cut particular materials such as granite, tiles, sandstone and bricks. Popular across all types of trades, they get the job done easily and quickly. WHAT’S SO SPECIAL? By utilising the correct diamond blade, the user has a faster, longer-lasting cutting blade than a reinforced abrasive wheel. The diamonds used on cutting blades are manufactured at high temperatures under high pressure. Quality diamond blades have the diamond segments fixed with a laser welding process rather than just being pressed into the steel core. “It’s a good idea to look for the Organisation for the Safety of Abrasives (oSa) symbol which ensures products are made to the highest standards in the world,” says Paul Hoye, managing director at Klingspor Australia. “The symbol also means that the

manufacturer carries global product liability insurance.” RIGHT BLADE FOR THE JOB There’s no point beating around the bush—diamond blades are expensive. There is also a significant price difference between sintered and laser welded diamond blades. Choosing the correct diamond blade depends on the material to be cut and the needs of the user. “A handyman with a small tiling or paving job may choose the cheaper sintered blade,” says Andrew Dowling, operations manager at Pferd Australia. “A tiling or paving contractor who uses the blades continually is likely to go for the laser welded type. In general, a quality laser welded diamond blade will give around 35 per cent more life than a quality sintered diamond blade.” When deciding on the best option, turn to blade suppliers such as Klingspor, Pferd and Saint-Gobain. They provide guides and clear instructions that match blades

to applications. “Norton Clipper brand blades use a colour-coding system on the packaging so the end user can quickly identify which blade they need to select,” says Matthew Redman, product manager at Saint-Gobain Abrasives. TYPES OF BLADES There are three types of diamond blades—segmented, continuous and turbo. Each has applications to which they are highly suitable and often they can be used in multiple situations. For example, slate can be cut with all three types of blades whereas ceramic tiles should only be cut with a continuous blade. Matching the right blade to the material is essential in ensuring a clean cut and a maximum life span for the blade. SEGMENTED This type of diamond blade is characterised by the deep cut-outs, or segments, around the edge. These CSS F.A.T. MAG 27

TECH TALK

allow air flow to cool the blade core and for debris to move away from the cut. That’s why this blade is often used for dry cutting. “Segmented blades result in the roughest cut,” says Andrew Dowling. “A segmented rim is perfect for concrete, brick, limestone and other hard or reinforced materials. Trying to use this type of blade on materials, such as tile, usually results in a chipped or low-quality finish.” CONTINUOUS A continuous rim doesn’t contain segments or cut-outs. Generally, it’s only used for wet cutting as water cools the blade and removes debris from the cut. A continuous rim cuts slower but produces the highest quality cut. These blades are often used with granite, marble, ceramic tile and porcelain. “Continuous rim blades are required for a good quality finish,” says Matthew 28 CSS F.A.T. MAG

“In general, a quality laser welded diamond blade will give around 35 per cent more life than a quality sintered diamond blade.” Andrew Dowling, operations manager, Pferd Australia Redman. “The flat continuous surface means there are no shocks against the material that could create chips. This type of blade is particularly suitable for tiles that need a perfect finish.” TURBO The turbo is a segmented blade but with smaller cut-out segments. It can be used in wet or dry applications and often has small holes towards the inside of the blade to increase cooling. It gives a better finish than a segmented rim but won’t cut through the hardest materials. “The turbo is a good all-rounder,” says Paul Hoye. “They are suitable for most materials but are not as aggressive as the segmented blade, or as smooth cutting

as the continuous rim.” BLADE SAFETY An important point to remember is that diamond blades are sensitive to heat during the cutting process. Excessive heat can lead to segment loss, core warpage and cracking. Water as a coolant should be used whenever possible and dry cutting requires frequent stopping and free running to cool the blade. All abrasive cutting must be performed with an emphasis on safety. All blades should be inspected thoroughly before starting to cut. Appropriate PPE must be worn, including safety glasses, face shield, gloves, respiratory protection and safety boots. It’s also important that the speed of the power tool does not exceed the recommended safe speed of the wheel or blade. Never force the cut—use low pressure to avoid excessive heat generation and overloading the abrasive. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. All abrasives salespeople can instruct you on the most suitable cutting blade to achieve the best possible result. 

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Choosing the correct diamond blade depends on the material to be cut and the needs of the user. When deciding on the best option, turn to blade suppliers such as Klingspor, Pferd and Saint-Gobain. They provide guides and clear instructions that match blades to applications.

ADVERTORIAL

THINK GREEN IN YOUR WORKING GLOVE GIVE RECYCLING A CHANCE

lastic waste pollution is a serious global issue. With an especially severe impact on our marine environments. An estimated 300 million tons of plastic waste is produced globally each year. Each year Australians throw away almost 400 million plastic bottles. Only 30-40% are recycled leaving a whopping 240 million bottles for landfill. Support Pro Choice Safety Gear THINK GREEN gloves and give plastic bottles a better life. For every pair of Pro Choice Safety Gear THINK GREEN gloves made, approximately 1.3 plastic bottles can be recycled and 14g CO2 can be reduced. By using recycled fiber, biodegradable plastic bags, low plastic content packaging, recycled paper and waterbased inks, we bring environmentally

friendly gloves to your work site. Read more about the process below:

RECYCLE FIBER GLOVE

By replacing 100% of conventional fibres with recycled fibres, our gloves maintain excellent dexterity, durability and comfort. Think Green Gloves are also GRS (Global Recycle Standard) Certified. Pro Choice Safety Gear THINK GREEN products pays attention to Environmental Protection, Resource Conservation and Compliance with SRRD Principals: Safe/Reduce/Recycle/ Degradable

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plastic content.

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CSS F.A.T. MAG 29

ADVERTORIAL

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE. DRIVEN BY SAFETY. THE NEXT GENERATION MILWAUKEE® ANGLE GRINDERS

or Milwaukee Tool, there is nothing more important that understanding the needs and daily challenges of professional tradespeople. This is why the company continuously designs solutions that improve the lives of their users by making work easier, safer, and more productive. Their next generation range of M18 FUEL™ Angle Grinders are no exception. The M18 FUEL™ 125mm Angle Grinder with Deadman Paddle Switch (M18FAG125XPD-0) and the M18 FUEL™ 125mm Braking Angle Grinder with Deadman Paddle Switch (M18FAG125XPDB-0) are the next advancement in power, fast cutting, and most importantly, in safety. Milwaukee Tool is strengthening its grinder range by providing important safety features. Both M18 FUEL™ angle grinders offer E-Clutch with kickback

30 CSS F.A.T. MAG

prevention, designed to monitor performance and shut down the tool if an overload condition is detected. The M18 FUEL™ 125 mm (5”) Braking Angle Grinder has RAPIDSTOP™ for fast disc braking in less than 2 seconds. Users of corded grinders are often sceptical about whether cordless grinders can match cut speed and performance of their corded counterparts. The next generation M18 FUEL™ Angle Grinders deliver that power and speed while giving you the cordless benefits of being compact, lightweight and with a balanced design for comfort. Not to mention the Deadman Paddle Switch designed for easy manoeuvrability in various positions. With the broad range of materials that grinders are used to cut, users need to be able to get through most heavy duty material quickly and effortlessly. While the lightweight, more compact

design provides greater balance and feel compared to the previous generation of Milwaukee Angle Grinders, it also gives users an extra 5G per minute of steel removal compared to the previous model, demonstrating Milwaukee Tool’s ongoing commitment to product innovation Users have begun to heavily rely on their cordless tools out in the field and being able to get through their day without needing to change their batteries is important for their productivity. When paired with the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ION HIGH OUTPUT™ 6.0Ah Battery Pack, the M18 FUEL™ Angle Grinders can provide up to 135 cuts per charge in 12.7 mm (½”) rebar. Users can get an entire day’s work The new M18 FUEL™ Grinders are fully compatible with the entire M18™ line, now offering more than 120 solutions on one battery system. For ease of use, these grinders feature

tool-free adjustable guards and the FIXTEC™ Nut system allows for tool-free accessory changes with quick release which reduces the amount of time to remove and fasten tight cutting and grinding discs to angle grinders. M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding trades in the world, with these grinders built for industrial and construction applications. Remove weld beads and lumps; cut rebar, threaded rods, corrugated iron and fencing; and bevel pipe and other materials. These angle grinders are suitable for professionals in fabrication, heavy machinery repair, fencing and roof installation. Book in a visit with the Milwaukee Job Site Solutions (JSS) team to try the next generation M18 FUEL™ angle grinders at milwaukeetool.com.au  CSS F.A.T. MAG 31

ADVERTORIAL

THE CLEANEST CUT

n 2019, Austsaw introduced a new range of multi material saw blades onto the Australian market. The RaiderX multi-material blade was the result of two years of development work and involved testing blades from all major brands currently available on the Australian market. This development resulted in the RaiderX multi-material blade being capable of cutting up to 2x the life of similar blades on the market. The aim in developing the RaiderX multi-material blade, was to achieve class leading performance, at a price affordable to every trade user. Each blade features premium grade TCT teeth precision ground to a triple chip design for controlled cutting, and an anti-friction coating which ensures the blade to runs cooler, extending the blade life and resulting in a clean, fast cut every time. These blades were developed to cut

32 CSS F.A.T. MAG

a wide range of materials. Originally focused on cutting Aluminium, and then widened out to Plastic, MDF and Chipboard. Ultimately, we have found the RaiderX multi-material blade to be the most effective blade for cutting Composite Decking. Composite Decking is rapidly becoming the most popular choice for outdoor decking in Australia. Durable and long lasting, composite decking is seen as the hassle-free alternative to traditional timber decking. Most composite decking is manufactured from a mixture of natural wood fibers and plastic or resin binders. When cut with a TCT circular saw blade, the presence of abrasive plastic and resin in the decking material contributes to a faster wear rate on the TCT teeth of the blade. Sharp saw blades are essential for working with composite decking products to maintain clean, smooth,

sharp and accurate cuts. In April 2020, Sheffield undertook a test using one of Australia’s leading brands of composite decking – Trex. The RaiderX multi-material blade was chosen for this test, with the objective to prove its suitability and life expectancy cutting the abrasive composite material. 3000 cuts were made on a 255mm mitre saw, with the cut quality being checked every 100 cuts. After 3000 cuts, the RaiderX multi-material blade was still producing a perfect clean cut – as good as the very first cut, and we have no doubt the same blade would be capable of thousands more perfect cuts. For a decking contractor, this will give the confidence that the RaiderX multimaterial blades will be a perfect choice for composite decking projects, lasting for many jobs and giving an extremely low cost per cut. 

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ADVERTORIAL

RAMSET’S SEISMIC ANCHORING RANGE

stablished in Australia sixty years ago, Ramset™ has built a strong and enviable reputation for developing, manufacturing and supplying the building and construction industry with leading edge drilling, anchoring and fixing products. Ramset™ develops and manufactures a significant portion of its product range in Australia for both local and overseas markets. Ramset™ also extensively and rigorously tests the performance of all its anchoring products here in Australia.

NEW ANKASCREW™ XTREM™

Ramset™ brings you the new AnkaScrew™ Xtrem™. This new range builds on to the well-established Wercs™ AnkaScrew™ range. Ramset’s AnkaScrew™ Xtrem™ range comes with two ETA certifications which covers extreme anchoring conditions, uncracked to seismic C2 concrete & fire exposure. The range features:

 European Technical Approval – ETA  Seismic Rating – C1 & C2  Fire Exposure  Easy to install and remove

NEW 100-YEAR WORKING LIFE ETA FOR CHEMSETTM RANGE:

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FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MORE POWER.

hen a demanding job requires an extra boost in performance, DEWALT® XR® FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ has it covered. This revolutionary technology has been designed by DEWALT engineers to enable 18V XR tools with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE to recognise an XR FLEXVOLT battery, unlocking up to 77% more power when needed to complete more challenging applications. Not only does this feature deliver additional power when required on tougher jobs, but it increases the 34 CSS F.A.T. MAG

versatility and runtime of the equipment, too – allowing an 18V XR product to handle a host of different applications, and significantly enhancing the flexibility and productivity of the professional’s toolkit. DEWALT has built XR FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE technology into five new high-specification products, which will be available from April 2021. Each model delivers the performance of corded combined with the freedom of cordless operation and is equipped an electronic module that detects the presence of an XR FLEXVOLT battery, as well as an efficient, brushless, high-power density

motor suitable for carrying out heavier applications. l Ground-breaking DEWALT® XR® FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE™ technology unlocks up to 77% more power l Innovative electronic module enables a DEWALT 18V XR tool to recognise an XR FLEXVOLT battery and unleash additional power when required l Allows DEWALT 18V XR products to leverage XR FLEXVOLT performance to complete more challenging applications without changing tools l Increases versatility and potential to tackle different applications by escalating power output accordingly. 

ADVERTORIAL

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WORKER HEAT STRESS AND DEHYDRATION?

id you know it only takes 2% of dehydration to result in up to a 50% decrease in work and mental performance! To ensure a safe working environment, an adequate supply of cool drinking water and providing electrolytes such as Sqwincher® is crucial for the prevention of dehydration, heat stress, injury and in the worst cases death. Sqwincher® has served Australian workers since 1999 and is a recognised leader in providing safe and effective electrolyte replenishment products that promote fast hydration and good health. Create a safer & more productive working environment by making Sqwincher® an essential part of your heat stress management plans. Not only do the Sqwincher® products taste great, are low in sodium, and are available in regular, frozen and sugar free options, but they are also certified under the BRC global standard for food

Sqwincher Qwik Stiks (left) and Fast Packs. safety. The range includes a variety of flavours in the following products: Liquid Concentrate – Designed to help replenish fluids and electrolytes, keeping people with hard working lifestyles going. Low sodium, caffeine free and gluten free. Sizes available: 2L (mixes up to 20L) and 500mL (mixes up to 5L). Qwik Stiks – Portion control sachets for on-the-go-use. Just add one Qwik Stik to a 600mL water bottle, shake and enjoy! Fast Pack – Easy to use on-the-go

electrolyte enhanced beverage. Simply tear off the top of the packet, fill with water to the indicated line on the pack, and enjoy your drink straight from the pack. Frozen Sqweeze Pops – provides electrolytes for your body and helps to cool down your core body temperature fast with its frozen format. Hydration that works! To place an order or for further information on the Sqwincher range, contact your CSS Member store. 

A SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR TEMPORARY HAND RAILS

Safety Boot A re-usable, cost effective base for constructing free-standing temporary guardrails. - Complies with requirements of AS/NZ4994.1:2009 and AS1657-2013 - Easy set up and take down - Can be used on most base materials

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ADVERTORIAL

DECK ENVY IS HERE

here is nothing more Australian than throwing a snag on the BBQ, and there is nothing more enjoyable than spending a summers day out on your deck with family and friends. However, while the Aussie sun can be great, it can also be harsh on your timber decking. Timber decks exposed to the elements are at risk from harmful UV rays, which can not only lead to cosmetic problems, such as discoloration and greying, but structural issues as well. Impact-A’s new Deck Envy rejuvenates, cleans and restores natural timber. It contains surfactants to remove dirt, oil, grease, algae and mould while restoring the natural colour to your timber. It is biodegradable and Australian Made, so

you know it’s ideal for Aussie conditions. Deck Envy is also perfect for preparing your deck before applying the topcoat. It can be used on existing timber to ensure a clean surface before oiling or staining, and is ideal for removing naturally occurring tannins in new timber. Deck Envy is easy to use. Simply mix one part Deck Envy to four parts water, then using a stiff brush, scrub the mixture into the area to be cleaned. Wait 10 minutes, then hose off. Depending on the stain, you may need to repeat the process. Breathe new life into your deck with Impact-A Deck Envy and be the envy of your neighbours for years to come.  Available from your local CSS Member store.

DECK ENVY OUTDOOR TIMBER PREP/CLEANER Rejuvenates, cleans, and restores natural timber, and is perfect for preparing your deck before applying the topcoat.

BE THE ENVY OF YOUR NEIGHBOURS Australian Made & available now from your local CSS Member store.

36 CSS F.A.T. MAG

ADVERTORIAL

DY-MARK’S SPRAY & MARK

y-Mark’s Spray & Mark is a fast drying, premium marking out paint and the ultimate writing tool for use out in the field. Spray & Mark is an acrylic based paint with a toluene free formula. Specially formulated to provide long lasting, crisp marks. Its high opacity, high quality, true colour pigment loading ensures vibrant colours making it ideal for marking out applications in construction, landscaping, civil works and surveying. Spray & Mark is also available in a Water-based formula. With low VOC and low odour this toluene free formula also has a 360 degree valve which can be used in both upright and inverted applications to mark both overhead or ground surfaces. Spray & Mark will ensure you will have highly visible, crisp sharp marks with

coverage up to 120 linear metres per can depending on surface and colour used. Spray & Mark and Spray & Mark

Dy-Mark’s Spray & Mark range is formulated to provide long-lasting, crisp marks..

Water-based can be used with DyMark’s Long Arm Handle and Dy-Mark’s 2 Wheel Spot Marking Handle, for ease of reach and marking. 

Spray & Mark® Black 350g

40013501

Spray & Mark® Red 350g

40013502

Spray & Mark Blue 350g

40013503

Spray & Mark® Green 350g

40013504

Spray & Mark® Yellow 350g

40013505

Spray & Mark® Orange 350g

40013506

Spray & Mark® White 350g

40013511

Spray & Mark Grey 350g

40013513

Spray & Mark® Violet 350g

40013558

Spray & Mark® Fluoro Red 350g

40013522

Spray & Mark® Fluoro Blue 350g

40013523

Spray & Mark® Fluoro Green 350g

40013524

Spray & Mark Fluoro Yellow 350g

40013525

Spray & Mark Fluoro Orange 350g

40013526

Spray & Mark® Fluoro Violet 350g

40013528

Spray & Mark® Fluoro Pink 350g

40013529

® ®

CSS F.A.T. MAG 37

ADVERTORIAL

THREAD INSERTS THERE ARE MORE OPTIONS AVAILABLE THAN YOU

MIGHT THINK AND SELECTING THE RIGHT ONE FOR THE JOB IS CRITICAL.

hread inserts are not just used to repair broken threads. They are also used in OEM applications to strengthen Standard Bolt threads in softer materials such as aluminium and magnesium. Because they are available in several forms it can be confusing as to which type should be selected for a particular job and why. PowerCoil ‘wire thread’ inserts are the most well known and also the most versatile. To the uninitiated they might look like a simple spring, but in fact they are created with a specific diamond profile to suit the thread type required (Metric Coarse, UNC, BSW, etc). Wire thread inserts also have a ‘tang’ at one end to aid installation. So what are the advantages of Bolt with Standard Bolt wire thread inserts? Firstly, they PowerCoil insert are inexpensive when compared to other inserts, simple to install, yet extremely tough, wear resistant and corrosion resistant. Secondly, they allow the stress loading from the bolt or similar threaded part to be more evenly distributed over the threads in the parent material, as the illustration shows. Bolt with Loksert threaded inserts are manufactured PowerCoileither insert from solid C1215 carbon steel or solid AISI303 stainless steel. They have pre-assembled dove-tailed locking keys which are driven into the parent material to create a positive mechanical lock against rotation. This makes Lokserts ideal for applications where there is heavy wear and vibration such as the transport industry, mining, earthmoving and military equipment. They are used in high volume OEM applications such as railway carriages, transmission housings and suspension units. One other advantage of Lokserts is that standard taps can be used to install them rather than the specialized STI taps used with PowerCoil inserts. This can mean a cost saving when an insert is required for low volume thread repair. Bondserts are not well known in Australia but they should be. They are a simple and fast solution to a stronger fastener assembly in virtually any ferrous metal. Wind the insert into the tapped hole and the microencapsulated adhesive begins to set, and the newly installed inserts are fastener ready in 3-5 minutes. Maximum insert strength is achieved in 72 hours, at which point the Loctite™ 204 adhesive also seals against liquids and gases up to 6,000 psi. Tapserts complete the picture. They are self-tapping inserts that are driven into a pre-formed or pre-drilled retaining hole. The cutting slots effectively tap the hole as the insert is wound into the parent material. Tapserts are ideal for use in low shear strength materials such as alloys, plastics and castings. 50% 25% 12% 6% 3% 2%

50% 25% 12% 6% 3% 2%

30% 22% 17% 13% 10% 8%

38 CSS F.A.T. MAG

Whatever your thread insert requirement, Bordo has the expertise to help you select the most suitable type and guide you through the installation process.  For more information on Thread Inserts contact your CSS Member Store.

ADVERTORIAL

WORKING WITH STEEL FRAMES?

ccording to Australian Construction Insights, as of September 2018, lightweight steel represents approximately 14 per cent of residential structural framing. Fast forward to June 2021, and with the influences of the Australian bushfires of 2019-20, COVID 19 and other environmental and economic factors, lightweight steel construction has been in many cases the answer to an ever-growing timber shortage across Australia. Building successfully in steel requires a carefully selected combination of the right products, optimised design, and specialised engineering, making the ICCONS® Structnail® range of innovative steel-frame fasteners a game changer in this space. The Structnail®, Gripshank™ SuperSharpy™ branded nails are specifically designed and engineered for installation for a wide range of materials and provide excellent pull-out loads into steel frame sections as thin as 0.55mm. The engineered SuperSharpy™ point

and Gripshank™ knurling create an instant fused connection that is impressively simple. Paired with a regular 15° pneumatic nail gun, users find installation speed that is unmatched by traditional screw or riveting systems. FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF USING STRUCTNAIL® INCLUDE: l Pneumatic driven for rapid and easy install l Helical design for high performance in steel l Standard collation to fit multiple 15-degree coil nailer brands

l Engineered point for fastening into 0.55mm to 2.5mm steel l PT2000™ coating for external applications to category 3 ensuring warranty l Made in the USA l 6-8 times faster installation than conventional methods l No pre-drilling required l Approved with industry leading cladding systems such as James Hardie™ and Weathertex™ l Perfect for both on-site and offsite installation (prefab steel frame construction) ICCONS® Structnail®, Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ come complete with approvals for use with major players in the cladding space – James Hardie™ and Weathertex™. Product specifications can be found in their technical supplements online.  For more information or an onsite demonstration on how Structnail® can help with your next project, contact your local ICCONS® representative via the website: www.iccons.com.au

CSS Structnail Ad Half Page 127x185mm_Layout 1 6/08/2021 3:32 PM Page 1

Working with Steel Frames? FIXING MADE EASY.

Search ‘Structnail’ online or go to iccons.com.au

Nail head identiﬁcation for quality assurance and traceability Helical shank design for high performance in steel PT2000 proprietary external coating for category 3 environments

Innovative steel frame fasteners for rapid fixing applications such as cladding, flooring and fit out. Comes complete with approvals with major players. James Hardie Technical Supplement Structnail® Gripshank™ Supersharpy™ September 2020

Engineered point for fastening into 0.55 to 2.5mm steel

6-8 times faster installation than conventional methods TM

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STEEL-FRAMED HOUSING INC.

Proud Member of the National Association of Steel-framed Housing Inc.

www.iccons.com.au CSS F.A.T. MAG 39

PUZZLES

Monster Crossword 1

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Brought to you by

ACROSS 1. Stipulate 6. Moot 11. Goes to bed 15. Ethiopia’s capital, Addis ... 16. Rainforest vine 17. Haughtier 18. Animal expert 21. Romantic US falls 22. Hung in folds 23. Linking 24. Warm (leftovers) 28. Deceased 30. Ireland’s ... Fein 32. Immensely 35. Vigil 37. Ethereal being 38. Frogman’s gear 40. Mention in passing (5,2) 43. Entrails 45. Emit 47. Garden figurine 48. Moisturiser (4,5) 52. Misery 53. Sermonisers 56. Geronimo’s tribe 58. Simpler 60. Treading heavily 61. Incidental comment 62. Away from the centre 64. Informer 65. Slime 67. Squid 69. Bus path 72. Caribou 75. Skeleton photograph (1-3) 77. Beaten by tennis serve 78. Saintly glow 79. Solemn vow 81. Increase 83. Couch 84. Carrion 86. Hindu garment 87. Capri & Wight 90. Grey-faced 92. Entity 93. Eight-piece ensembles 95. Wigs 96. Roller coaster, big ... 98. Skillets 99. Considered 100. Bonnie’s crime partner 101. Thoroughfare 102. Weight unit 103. Chaff 104. Transport by truck 106. Zigzag (through traffic) 110. Rock veins 113. Extinct bird 115. Narrows 116. Not any place 117. High regard 118. Cream (off)

119. Exams 122. Scat! 125. Healing gel, aloe ... 126. Positive 127. Hygienic 129. Large lizard 130. Loch ... Monster 131. Sphere 132. Travel permit 133. Spent 134. Depot 137. Distribute 138. Filthiest 142. Et cetera 143. Young lion 145. Miniature hourglass (3,5) 146. Hurry, make ... 149. Tolerable 151. Banished from own country 152. Of the stars 154. Mountainous region 156. Toothed fastener 157. Villains 159. Field barrier 161. Finnish steam bath 163. Toronto is there 168. Moderate (4,3) 171. Film award 172. Tinier 176. Potatoes 177. Noddy creator, Enid ... 180. Spoils 181. Achieve 183. Mouth roof 187. Spicy winter drink 188. Income 190. Beer factory 191. Kin 192. Unconscious 193. Margins 194. Invalidate 195. Portable steps 196. Fleeting 197. Breathed out DOWN 1. Fantastic 2. Beginning of era 3. Sri Lanka’s neighbour 4. Three feet 5. Fiery pepper sauce 6. Stunned 7. Refer 8. Sardonyx month 9. Singer, ... John 10. Starchy pudding 11. Phoned 12. Jewelled crown 13. Respond 14. Peeling (of skin) 19. Dedicatory poems 20. Auld Lang ... 25. The self 26. Floor show host

27. Couple 29. Mimicked 31. Formerly Persia 32. Delivery vehicle 33. Destroy 34. Liquid-crystal display (1,1,1) 36. Actress, ... Jolie 39. Cut in half 40. Clump 41. Citizen living overseas 42. Meat- & planteating 44. Passable (2-2) 46. Sheep 47. Urged on, ... up 49. Elizabeth actress, ... Blanchett 50. Pause punctuation mark 51. Tycoons 53. Jurisdiction 54. Fad 55. Whirlpool 57. Loathing 59. Sea north of Crete 63. Muddles (5,2) 66. Embarrassed 67. Disbelievers 68. Layabout 70. Repulsive 71. Melted 73. Break free 74. Brighter (future) 76. Rocket science 80. Planet watchers 82. Essence 85. Pop artist, ... Warhol 88. Boarders 89. Filters 90. Convinces 91. Vocal critic 94. Electroshock weapon 97. Runs in neutral 104. Cry of praise 105. Most unconvincing 106. Soggier 107. ... spumante 108. Guzzles 109. Seen-before sensation (4,2) 111. Protest march 112. Walk with regular pace 113. Pious 114. Incessantly (2,3,2) 120. Entraps 121. Cloths & serviettes (5,5) 123. Climbing with difficulty 124. Cordial 127. Trite phrase 128. Nephews & ... 135. Laud 136. Keepsakes 139. Mentally pictured 140. Conservative

141. Excited 144. Floating ice sheet 147. Wood-dressing tool 148. Soft knocks 150. Lake Erie state 153. American air force (1,1,1,1) 155. Nucleus 158. Actor, Ryan ... (1’4) 160. Burlesque actress 162. Zone 164. Nought 165. Charged particle 166. Painter, Vincent ... (3,4) 167. Pulls (muscle) 169. Egyptian cobra 170. Lard 172. Weekly pay 173. Property 174. Catch fire 175. Price hike 177. Biblical tower 178. Succumb 179. Corpulent 180. Signalling (code) 182. Of the nose 184. Flooded (of decks) 185. In vain, to no ... 186. Correct (text) 187. Peepers 189. Festive season cake, ... log

Sudoku 

CSS F.A.S.T. MAG 41

SOLUTIONS

Brought to you by

Sudoku  Top Words

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POLY WOVEN Strapping

the safer alternative to steel strapping IT’s Safer

IT’s Stronger

• Rolls are up to 1/4 the weight of Steel Strapping • No sharp edges to cut your hands on

• Tested and rated to 1100kg breaking strain (steel rates at only 904kg)

Scan the QR code to watch this video

It lasts longer • Buckles and Strapping won’t rust • Strapping is usable even if folded or tied in a knot !

POLY WOVEN STRAPPING A SAFER OPTION TO STEEL

STARTER KIT

POLY WOVEN STRAPPING POLY WOVEN STRAPPING A SAFER OPTION TO STEEL

A SAFER OPTION TO STEEL

STARTER KIT KIT INCLUDES:

• • • • • • RATED TO 1100KG BREAKING Code: 10028

1 x 62m x 20mm coil 100 x heavy duty buckles 1 x ratchet tensioner 1 x tool box 1 x manual tensioner Instruction sheet

STRAIN

www.constructionsupply.com.au Impact-A brand is owned

and distributed by CSS

STARTER KIT POLY WOVEN STRAPPING A SAFER OPTION TO STEEL

STARTER KIT KIT INCLUDES:

• • • • • • RATED TO 1100KG

1 x 62m x 20mm coil 100 x heavy duty buckles 1 x ratchet tensioner 1 x tool box 1 x manual tensioner Instruction sheet

BREAKING STRAIN

Code: 10028

www.constructionsupply.com.au Impact-A brand is owned

RATED TO 1100KG BREAKING Code: 10028

and distributed by

CSS

STRAIN

KIT INCLUDES:

• • • • • •

1 x 62m x 20mm coil 100 x heavy duty buckles 1 x ratchet tensioner 1 x tool box 1 x manual tensioner Instruction sheet

RATED TO 1100KG BREAKING Code: 10028

STRAIN

KIT INCLUDES:

• • • • • •

1 x 62m x 20mm coil 100 x heavy duty buckles 1 x ratchet tensioner 1 x tool box 1 x manual tensioner Instruction sheet

www.constructionsupply.com.au Impact-A brand is owned and distributed

by CSS

www.constructionsupply.com.au Impact-A brand is owned and distributed

by CSS

Strapping is easily lifting 550kg

Rated to 1100kg breaking strain

Get started with an Impact-A starter kit

42 CSS F.A.S.T. MAG

Won’t cut hands, and is easily disposed of

New R e le a s e

LX3DG M u lt i - L i n e L as er

lx25GP l i n e & dot

lx22G c ro s s l i n e

L a s er

L as er

5°

PreciseAlign™ Up to 5° Fine Adjustment for precise 90° set out on LX3DG.

5.2Ah Lithium battery Swaps to all LX22, LX25P and LX3D models, with USB-C fast charge.

360° Layout Horizontal and vertical 360° layout on LX3DG.

pu re p r eci si o n . . .

Job Site Tough Rugged housing designed for construction sites.

CERTIFICATE

CSS STORE LOCATIONS CSS member stores are recognised by their ‘Proud Member of CSS sign’ displayed on their building. Be rest assured that the business displaying the sign is a trusted distributor of quality products that are backed by exceptional knowledge, service and support. These stores might all be independent traders, but due to their alliance with the CSS group, they work as a collective and can offer a national distribution opportunity for customers who require it.

If you need a national supply arrangement for your business, contact your nearest CSS member store.

NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

WORKPLACE

SUPPLIES

NT THE

TRADEMAN’S toolbox

QLD VICTORIA

SA WESTERN AUSTRALIA

NSW FASTENERS & CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES

VIC NORTHERN TERRITORY

TAS TASMANIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA Visit Us At: constructionsupply.com.au