What Tradies Want August - September 2022

LONGER LIFETIME 135% WITH BOSCH COOLPACK 2.0

MORE POWER 87%

COMPATIBLE 100% TO 85+ BOSCH BLUE 18V PRODUCTS

Kurt M Quambusch

Contributing Editor Tom Foster tom@maynemedia.com.au

Group Content Editor Jamie Gray jamie@maynemedia.com.au

– page 52

Group Sales Manager Mitch Newell mitch@maynemedia.com.au

National Advertising Manager Sineade Sullivan sineade@maynemedia.com.au

Tough tests

Art Director Paul Cook art@maynemedia.com.au

Contributors Luke Kennedy, Tim O’Reilly, Craig Henderson, Iain Curry

KANGO DRILL BIT RANGES

82: RIDGID RP 350 AND RP 351 PRESS TOOLS

84. CRESCENT LUFKIN 100-FOOT/30M PROFESSIONAL CHALK REEL

Photographers Jamie Gray, Tim O’Reilly,

“It takes a team effort to dominate racetracks around the globe.”

K.I.S.S

Tom Foster – Editor

I’m often reminded of an old story where the early astronauts had difficulty making notes and keeping records.

According to this old yarn – and I’m not asserting there’s any truth in it – without gravity doing its thing the good old ball-point pen wouldn’t work. The ink wouldn’t flow.

The NASA engineers of the time analysed the problem and, in the spirit of ‘the space age’ came up with a solution: a pen was designed with a micro-pump system.

When the astronauts needed to add a few items to the to-do list, they could press down on the pen’s tip a few times. That would activate a tiny plunger to mechanically pressure up an incredibly small tank in the top of the hermetically sealed pen, thus forcing the ink down to the ball point and out onto the page. There was no air in a space capsule at that time of course, so a system had to be devised to make an inert gas available to the pump, and I think last time I heard the story it was argon.

The pressure in the tank inside the pen had to be kept within critically tight parameters. A smidge too much and Armstrong and his mates would have to spend the rest of trip pushing blobs of specially formulated ink around the cramped interior of the lunar module. Not enough pressure and the thing wouldn’t work.

But our American chums did it. Millions of dollars were spent, a pen which would work in space was designed, the problems solved and the ancillary systems installed. It was a monumental victory for modern science and engineering.

The Russians, confronted with the same problem, issued the cosmonauts with pencils.

It’s a fun story from long ago, but the lesson is still valid: look for simple solutions.

We’re becoming a market segment constantly being trained to look to apps or increasingly specific and expensive tools to get jobs done. It’s the way things are, and as margins tighten and customer expectations and demands rise, it’s the way things must be.

But don’t forget to look for simple solutions to odd, one-off problems first. It can be too easy to get carried away with glittering tools and high-spec technology. A tradies’ skill with raw materials is what makes them so valuable and sought after in the first place. Don’t let that slip away, or in time there may not be a need for real people to do the work at all.

ALWAYS ON GUARD.

STOCKADE SERIES BULL BARS

BUILT TO LAST IN TOUGH AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS

The Bocar Stockade series bull bars combine style and functionality, making this bull bar the perfect frontal protection system for your 4x4. Featuring a strong steel construction and 63mmø tubing, this bull bar is always on guard for anything you can throw at it.

Bocar bullbars are covered by a 2-year 40,000km warranty, giving you piece of mind to get on with the job.

Greek fella Nikolas Plytas had an idea to wakeboard through a watery narrow crack on Milos – an island over there in Greekland somewhere – and reckoned he needed special equipment to do the job. He went to a mob called Prada Luna Rossa Team and they knocked him up a board that was fast, with sharp edges and which went well in one direction.

It reminded us of that time we tried Greek food. It went fast in one direction and felt like it had sharp edges as it slipped through our wet, narrow cracks without touching the sides, too.

No one wanted to photograph it, but.

Anyway, Niko loved the board and said, “It’s really stiff in order to have control,” and we giggled and nudged each other because Prada Luna Rossa Team had given Niko a stiffy.

Greeced lightning

Images: Alex Grymanis/Red Bull Content Pool

GADGETS

Head-scratchers of the highest order.

BARTLETT INFLATABLE PONTOONS

This is the go, eh? Never mind hassling for a spot at the jetty or carrying the clobber up and down the boat ramp. Just hook up the compressor and in no time your own private pontoon can be floating alongside the campsite. Better still, anchor it out from the shore somewhere and leave the kids on it while you watch the footy in peace.

They’ll love you for it!

Bartlett Manufacturing is a top-notch Aussie company, so you can be sure this product isn’t going to subside into the depths with quiet farting noises while you’re out in the Quintrex chasing a flattie or a whopper whiting.

The pontoons are in all different shapes and sizes, but are designed to attach to each other via D-rings top and bottom, they’re supplied with a hand pump and repair kit and they pack up small.

It looks like they’re all the same colour scheme, but surely if the kids were to be left in the middle of the lake there’d be a maroon one available?

You could ask when you call.

A simple, 5m straight pontoon goes for $850, while an 8.5m, Y-shaped jobbie runs to about $1550.

Check out the range at bartlett.net.au, or call 1800 115 440.

DOIY DESIGN PSYCHIC MIRROR

Who remembers that sheila in the kids’ story where she’d prop in front of a mirror and ask if she was spunkier than every other sheila?

These days those people who do that are called ‘influencers’ and use social media to ask the question.

But if you’re a bit old school, DOIY Design has a mirror which the company claims will allow you to ‘look at your future’. But it’s no ordinary mirror. Oh, no. It’s a ‘mystic table mirror shaped as a palmistry hand holding a crystal ball’. DOIY Design goes on to say the thing is for the budding fortune teller

and witch, and it supposedly creates a fun and mysterious setting on your dresser.

We couldn’t help ourselves. With a little careful placement of the mirror we could drop our dacks and position it so things looked to be well in hand –if you know what we mean.

We went through the looking glass with this one! It wasn’t witchcraft, but it was magic!

There’s heaps of websites offering the psychic mirror, but on reflection (ha!), it’s available from Preston Apothecary in Preston, Victoria, for $79.95.

TOP ORIGINAL HAVAIANAS

They’re thongs, but not just any old thongs. These are Havaianas, and that means they’re so much better than your average Aussie plugger or Kiwi jandal. Yessiree. These have a slip-on design, Havaianas straps, a textured footbed with sleek edges and six months warranty. They’re made from premium Brazilian rubber – not just ordinary ol’ Brazilian rubber. The top-shelf stuff – and they’re available in ‘multiple colourways’.

All of that makes them worth $35 from Havaianas.com.au and trendy, fashion-conscious inner-city boutiques.

For the less-discerning, K-mart has thongs for $1.00. For those

TOOLETRIES BACKSCRUBBER

‘Your back is like a remote Amazonian village,’ said the product description for this A-grade scrubber. ‘It’s hard to reach’. We larfed and larfed. We wish we’d written that.

But then it went on to say the brush was designed with an ergonomic, extra-length handle to ‘…give long-awaited, deepcleansing access to all those forgotten nooks and crannies’, and we thought about it and went, ‘Ew’.

It’s made of 100% silicone and supplied with a storage hook. If it’s been used to scrub hard-to-reach forgotten nooks and crannies a hook would be a good idea. A hook in the shed or down the back yard somewhere, maybe. Who’d want a manky bit of kit like that hanging in their shower? And it’s not something anyone would want to share, is it?

Imagine grabbing the brush and wondering if it’d been in any granny crannies.

Eeeeeew!

Like so much great primping paraphernalia, the Tooletries backscrubber is available from the legends at The Shaver Shop. Ticket price is $49.95.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MEGA FOSSIL DIG KIT

‘Explore paleontology!’ said the promotional material. ‘Brachiopods, mosasaurs, ammonites, and more’.

We weren’t exactly exploding with excitement at the prospect, but as we desperately searched for a joke about bones and fossils – everything pointed to the editor – we read how the kit includes a chisel, brush and a magnifying glass. When we read there’s also a ‘dig brick’ packed with fossils to chip away at we did start to get a little bit interested, we admit.

Jurassic Park and all that, eh? But we’re not much on doing things on a small scale. We’d rather grab an air hammer and go on a velociraptor

rampage. Oh yeah! Now we’re talking! We’d soon see which dino had a sore arse once we’d finished whooping stone-age freckle! We’d be chucking stegoburgers on the barbie in no time. But there’s none of that in this kids’ educational rig. There’s a booklet and the gear we mentioned earlier, which is still pretty good, and the idea is to give youngsters an insight into what it might be like to have a profession no one understands and which does very little for the betterment of the human race, but still seems well-respected. Kits are available from amazon. com.au for the curiously exact amount of $54.83.

ROLLS ROYCE KEY FOBS

The editor was wandering around a Rolls Royce dealership in Sydney t’other day, just kind of taking it all in and trying not to look like too much like a homeless person who’d wandered into a royal palace, when he noticed what normal people would call ‘merchandise’.

There were no ‘I ♥ RR’ shirts, or coffee cups with ‘I had the bread for a Rolls’ written on them – which was, frankly, disappointing – but there was a pair of Rolls Royce-branded key fobs in a flash-looking presentation case, and the price tag said $8995.

The editor nearly choked on the pastry swirl he’d nicked from the buffet before he was chased out of the showroom.

We don’t know anything about the key fobs, and none of the immaculately dressed salespeople seemed keen to enter the pastry-flake exclusion zone they’d gazetted around the editor, so there’s not much we can tell you.

If you’re keen for a matched pair of fobs for your Roller you probably don’t give a toss about the price. Send the chauffeur down to the nearest RR dealership and have him pick up a couple. Better yet, phone and have them delivered, and then give us a call and let us know what they do. We’d try and find out, but the editor’s been asked not to return until he’s changed out of his ‘C U in the NT’ shirt.

CARTIER

CT01710 GLASSES

Look closely at the pic.

If you’re having trouble seeing it properly you might need a pair of specs, and if you do, we have a deal for you!

Cartier’s CT01710s are made from precious metal – gold mostly. There’s yellow gold, white gold and everyone’s favourite, rose gold, which probably smells better than the others.

It’s funny about the gold, because there’s cock all of anything in these glasses as far as we can tell. The lenses don’t appear to be included in the price, and there’s no rims, so that leaves the bits that hang over the ears.

Which makes the US$11,145 price tag a little exy, in our opinion.

We couldn’t find any at Specsavers in Australia so we lost interest. Log on to coolframes.com and make a spectacle of yourself.

ROGER’S PROFANISAURUS: THE MAGNA FARTA

This is one for the word geeks.

In the same way Australians have their own slang which other countries struggle to understand, believe it or not, so do the Poms. And where we Aussies don’t have a reference book for our beaut, colourful sayings and words, The Brutish Empire has Roger’s Profanisaurus, a truly remarkable 642-page collection of over 10,000 entries covering the latest in expletives, sexual obscenities and lavatorial euphemisms.

The book was first published in 1998, and the publisher, Viz, has been constantly updating it ever since, and it’s hilarious.

Copies are available from heaps of online stores, and for those who want to keep the reference work handy, there’s an online version. Google it, and expect to pay about $40 plus postage for a paper-and-ink version.

Smoko With Hendo

IT’S HENDO BY A NOSE! Words: Craig Henderson

Irecently watched a State of Origin game with my dear ol’ mum, Jude. While she doesn’t mind the NRL, Jude takes issue with some of the on-field behaviour that might elude the attention of others – that is, spitting and the blowing of snot, bushman’s style.

“Ohh, how revolting!” Jude observed when the camera zeroed in on NSW fullback James Tedesco just as he removed his mouthguard and yoinked a mouthful of hard-won saliva onto the grass. He followed that up with a bushy’s blow.

“Settle down Jude!” I responded. “I’d love to see how you’d go after sprinting 70 metres. I reckon you might expectorate a little, too.”

“Well, I don’t like it,” she said, digging in. “If they’re not spitting they’re blowing their noses straight onto the ground and that’s just awful.”

What, I asked, would she have them do instead?

“Well,” Jude replied, “I don’t see why they can’t carry a hanky.”

My mum’s nearly 80 so I didn’t go there with her. I just nodded and said, “Yeah, ohhh-kaaay.”

But I will go there with you.

They should carry a handkerchief? Give me a break!

Aside from the fact football shorts haven’t had pockets in them since the 1970s, the ‘hanky’ has to be the single most disgusting personal accessory in human history. Naturally it was the brainchild of a Pom –completely unsurprising given their historic aversion to hygiene. But it wasn’t just any Pom. None other than King Richard II is widely credited with popularising the handkerchief way back in the 1300s. He was aided and abetted in his desire to have a small piece

of cloth in his pocket, for the sole purpose of emptying the contents of his nose into, by a conga-line of servile courtiers who should have known better.

That’s one of the problems you can run into with ruling monarchs: few people push back when kings and queens go off the reservation a little. This is probably because back in ye olde days, even the most reasonable dissenter could have ended up with their head on a pike. No wonder no one in the court of King Richard II was willing to say, “You know what? That’s a fucking revolting idea, Your Majesty. Don’t be so gross!”

You think I’m over-egging this point? Let me take a moment to run the idea of the handkerchief up the flagpole and see if any of you salute:

• It’s a small piece of cloth you keep in your pocket so you can pour your snot into it.

• After you’ve loaded it with green slag, you put it back into your pocket until you want to honk even more mucous into it.

• You do this all day until you retrieve the rag full of sticky slime from your duds and, presumably, put it in with the washing to re-use.

Be honest, dear tradies: this is precisely why you don’t own a handkerchief, isn’t it? And perhaps, like me, you’re now struggling

to comprehend how Richard II’s half-arsed idea managed to keep traction for more than 700 years, right up to our grandfathers’ and even our fathers’ generation. It’s particularly hard to understand considering the American firm Kimberly-Clarke released the first mass market paper tissue – the mighty Kleenex – in 1924, effectively rendering the skanky hanky redundant.

While the Kleenex was a significant leap forward, I still don’t believe it fully addresses what one is to do with the booger-soaked paper towelette in certain situations. If there’s no bin available, are we to stuff the slippery mess back into our pockets a-la the handkerchief until it can be disposed of later? Good god, I’ve seen plenty of women tuck a snotty tissue up their sleeve in the absence of a bin.

Which brings me to the bushman’s blow: the time-honoured technique of using thumb or forefinger to block one nostril while leaning forward and blasting the open nostril clear using nothing but pressurised air and gravity. Obviously this works best in the outdoors, but the bushy’s can easily be performed in restrooms, too. On the building sites of Australia it’s the way everyone rolls, right?

It’s at this point I realise I have written an entire column about snot and what to do with it (Jude would be so proud) and perhaps failed to give appropriate weight to the wider health benefits of handkerchiefs and tissues, particularly in the era of a deadly pandemic.

So I will end by just saying this: don’t let my mum or anyone else tell you the bushman’s blow is disgusting or offensive. It’s the quickest, cleanest and most effective way to sort out a clogged nostril. King Richard II should have known it, James Tedesco certainly knows it and so do you and I.

Where the dirt

Harley-Davidson was keen to highlight the adventure credentials of the Pan America. A blast through far north Queensland’s notorious deep-water crossings, rocks, loose sand and tropical rainforests seemed like a good start.

Images: Hype Republic and TF

The only way to get really wild on a bike north of Cairns, but to ensure all permits, insurances and local sensibilities are properly covered, is to tag up with Cape York Motorcycle Adventures (CYMCA). So on a warm, overcast morning, a line of bright, shiny Pan Americas awaited the attention of some very eager riders at CYMCA headquarters –some of whom weren’t so quite so bright and shiny as the bikes.

BIG CAST

Harley’s commitment to the project was highlighted by the inclusion of HarleyDavidson ANZ Managing Director Nigel Keough, who well and truly dived in at the deep end. It was Nigel’s first adventure ride, and he appeared gifted with all the welcoming polish and quiet competence of the bikes themselves.

Also on guest list were a few old timers,

people like What Tradies Want’s editor and, it has to be said, CYMCA’s top man, Roy Kunda. Roy and TF had a wealth of war stories from rides of decades past which soon had the younger ones yawning and working busily on their phones. Also in the more senior – and sensible – section of the group were riders like long-time dirtbike legend and Harley dealership owner Wayne Leonard, Gav Hume and Jason Cochrane from the Harley Owners Group, and journo Phil Suriano.

The younger – and considerably sharperlooking – segment of the crew was made up of Harley dealer principal Brent Story, bike journo Dylan Ruddy, Channel 7 Sunrise weatherman James Tobin and H-D ambassador and ex-Nitro Circus rider, Emma McFerran.

Nigel and V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes seemed to easily bridge the generation gap, and Harley staff included supertech Dan

Lesnock and Customer Experience Manager Ben Foster.

CYMCA support included Roy’s son Jordan – Jordy – and Craig ‘Tucks’ Tucker, who drove the support truck and offered the kind of catering which is a hallmark of every CYMCA ride.

It was a diverse group in lots of ways, but the love of riding and a desire to see whether the Pan America was for reals was common to all.

INTO IT

The first challenge was thrown down almost immediately. The rain began to fall as the entourage rolled out of CYMCA headquarters.

It wasn’t the kind of thundering downpour which can raise the level of a northQueensland creek several metres in a couple of hours, but it was enough to make sure Black Mountain Road and the run to

dirt takes me

Freedom and wide-open spaces are part of Harley’s heritage. They’re still out there waiting for those with the courage to look for them.

WHERE THE DIRT TAKES ME

Mount Molloy were treated with respect.

It became obvious straight away the group consisted of some spectacularly wild and carefree riders – the young ones and Lowndsey – and some overly cautious and grumpy punters who kept wanting to pull up and say things like, “What does it mean when an orange picture of a brake stays on?”

Even with all the differences in riding styles and philosophies, the Pan America still managed to please everyone, and that was no small achievement.

FOBBED OFF

As the sun broke through at the Mount Molloy pub, and one passing truck playfully hooked up on the rear of another reversing from a parking spot and tore away large sections of

bodywork, one of the camera guys emerged from lunch to find his DR-Z camera bike had a flat tyre. Before anyone could say, “Geez. I hope someone here will fix that,” Jordy had thrown the thing up against a tree, wrenched the rear wheel out, effected a repair and had the whole show ready to run again.

Unfortunately, in his effort to keep things flowing in the time-honoured CYMCA manner, Jordy had sent the other rider ahead on Jordy’s own Pan America. In a trap for young players, when the pair swapped back the other rider had the fob for the Pan America’s keyless ignition in his pocket. He’d disappeared into the dust before Jordy tried to start his bike and realised the situation. But these things happen, and with a little toing and froing, and perhaps a red face or two, it was soon sorted out.

At least Jordy had plenty of time to enjoy the view from the lookout.

DOWN AND UNDER

As the day progressed bikes and riders were confronted with fast-running causeways, a great deal of dust, some very long straight stretches of dirt road, incredibly beautiful rainforest sections and, in Craig Lowndes’ case, the attention of very enthusiastic fans at fuel stops.

Camp for the night was on the edge of the Palmer River, and that meant crossing the river itself. The slippery, rocky riverbed had the big bikes jolting and shimmying around, and even though a couple went under, the crossings were accomplished with a great deal of friendly pushing and yahooing

A line of bright, shiny Pan Americas at Cape York Motorcycle Adventures headquarters.

Rain meant Black Mountain Road was treated with respect.

Many a yarn was spun around the fire at the Palmer River camp.

and a minimum of fuss. When the video crew requested some riders repeat the crossing for the cameras, Harley tech Dan Lesnock won the admiration of all by adopting the attack position, barrelling into the rocky crossing with great enthusiasm and coming unstuck in a particularly deep and slimy section. His muscle flexing as he emerged from the depths earned cheers from onlookers, as did the bike when it fired up without hesitation and completed the crossing.

FULL SERVICE

Camp that night was a CYMCA special. The big Isuzu support truck sat solid on the clean white sand and supplied music, light and a cavalcade of luxuries: cold drinks, hot drinks, a big variety of salads and, as the sun set, tender steaks cooked to perfection over the open fire. Riders who’d soaked in the gently flowing Palmer in the late afternoon discussed the bikes and the day’s riding, and the general disbelief there was still a place in world without phone or internet reception.

That situation led to a few stories being shared and a few cold drinks consumed until, with the river murmuring away in the background, all bunked down to prepare for the following day.

ALL FOR ONE…

Leaving the Palmer River campsite proved a little more involved than the arrival, with the short section of deep sand proving a test for those not used to that type of terrain. Once again the riders banded together to ensure all were clear and on their way to the old gold-mining town of Maytown to soak up a little history.

FNQ, eh? Even the bitumen sections are amazing.

The always calm, always smiling Harley tech, Dan Lesnock.

Dan Lesnock earned a big cheer when he flexed his muscles after recovering his bike from the depths of the Palmer River.

Does the Pan America mark a new dawn for H-D? In some ways it does, but the company’s core values remain.

By that stage the sun was beating down with true tropical force and heat and humidity, as opposed to the rain and cooler temperatures of the previous day, became potential problems which needed careful management. The Pan Americas were excellent in that situation. The big bikes were rock steady and easy to keep moving at a brisk pace over the seriously long, hot and dusty sections which followed.

The tiny town of Laura was the lunch stop and riders woofed into barra burgers while Nigel Keough showed his incredible personnel-management skill, which had no doubt played a major part in his success in a multinational corporation, by handing out icy poles to the parched and dusty riders.

WTW ’s editor was totally blissed out by the Bubble O’Bill he received on that occasion.

As Lowndsey politely and cheerfully deflected the attentions of yet more fans, posing for numerous selfies and then beating a retreat with his customary good will and winning smile, it was decided to bolt for the Lion’s Den, just a short ride further on and an overnight stop which had everyone beaming with anticipation.

ROAR DEAL

As the bikes rolled into what must surely be one of north Queensland’s quirkiest and most memorable landmarks, dusty, stained riding gear was swapped for swimmers, cold drinks were grabbed, and most riders stampeded their way down to the croc-free swimming hole behind the Lion’s Den. Tucks had the support truck at DEFCON 5 and the cold drinks and luggage were dispensed

No phone or internet. Just great bikes, good people and fantastic riding.

Channel 7 weatherman James ‘JT’ Tobin had never ridden off road. It didn’t seem to hold him back.

Ex-Nitro Circus rider and Harley ambassador Emma McFerran made a silky-smooth exit from the beach.

The lion was as surprised as everyone else to see Harleys in FNQ.

at lightning speed as the stampede moved from the swimming hole to the hot showers. Night fell, the live music kicked off, and large pizzas and steak meals flowed from the Lion’s Den kitchen into the party atmosphere of the beer garden.

Oh yes. It was a big night that one, with many a bold and exaggerated tale bellowed across the garlic bread and calamari rings.

THE LATE TF

The final day was a short one to ensure everyone could make return flights, but it was also a highlight which included the Bloomfield Track.

Things got off to great start when the publican of the Lion’s Den casually mentioned he’d love a ride on a Pan America. The Harley folks nodded their approval, so Roy Kunda, a frequent visitor to The Den, said the publican should suit up in Roy’s gear, which was in his donga, and go for short blat.

The publican went to the wrong donga, suited up in Dylan Ruddy’s kit, and was nothing more than heat haze on the horizon when Dylan appeared wiping breakfast crumbs off his chin and asked, “WTF?”

A few bits and pieces had worked loose on a couple of the bikes and riders had settled in to where they had specific tunings they wanted, so Dan worked his way around the fleet to make sure everything was in good shape.

On an interesting side note, Craig Lowndes discovered on the first day the bikes were limited to 179kph. It was done to match the speed rating of the tyres, but it does make

WTW’s editor was a big fan of the Pan America before this ride. He’s an even bigger fan now.

Harley-Davidson ANZ Managing Director Nigel Keough left his Road King and LiveWire behind to tackle his first adventure ride. Legend!

No holds barred! The Pan Ams didn’t get any special treatment.

Cape York Motorcycle Adventures’ Roy Kunda.

RENAULT TRAFIC

it’s my van it’s my business

nowin runout

“We rely on Renault Trafic to deliver freight safely. There’s loads of room for bulky items and plenty of anchor points for securing cargo. We’ve got plenty of tech inside and it keeps the drivers comfortable. They’re really fuel efficient, and we get plenty of k’s out of a tank. When you need a van to deliver its top notch.”

Daniel, Team Tank Logistics

“When you need a van to deliver its top notch.”

one wonder how Craig discovered that. With Dylan back in his permanently redstained riding gear and breakfast dealt with, the cavalcade set out on the final leg. There was an opportunity for some lunatic time on a beach which everyone enjoyed. Well…pretty much everyone. WTW ’s editor distinguished himself by spearing arse-up into the soft sand leaving the beach, and then standing around with a camera to see if it would happen to anyone else. There were a few candidates, but when Emma McFerran made the exit look so damn stylish and smooth he dug his goggles out of the dune, spat out the remains of the sand and left in a huff.

Lunch at a swisho eatery in The Daintree was a colourful affair with reggae music, dreadlocks galore and a short power outage, followed by a glorious run along the coastline back into Cairns.

As a final escalation to the level of adventure, WTW ’s editor somehow managed to get himself lost on the way into Cairns. He rode around in ever increasing circles until finally rolling in to CYMCA head office with all of

A happy crew on the Daintree Ferry…just before the drone plunged into the river.

Jason Cochrane handled the Palmer River crossing better than some.

Channel 7 Sunrise weatherman James Tobin and V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes should have a shootout for the title of Australia’s Most Cheerful Bloke. It’d be a dead heat.

Harley-Davidson Customer Experience Manager and ex-WTW editor Ben Foster.

Ex-Nitro Circus rider and Harley ambassador Emma McFerran.

WATCH THE SERIES FOR A CHANCE TO WIN BIG

VALUED AT OVER $14,000

TRIAL BY FIRE

Episode 3 of the Side By Side series brings you all the Off-Road action and Carnage from Round 3 of the KINCROME SXS Motorsport Australia Championship at the Finke Desert Race 2022!

Scan to Watch Episode 3 & enter for your chance to WIN BIG!

about 10 minutes up his sleeve to make his flight. Jordy supervised a fast change of apparel and bundled TF into a waiting van, only to find the flight delayed by an hour.

SPIRIT

Lifestyle and freedom have always been Harley-Davidson catchcries and this ride, while it definitely put the Pan America through some serious, real-world adventure challenges, gave the riders the chance to embrace those ideals and experience the decades-old Harley culture in a fresh and contemporary setting.

Across the three days the bikes were hammered, dropped, dragged, bogged

and submerged until there was nowhere left to hide, and they still came up trumps. Some bits and pieces vibrated off here and there, a couple of punctures slowed things up, and a few rear tyres finished up in poor condition.

But that happens on any adventure ride with 16 bikes.

As for the people, they were the best. What started out as a friendly group with a common interest finished up with a bond forged in mutual respect and the need to look out for each other.

And the catalyst for the whole thing was Harley-Davidson and the Pan America. Lifestyle and freedom at its best, for sure.

Lifestyle and freedom at its best, for sure.

A few bits and pieces worked loose on a couple of the bikes.

Achtung! Das snappy-jawed schweinhunds!

Wayne Leonard, dirtbike legend and Cairns Harley dealership owner. In his 70s and still riding hard.

To keep up with everything HarleyDavidson, log on to youtube.com/c/ HarleyDavidsonAus.

Email is dead. Phone tag sucks.

How Stuart shaped

Stuart Paterson - aka ‘Patto’carving a well-defined path on one of his own board designs.

Stuart Paterson shaped a life

The surfboard shaper who marries creativity with craftsmanship.

Images:

When Stuart Paterson was a creatively minded young surfer growing up around Cronulla beach in the late 1970s, he naturally gravitated to the craft of surfboard making. Surfing was exploding as a subculture and the brightly sprayed boards of the era appealed directly to his artistic inclinations.

“I liked music and art so I thought painting surfboards or doing album covers would be good jobs,” he recalls.

In his late teens, Stuart started working at the iconic G&S surfboard factory as a ding repairer and board sprayer, but as demand for boards in the busy factory increased, he was soon receiving an education in the multi-faceted craft of surfboard production.

Over four decades later Stuart has shaped over 14,000 boards and overseen thousands more. He is still in love with the whole process of making surfboards, and these days he has three full-time staff and two part-timers to help him make boards under his PCC (Paterson Contemporary Craft) label.

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

A visit to Stuart’s Caringbah showroom and shaping warehouse is a bit like visiting a lolly shop for grownups. The narrow entrance door opens into a showroom where two long walls are decorated by a diverse array of surfcraft. These are nothing like the toothpaste-white boards that proliferate the racks of your typical surf store. Instead the boards feature a dazzling array of colours and curious outlines – eye-catching resin tints, cut laps, pinlines, cloth underlays and abstract paint jobs are all

Words: Luke Kennedy.

Riley Clarke and Tim Bonython.

on display. The compulsion to touch and feel them is irresistible.

With his mane of wavy, silver hair, paintsplashed attire and lively mind, Stuart has a wizard-like quality that is befitting of the almost magical aura that permeates his shaping bay.

While I’m standing in the showroom ogling the designs a new customer walks in. Overwhelmed by the eclectic mix of boards, he becomes that proverbial kid in the candy store.

“I’d like one of those, one of those and one of these,” he chuckles while pointing to different boards.

Perhaps some people have the same response when they wander into a car or

motorbike showroom, but for surfers a space like this sends the imagination wild with possibilities. Each board suggests a slightly different kind of ride or experience.

MAX OUT

Surfers are always searching for a better board or a different sensation, so the sugarhit for a shaper like Stuart is seeing someone happy after a few rides on a board he’s made.

“The best reward is when you get any customer saying, ‘Oh, this board is so great. And I love it’. And you know when that comes from the heart.”

While Stuart gets just as much joy out of making a board for a beginner or an intermediate surfer, he concedes it’s

gratifying when an expert surfer rides one of his designs and takes it to an impossible realm. It’s a bit like engineering the car that puts Lewis Hamilton on the podium. Recently young Maroubra surfer, Max McGuigan, was aboard one of Stuart’s boards when a massive south swell unleashed its energy at the wave off Manly’s Fairy Bower, known ominously as ‘Deadman’s’.

After Max had broken his own board he borrowed one from a friend that happened to be made by Stuart.

The lurching wave swallowed Max whole. All he could do was trust in the board beneath his feet and hope it released him from its clutches after barrelling over his slim frame. Afterwards many were calling it the

With his mane of wavy, silver hair, paint-splashed attire and lively mind, Stuart has a wizard-like quality.

Maroubra surfer, Max McGuigan, was aboard one of Stuart’s boards when a massive south swell unleashed its energy at the wave off Manly’s Fairy Bower known as Deadman’s.

A happy customer piloting his PCC shape through the tube in Indonesia.

best wave ever ridden at Deadman’s by a backsider (riding with his back to the wave) surfer.

“I spoke to Max about that wave, and for him to say that was the best wave of his his life, that’s pretty incredible,” explains Stuart. “The board got there serendipitously, but the moment is etched in time for him and for me.”

Stuart and Max are now working on making a few boards together, and Stuart is releasing a big-wave shape inspired by the one Max rode and calling it the Deadman’s model.

CUTTING BACK

While the front of the warehouse is reserved for showing off the end product, out the back is where the magic really happens. Stuart’s warehouse is divided into separate rooms for the various steps in the process of board creation. “The actual shaping process combines a lot of geometry and imagination,” insists Stuart. “It’s a bit like an architectural drawing, but then you’re physically making the three-dimensional object…there’s a meshing of art with accuracy…the complexity of the shape takes some imagination to appreciate what you want to achieve.”

The glassing, where coats of dripping fibreglass mat are wrapped around the foam blank to provide strength and form, is messy and requires a delicate touch and attention to detail; particularly if a resin tint or design is being added to the board.

“To use the woven stuff that we use it’s such a fine, purpose-built process it sort of stands on its own,” explains Stuart.

Meanwhile, Stuart compares the final process – the sanding – to working on cars. “Cutting back to finish and getting it perfect is a lot like automotive sanding and painting.”

A master of his craft.

Hands which shape happiness.

Art meets industry.

Got an idea for a board design? Patto can make it happen.

When the factory wall becomes an evolving mural.

There’s no better machine for making small or intricate projects, such as toys, puzzles, signs or ornaments than a scroll saw!

At Carbatec we have a fantastic range of scroll saws and accessories to suit your requirements.

The most popular SS-400H model comes packed with useful clever features like an integrated foot switch for hands-free switching and control, a tilting table, variable speed, LED light and a flexible detachable rotary tool.

SS-400H has all you need to make angled cuts comfortable and accurate.

To find out more, head into your local Carbatec store or your Carbatec distributor today.

Perfect for any professional or heavy hobby workshop. Generously sized machined alloy table and tilting fence designed for lighter duty applications. Ample power and factory-fitted spiral cutterhead.

A hands-down, absolute best seller. Strong alloy and steel construction means it’s flat and solid, but also adjustable. True helical cutterhead for cleaner cuts and smoother finish. Includes NVR switchgear with safety locks.

CARBATEC TOUGH. WOODWORKERS EMPOWERED.

Ideally suited for the beginner turner or as a mobile lathe. Includes a drive centre, revolving tailstock centre and 80 mm diameter faceplate. Five spindle speeds allow you to tackle those small to medium jobs with ease.

CARBATEC.COM.AU

Carbatec Economy Mini Lathe WL-B440H

Carbatec 13" Spiral Head Benchtop Thicknesser TH-BX330P

Carbatec 200 mm Spiral Head Benchtop Jointer JN-BX200P

Carbatec 400 mm Variable Speed Scroll Saw With Rotary Tool SS-400H

HOW STUART PATERSON SHAPED A LIFE

changed the way surfboard manufacturing is conducted. When Stuart started out all the boards had to be hand-shaped from a foam blank, but these days the increasingly sophisticated machines can do much of the basic work for the shaper. According to Stuart, the machines have significantly increased the production capacity of shaping bays.

“Once upon a time a shaper was limited at, say, 25 boards a week. And that was going flat-out. Now one shaper can do a lot more.”

RETRO IS ACTIVE

While Stuart still respects the craft of hand shaping, the machine means there is far less wear and tear on his body.

SHAPE SHIFTER

In most surfboard factories all three processes are treated like separate skills with specialists performing each task. Shaping is obviously the most prized skill, but Stuart likes his apprentices to be well practised in all phases of the construction process before they graduate to shaping boards.

“From my point of view, I needed to know the start-to-finish process.

“With other people I’ve taught, who’ve worked with me, they’ve all learned that similar way…all the aspects.”

In the modern era, the evolution of CNC shaping machines has dramatically

“For me, personally, it’s given me longevity because I don’t get as much fatigue in my joints,” he insists.

In a competitive surfboard market finding a point of difference is critical. Stuart has embraced the renaissance of boards from different eras. For a long time surfers were only interested in high-performance boards that closely mimicked what was being ridden by the top professionals. However, in recent years there has been more of a yearning for craft from bygone eras, almost as if the surfboard could act as a kind of time machine, transporting the rider back to the feelings and mood from a different era.

“There’s an interest in characters from that time, and some sort of feeling that

Author Luke Kennedy guiding his PCC through a crystalline cave.

Stuart’s warehouse is divided into separate rooms for the various steps in the process of board creation.

Two long walls are decorated by a diverse array of surfcraft.

Team rider Harrison Martin slashing the lip on his PCC ‘Wonton’ model.

REWIND

REWIND REWIND

RATIO 6:1 3:1 1:1 RATIO RATIO

they want to experience, so they want to investigate what it was like to be of that time,” hypothesises Stuart.

One rack of boards in Stuart’s shaping bay is distinctly retro-themed, hosting everything from twin fins, Mini-Simmons and midlength hot-doggers, to asymmetricals and a selection of longboards.

“It’s a little bit like rock music,” continues Stuart. “You know, a lot of people love Led Zeppelin. They haven’t produced any music for years. But so many people still love it. I think there was a time where the cutting edge of performance was leading the way, whereas now, it’s like it’s okay to look back.”

INSTA

Now a master of his craft, Stuart hasn’t let go of his artistic leanings and derives much of his pleasure from adding unique paintings and distinctive designs to the boards he custom designs for his clientele. Some are

content to let him freeform while others have specific shapes, images or designs in mind.

“Sometimes if you don’t know what you want, I’m saying, ‘Well, why don’t you give me a colour?’”

The paint jobs vary widely from board to board and can swing between classically recognisable surf-style patterns to experiments in modernism. I spy one particularly eye-catching shortboard on the rack; its colours are a dramatic fusion of black and orange that resemble some kind of interstellar explosion.

“That’s the Space Jaffa,” quips Patto, nailing the name of his creation.

Instagram has proven to be an effective medium for showcasing his work and the carefully curated account @pccboards delivers a snapshot of his enchanting shapes and painted boards.

UNIQUE IN A PROCESSED WORLD

Ultimately, Stuart Paterson has fashioned a unique life, one which marries the knowledge and industry of a craftsman with the creative sensibilities of an artist.

The product of his labours are aesthetically pleasing, bespoke surfboards which transport the rider to a state of ecstasy as they fly across a wave. His preference for custom-made designs and shapes means surfers know the craft beneath their feet is made entirely for them and no one else.

In a world filled with mass-produced products it’s refreshing to know you can spend around $1000 on a board by PCC and end up with something totally unique.

The author navigating a Cloudbreak funnel on his favourite 6'3" PCC ride.

Paint jobs can swing between classically recognisable surf-style patterns to experiments in modernism.

Stuart Paterson has fashioned a life which marries the knowledge and industry of a craftsman with the creativity of an artist.

1vs. DCB183 Battery, not in application

2Footprint vs. DCB183 Battery

vs. Model DCB183, not in application †† Footprint vs. DCB183 battery ‡ vs. DEWALT 18V XR Batteries 2Ah or Lower

Comradeship

Fishing with friends nearly always provides the richest memories. Chris and Hank won’t forget this catch.

Comradeship in fishing

Pro guide Tim O’Reilly ponders the ins and outs of fishing with mates.

Families have been going fishing since man first walked on Earth.

It’s a pastime which has bound so many together and continues to act as a bridge between relations. Fishing is a great leveller and brings together people of all walks of life, of all nationalities and of all persuasions. There are plenty out there who would happily talk about fishing far more than actually go fishing! Relationships are built around, and exist because of, fishing. In some cases, life-long partnerships are forged through fishing.

BEST SHARED

What is it about the art of catching a fish which draws in so many and helps build relationships?

Feeding the immediate family or community was certainly the foundation, but fishing always felt slightly different to other forms of hunting. Perhaps it is chasing an unseen quarry in a magical viscous world that binds those who fish? Whether it is two teenagers fishing a tiny springfed creek high in the Asian mountains, or two

old men catching bream in the bay on a cold winter’s evening, fishing is intrinsic to the nature of mankind. Sharing the experience seems to make it more special.

SPEAK UP

As someone who loves to fish alone, it has taken years working as a guide for me to understand how the comradeship in fishing works. It’s one of the conflicts I have combining passion with career path. Although taking other people fishing still seems foreign at times, it’s a relationship I now find sits comfortably.

I have learnt to nurture fishing relationships, as much to ensure my fishing doesn’t become too inward-looking, but also as a means of staying relevant in a small industry. Besides, having another human around while fishing nearly always provides the richest memories. Again and again the spirit of friendships and fun has provided me awesome experiences as a guide. There is nothing more exhilarating than being involved in an epic capture: a first; a biggest; a triple hook-up! Friends new and old embracing in the triumph over something cool and watching as lifelong memories are made between people. As a guide we like to feel part of that comradeship.

One of the best challenges I find as a guide these days is encouraging teamwork. It is amazing how many more fish are caught on an orderly boat where everyone understands the objective. Sometimes this can be as simple as keeping lures out of trees. Sometimes it is repetitive casts by multiple anglers trying desperately to land a lure on a dime. I watch it all while barking instructions at people I would never normally speak to like that.

BE READY

Fishing can be ridiculous in the way strongwilled, high-achieving and steadfast people are so suddenly able to cop orders, direction and often terrible slandering by fishing guides. But when the shit-show calms itself down and anglers realise they are best off listening, pausing and working as team, magic invariably happens.

The greatest advantage arises when multiple anglers target schooling fish, allowing multiple captures in a short space of time. Sometimes the ability to fish in a coordinated manner will even keep fish biting harder and for longer. There are plenty of bluewater, inshore and estuarine examples where having multiple anglers rigged and ready for action has paid off.

If every day holds limited possibilities for an amazing bite, nothing compromises this as much as constantly rigging and re-rigging.

Being ready to go when it’s action time is possibly the greatest factor if everything is suddenly going to come together. Anglers knowing what to do, where to cast, how the fish might react, how fast to retrieve and how to fight the fish is usually wisdom best delivered before the carnage unfolds. Having a good guide kicks in during these moments and can be the difference between a good day and a great day capitalising on the carnage.

TEAM EFFORT

Performing under the watchful gaze of comrades provides a sense of achievement that’s hard to replicate, even on a battlefield. When fishing with others, all eyes are on everyone and there is ample opportunity to muck things up. On any given day, the opportunity to get something just right comes along and usually ends up the difference

There’s nothing like fishing with mates.

The banter was strong between Bob and Badger.

between any two days, providing the fodder for banter over a drink at night.

The comradeship that can be built up between anglers exists in so many situations, and across so many fisheries, that books could be written about it. It might be a spotter working with his fly-fishing buddy to locate brown trout on a tiny Tasmanian run or the crew of a boat who release a 1000lb Black Marlin in rough weather out at the Ribbon Reefs.

Up in northern Australia, barramundi fishing highlights an aspect of schooling fish being warmed up, then biting in a frenzy as the action happens. Anyone who loves barra

fishing will understand bite windows can be short. When the action is on, you want every lure or bait in the water at the same time. Anglers have to be ready to go. It is always a mistake to think you got the only barramundi bite for a spot. They are rarely alone and often feed simultaneously.

SKILLS TEST

It makes a huge difference if anglers capitalise on opportunities when presented.

Barra on the chew might last an hour or sometimes five minutes. This is when persistent anglers are rewarded, often with the two best fish of the day in quick

succession. Keeping the energy levels up and the anticipation levels high throughout a fishing session are two of the most fundamental keys to fishing success. Anglers who help others rise to the occasion are a godsend.

The goal of a boat with three or four people in it is to hook a fish, then turn a single into a double or a triple hook-up. This really tests out the teamwork and normally the skills of the driver, especially if they are fighting a fish.

FISHING LOTTO

In fishing there is a certain Zen state achieved when everyone is quiet, watching surroundings and fully focused on the task at hand, and at other times when the true enormity of a situation just stuns people into silence. Troubles faced in life just melt away into the situation. Fishing provides opportunities for people to actually open up, to talk and laugh and let go of burdens.

What is it we think of when imagining the bond between people who are fishing? What makes it such a special thing? What is it that makes us want to compete in a goodnatured way?

Fishing has been, and will always be, the greatest lottery on Earth. You just never know when that big prize is going to come – that epic capture you can speak of for the rest of your days.

People who love to fish also love reminiscing with other fisherman about epic captures and epic trips.

I will never forget fishing with Simon,

The lads alternated off the beach before someone bought the barra on.

Barramundi are rarely alone and often feed simultaneously. Dave and Robbie scored a double.

a likeable bloke with crazy blond hair who worked in Sydney banking. By all accounts he had never fished before, was only averagely coordinated, and was just making up the numbers amid a group of his friends who loved fishing. He came, he drank two beers, he loved his environment and his surroundings, he listened to instructions, and he had a whole pile of luck. Before the week was out, he outfished everyone 4:1 and had two barramundi jump clear out of the water, unattached! One landed at his feet and one hit his stomach. He just picked them up and said, “How cool is that? They just jump in the boat!”

THE CONTEST

It is amazing to see someone who has never fished suddenly become wildly competitive with the realisation luck and good temperament might pip their more serious and competitive friends. Slagging one another off is at the heart of fishing comradeship, really letting each other know when something ridiculous is unfolding and generally trying to unnerve your fishing buddies at every opportunity. You want everyone to do well, but you never want them doing better than you.

Fishing should preferably be competitive but not be a competition.

Game fishing for big fish such as marlin, sailfish and giant tuna usually requires multiple hands on deck. For things to go right, there has to be order and an allocation of duties working towards common goals.

Everyone has their place in the line-up. This more intensive style of fishing builds strong camaraderie very quickly.

Fishing comradeship also helps build purpose and a community feel. All over Australia there are fishing clubs, community organisations, competitions and all manner of reasons to take people out fishing together. Fantastic people countrywide are out there restocking on their weekends, representing fisherman in politics and cleaning up beaches. Australia is lucky, but we do have a long way to go towards making all our fisheries sustainable.

We are also a clever country, and many minds working in the same direction can bring dramatic shift and lasting change. My hope is fishing comradeship will help preserve and bolster wild fisheries for future generations.

Let’s face it, a bad day’s fishing does beat a good day’s work!

A pastime which has bound so many together, like Hamish and Campbell.

Fishing comradeship will help preserve and bolster wild fisheries for future generations.

Fishing provides opportunities for people to actually open up, to talk and laugh and let go of burdens.

MULTI-MATERIAL CUTTING TECHNOLOGY

CLEAN, ACCURATE CUTS THROUGH WOOD (EVEN WITH EMBEDDED NAILS!)

COOL TO THE TOUCH CUTS THROUGH METAL WITH NO BURRS OR SPARKS

QUICK AND CLEAN CUTS THROUGH PVC, COMPOSITES, PLASTIC AND MUCH MORE!

ALL WITH ONE SAW, ONE BLADE.

GET YOURS NOW AT

Winning

Motorcycle racing can be cruel. One minute you’re spraying champagne and the next you’re picking gravel out of your helmet. To run consistently well across a number of disciplines throughout a season or more is a big ask. But that’s just what Yamaha teams have achieved – around

the globe and especially here in Australia. High profile winners include current champions Fabio Quartararo in MotoGP, Toprak Razgatlıoglu in World Superbike, Dominique Aegerter in World Supersport, Jake Gagne in MotoAmerica Superbike and Eli Tomac in US SX. All these riders

The YZF-R1 with Mad Mike Jones on board is currently leading the ASBK championship.

ways

and more fly the bLU cRU flag. It’s unusual for one brand to dominate across such a wide range of disciplines around the world taking in both tar and dirt. What’s even more unusual is in Australia Yamaha’s results have, if anything, been even more impressive.

ROAD SUCCESS

Okay, the teams are only just past the halfway mark in their respective seasons, but bLU cRU riders are hauling ass. Take road racing for example. The YZF-R1 has always been up against the much more exotic –read ‘expensive’ – Italian marques and has

struggled to keep pace in previous years. But that’s all changed this year following some internal tweaks and the arrival of Mad Mike Jones to the Yamaha Race Team. Jones is currently leading the ASBK championship with some impressive wins under his belt. Yamaha is also leading the 600cc and

It takes a team effort to dominate racetracks around the globe.

Yamaha riders finished 1-2 on the high-performance, yet reliable, WR450F at the South Australian 24-Hour Reliability Trial.

300cc Supersport classes, but it’s still early days, and smart racers never crow too loudly until the chequered flag has dropped.

OFF-ROAD WINNERS

Australia’s ProMX titles got off to a good start for Craig Dack’s Monster Energy team with Luke Clout continuing his winning 2021 form at Wonthaggi in Victoria. But then disaster struck at Mackay in Queensland. The team’s number-one rider, reigning champ and series leader suffered a huge crash resulting in a broken leg that ended his season early. But

Winners at the gruelling Australian Four Day Enduro held in Erica, Victoria.

the team didn’t panic, instead pouring all its resources into second rider, Aaron Tanti. Tanti stepped up to the plate and currently leads the Pro MX1 class on his YZ450F. But that’s racing – where your own good fortune is often based on someone else’s misfortune. Even your teammate’s.

Yamaha is also kicking goals in the world of enduro with Shop Yamaha’s new recruit Kyron Bacon the standout performer. Bacon has been in sizzling form (sorry, Kyron) with an outright win in the gruelling Australian Four Day Enduro held in Erica, Victoria.

Piloting a WR250F, Bacon also leads his class in the AORC and won the 250cc class at the super-tough Hattah Desert Race. Shop Yamaha teammate Josh Green was less fortunate at Hattah when he tangled with a backmarker and speared off into a tree. Despite knocking himself out and copping a beating over two days of intense racing in the Mallee scrub, Green managed to place second in the 450cc class.

Hattah not tough enough for you? Try the South Australian 24-Hour Reliability Trial. This is an enduro event that runs

It takes an effective team with access to the best tools to win championships.

COLOURS AVAILABLE: Matt Black/Smoke, Matt Black/Clear, Matt Black/Pink Revo, Matt Black/Green Revo, Clear/Clear, Clear/Smoke and Matt Black/Smoke Polarised NEED

Teams employ capable mechanics who can not only prep a race-winning motorcycle but can keep it running sweetly.

ROAD RACE

ASBK current standings

1 SBK Mike Jones

1 600cc John Lytras

1 300cc Cameron Dunker

MOTOCROSS

Pro MX current standings

1 MX1 Aaron Tanti

2/3/4 MX2 Rhys Budd/Bailey

Malkiewicz/Jesse Dobson

1 MXW Charli Cannon

ENDURO

AORC current standings

1 E1 Kyron Bacon

1 E2 Josh Green

1 EW Jess Gardiner

1 Junior Girls Danielle Macdonald

A4DE

ENDURO

A4DE result

1 Outright/E1 Kyron Bacon

1 E2 Josh Green

1 EW Jess Gardiner

ENDURO

Hattah Desert Race result

1 250cc Kyron Bacon

2 450cc Josh Green

450cc Beau Ralston

ENDURO

SA 24 Hour Reliability Trial result

1 WR450F Riley Graham

2 WR450F Sean Throup

through the night – and requires some pretty trick additional lighting because of that – in freezing temperatures around Kapunda in SA. Yamaha riders finished 1-2 on the highperformance, yet reliable, WR450F.

LADIES FIRST

But it’s not all about the blokes in the bLU cRU – there are plenty of standout performers in the women’s classes. Young MX gun Charli Cannon is currently leading the MXW class in Pro MX, Danielle Macdonald won the Junior Girls class at the A4DE and Jess Gardiner is leading the EW class of the AORC. All riders compete on the YZ/WR 250F platform that combines bulk performance with pinpoint handling.

And it’s not all about the bike either, because winners are always supported by a strong team. Teams that employ capable mechanics who can not only prep a race-winning motorcycle but can also keep it running sweetly in a high-pressure environment. Such environments are a great place for tool companies to showcase their

product. Companies like Kincrome, who support the CDR Monster Energy MX team, John Redding’s Yamaha Race Team and the Jess Gardiner Racing enduro team.

GOLDEN SPANNER

Yamaha Motor Australia’s race team manager Scott Bishop – himself a former Australian national MX and SX competitor –understands the need to build an effective team with access to the best tools in order to win national championships.

“It’s been a stellar season so far, and in recognition of the largely unsung mechanics on our race teams we plan on creating a Golden Spanner trophy. This will be awarded to the crew chiefs of each championshipwinning team in 2022. Because while the rider’s do get the job done – and get rewarded with trophies for their efforts –they wouldn’t be able to do it on their own,” explains Bishop.

Keep an eye on podiums around the country as Yamaha’s bLU cRU tastes yet more champagne and wins further trophies – including the unique Australian Golden Spanner.

Kyron Bacon took an outright win in the Australian Four Day Enduro.

Josh Green placed second in the 450cc class of the Hattah Desert Race.

The easy way to submit payment claims. And get them approved fast.

Payapps is the simple online tool that lets you submit payment claims at the touch of a button.

Payment claims can take hours of work on spreadsheets, then days can pass before you know if they are going to be accepted, approved and paid. And delays in claims means delays in payments, and that hurts.

Payapps helps you prepare and submit payment claims in minutes, from anywhere and on any device. If your client uses Payapps, you both have exactly the same view of your contract, claims made, retention, variations and claim status.

Payapps is trusted by leading construction companies and thousands of subcontractors, and seamlessly integrates with leading financial and accounting software. Reduce the time you spend on month-end paperwork from hours to minutes, so you can spend more time doing what really matters.

Find out more at payapps.com/WTW

You can do it with steel fencing from Fielders

Steel fencing has become a popular choice for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. Benefits such as low maintenance, good looks, durability, and easy availability are just some of the reasons for its ongoing popularity.

The Fielders steel fencing range provides a cost-effective fencing solution that delivers privacy and security while looking great, thanks to the availability of a range of profiles and COLORBOND® steel colours.

From an installation perspective, tradies will appreciate how easy a Fielders fence is to erect. Because Fielders fences are manufactured using Australian-made steel from BlueScope, all components are high quality and easy to work.

ORDERING

Before rolling up the sleeves though, in consultation with the home or business owner, make sure you order the right fence for the application. Fielders offers a number of different fence heights, as well as panel styles and accessories.

You’ll also need to consider the terrain at the job location – factors including how built-up and how heavily vegetated the area is will impact on the fence’s wind load and determine installation requirements.

And of course, you’ll need to know how much fencing to order, so measure out the proposed fence line. As a rule of thumb,

for every 2350mm of length, you’ll need to install one complete fence panel comprised of two posts, three sheets and upper and lower rails.

THE INSTALLATION PROCESS

After checking for underground services and local government requirements (if a boundary fence), the first task is to use a string line to make sure the intended fence line is straight. From there, mark out post positions at 2370mm intervals (or 2410mm if installing S-Rib corrugated panels). If the fence line is on sloping ground, you’ll

need to decide whether you rake or step the fence. The following instructions are for level ground.

With the help of a post-hole digger, excavate to a minimum depth of 500mm and diameter of 200mm; depending on the soil type or if the area is prone to high winds, additional depth may be needed –up to 900mm in softer clay or sandy soils. Next step is to unpack the fence posts and place back-to-back in pairs. Once each pair is exactly overlapped they can be attached using 10mmx15mm Tek screws, spaced approximately 500mm apart. If additional reinforcement is needed, or to turn a corner,

install an SHS (Steel square Hollow Sections) post to the back of your panel fence posts.

CONCRETING THE POSTS

Next, mark and measure the desired fence height from the top of the post (normally 1800mm), then place the posts in each hole ensuring they’re both straight and level, and that your mark has 50mm ground clearance. After this, use a fence rail to space the posts correctly. Once done, concrete can be poured in the hole and the post levels rechecked before leaving the concrete to set.

With the first post concreted, the bottom rail can be installed in line with the 1800mm mark and once level, Tek screwed in place, allowing for the 50mm ground clearance. This process should be continued for the length of the fence, but before installing any of the panels, ensure the concrete is properly set at each post.

READY FOR THE PANELS

Once ready for the fencing panels, place the first sheet into the bottom rail and sidepost channels. Once snuggly fitted, take the second panel and ensure it overlaps the lip of the previous sheet. The third sheet should then overlap the lip of the second

sheet, while locking in to both the bottom rail and side-post channel – ensure the lap direction is identical for all channels.

To secure the top rail, start at one end and work your way along, locking the sheets in place. Once secure, Tek screw all four corners into the post. Continue the process until all panels are fitted and secured.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Now it’s time to apply the fishing touches. Clip on the panel fence post caps to all the exposed post joins. This protects against any sharp edges while protecting the posts from excessive water. The end join post caps will need to be cut to size with a hacksaw.

Finally, make sure any metal filings from drilling the holes are cleaned from the new fence. If these are left and become wet, they can leave corrosive marks on the COLORBOND ® steel, which isn’t a good look, especially on a new fence.

So, with a few simple tools that most will have in the back of the ute or trailer, combined with a little know-how, installing steel fencing is simple, straightforward and well within the skillsets of most tradies. For more information about the Fielders fencing range visit www.fieldersdominator. com.au

The Fielders steel fencing range provides a cost-effective fencing solution that delivers privacy and security while looking great.

Installing steel fencing is simple, straightforward and well within the skillsets of most tradies.

Alemlube’s new 630A 20V

Lithium-ion Cordless Grease Gun

Taking plant and machinery maintenance to the next level: next-level battery; next-level greasing.

In today’s competitive world the need to keep plant and machinery well maintained, operative and generating revenue, and subsequently profitable, is critical now more than ever.

Keeping productivity up, running and maintenance costs down, and reinvesting in production equipment is sound business practice and a discipline that works in each and every business’ favour over time.

With these points in mind, Alemlube is pleased to announce the imminent release of the Alemlube 630A 20V lithium-ion cordless grease gun. It’s next-level greasing. Designed and engineered by Samoa in Spain (Europe’s number-one workshoplubrication-equipment manufacturer), the

630A cordless grease gun offers users dual flow rate modes delivering 160g/min (high) or 100g/min (low), and maximum grease pressures of up to 10,000psi (700bar), enabling operators to undertake plant and machinery greasing more quickly and effectively than has been the case in the past.

The optimised electric motor increases battery life, creating more power, thereby enabling greasing to be undertaken through blocked and dirty grease points with a minimum of time and effort.

Durable pump design with quality components ensures a long service life with overpressure and overload protection part of the clever European engineering and design solution.

As well as providing operators with information in regard to how much grease has been put into a bearing, pin, bush, seal or slide, the multi-function LCD also lets the operator know how much grease is left in the cartridge (grease level) and how much charge is left in the battery (battery level).

Supplied standard with 2 x 2Ah lithiumion batteries which can be used to dispense up to 16 x 450g cartridges of grease, a 4Ah battery capable of delivering up to 32 cartridges before battery recharge is required is also available as an upgrade option for high-volume users and sites.

Three-way loading (cartridge, loader pump or bulk fill), the 630A has a built-in LED work light with on/off control and coupler, and a 1.1m flexible extension holster with robust rubber feet providing stability on flat surfaces.

Also included are a plastic, moulded, anticorrosive carry case which helps to reduce the likelihood of foreign particle ingress into the operator’s valuable plant and machinery, a 2Ah spare battery, a battery charger which recharges the battery in as little as 70 minutes and a shoulder strap to minimise operator fatigue. They’re all supplied standard.

For further information on the new Alemlube 630A 20V lithium-ion cordless grease gun – covered by a 5-year warranty – contact your local Alemlube distributor or the Alemlube branch closest to you now.

Next-level greasing.

A shoulder strap to minimise operator fatigue is included.

The multi-function LCD displays how much grease is left in the cartridge and how much charge is left in the battery.

BOSCH

SAFETY SOLUTIONS

Safety should be a number-one concern for any employer and employee. Bosch’s advancements in technology provide innovative tools and accessories, ensuring the highest level of safety for the user.

Bosch Professional power tools has a team of Bosch Onsite Specialists who provide their expertise in the power-tool industry directly to users. Get the Bosch Onsite team down to your job site to assess safety and provide preventative solutions so you can get home safe at the end of each day.

Your people are your biggest asset on the job, make sure they are protected with the safest tools.

DUST SOLUTIONS

Silica dust is prevalent in construction, maintenance and repair wherever concrete, brick or tiles are being used. To reduce dust within the workplace, Bosch Professional offers L, M and H class vacs that ensure meeting state regulations in collecting silica dust.

Bosch offers more than just the product; Bosch offers the whole solution.

BOSCH PROFESSIONAL: THE LEADER IN POWER-TOOL SAFETY

• Kickback Control immediately shuts off power to the tool, protecting the user and decreasing downtime. Now featured on 40+ Bosch 18V and 240W tools, including grinders, hammers and drills

• Vibration Control effectively reduces vibrations felt by the user by up to 60%, protecting the user and decreasing downtime. Featured on Bosch grinders, rotary hammers and demolition hammers

• Drop Control sensor technology shuts off power if the tool is dropped. Now featured

on Bosch 18V Brushless Angle Grinders.

• Restart protection stops accidental restart if the power is disconnected then reconnected

• Intelligent Brake System brakes the motor in 1-3 seconds, depending on the tool. Bosch X-LOCK tool-less disc change for angle grinders has a 1-second braking time. Available on 18V and 240W angle grinders

• Soft Start allows the tool to start at low RPM and accelerate to a maximum RPM, preventing a sudden jump in the user’s hand.

More at www.bosch-pt.com.au

The Bosch Professional Range offers L, M & H-class vacuums, all meeting Australian safety regulations in collecting Silica Dust.

Bosch Dust Solutions, saving users from Silica Dust exposure on site.

X-LOCK by Bosch. The latest grinder accessories attachment system - for quick, easy and safe work on site.

The loved Bug

Today’s teenagers seem to buy only dual-cab utes or soulless SUVs. Alfie Rowley and his 1963 VW Beetle show there’s a far classier way to begin your motoring life.

Herbie has a lot to answer for. The 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, dressed in racing stripes and numbers, made its silver-screen debut in 1968’s The Love Bug. Kids (and grown-ups) loved Herbie, and through endless television replays and movie sequels this wheelieing, sliding, jumping and impossibly rapid VW with a personality of its own has been enjoyed by every generation since.

Like countless others, a VW Beetle was my first car. I can partly lay blame at Herbie’s door for this. What moviewatching kid doesn’t love a wheel-spinning lowered Bug ripping through Californian mountains (comically masquerading as rural France) and beating a Ferrari

Alfie Rowley and his 1963 VW Beetle.

Words and images: Iain Curry

Daytona, Lamborghini Miura and even a dodgy Porsche 917 replica?

Showing Herbie’s allure lives on, 19-yearold Alfie Rowley also caught the Beetle bug when watching the movies. “At eight years old my dad brought home this 1963 Beetle and I was completely dazed,” he said. “Dad told me if I did well at school, I could have the car when I turned 16. On my birthday he handed it over and I’d have to take care of it.”

The number of youngsters who’ve accrued vital mechanical knowledge through owning a Beetle must be in the millions. They’re not exactly unreliable cars, but most agree there are many niggling things that can and do go wrong. Blessedly, most

dramas with old, air-cooled VWs are relatively straightforward to put right. That means beginners get to cut their mechanic’s teeth on these charming cars with the engine in the wrong place.

So it’s proved for Alfie who has fallen for the simplicity and character of his almost 60-yearold Volksie. “I’ve got a speedo, manual shifter, two knobs for the light and wipers; that’s all I need,” he said. “Some people my age get into it and are scared because they don’t know what to do. It’s not overwhelming. It’s just a car.”

You’ll notice it’s far from standard, just like the movie Herbie. The ’63 Beetle revels in its almost ratstyle, its patina and some choice upgrades and modifications. Yet unlike most tampered-with cars, Alfie’s Bug doesn’t polarise opinion. You’ll struggle to find anyone who doesn’t love it and try to grab a photo.

“I love the fact everyone has a story about a Beetle,” Alfie explained. “Everyone’s affected by it and you can’t replicate that. I’ve made my best friends through owning the Beetle; people are fanatical about them. You drive one of these and it’s like a family member. There’s no better thing than driving, feeling and listening to a carburettor car that’s running perfectly.”

Alfie’s Beetle wears the scars of time, and being a student he’s not just able to write blank cheques to have everything perfectly restored. But who’d want it that way? His dad bought it for $7000 11 years ago and it sat stupidly low on very skinny front wheels. Much work has been done since to make it more usable and sensible, but maintaining the street modified/race car aesthetic.

“It’s either Bermuda green or teal, I’m not quite sure as it’s been painted at some point,” Alfie said. “Its original 1200 engine was in when we got it, but that’s now replaced by a 1641 single port – they’re usually twin port if they’re 1641 – making around 60 horsepower. The original engine is at home and I’m turning that into a 1400 with bigger pistons.”

The current motor is the third change Alfie’s performed in 10 years. “We upgraded from the 1200 and when it died we put the original back in, which then also died,” he said. “This 1600 (1641cc) has been going for three years now, but the original 1200

will soon go back in again. We needed to re-do the seals as it leaked a bit. That’s a rite of passage if you own a VW. If it leaks you know the engine’s original. The oil goes onto the belt and sprays absolutely everywhere.”

Partnered with his dad to work on the Beetle, Alfie’s been mechanically learning on the job. Not being a fan of really low cars, a key job was lifting the rear swing arm back to original, then raising the front torsion beam as much as possible after it was cut by the previous owner. Even so, it still sits incredibly low.

“It feels like an old race car,” Alfie explained. “It’s low and handles nicely, but

isn’t stupidly low like before. It’s still comfortable to drive and will happily take the heavy equipment I need for the radio-station work I do.”

The exhaust has been swapped for a classic GT version – a simple eightbolt task – a later radio has gone in, as has a new fuel gauge to replace the non-working original. Alas, it still lies, and many Beetle owners will empathise with how you know when to refuel based on luck and sixth sense rather than anything accurate.

As for exterior aesthetics, it’s a gorgeous blend of originality, retro accessories, subtle race stickers and charming surface rust. Chunky chrome bumpers sport California-style license plates, there’s Mobil Pegasus logos, expensive Vintage Speed roof rack with varnished pine slats and stick-on GoodYear GT Radial white lettering for the (not GoodYear) tyres over original steel rims. The racing numbers pay homage to the famed ‘Gilbert’ 1965 racing Beetle in the ’States, Alfie borrowing the font and adopting ‘63’ to represent his car’s

– and dad’s – build date. Above the front bumper, a gorgeous Carello amber fog light adds to the Herbie tribute.

At some point the Beetle’s engine cover –or deck lid – was updated to a 1964 version, but Alfie’s sourced a ’63 replacement with ‘Pope’s nose’ license-plate light shroud. It’ll be fitted after a respray, but this could then lead to more extreme work. “I’m keen to make it a proper Herbie Rides Again spec, but it’d need to be resprayed and the interior to be grey,” he said. “I really don’t want to lose the patina though, so I want to take off as many panels as I can and keep them.” After all, things are only original once.

It’s very authentic 1963 inside too, albeit with fluffy dice and nanna blankets covering the rather weathered front seats. The ‘red brick’ upholstery is original on the seats and door cards, while the parcel shelf has been custom made in aged red brick to match. The giant steering wheel with chrome horn remains – “it makes driving with your knees in traffic easier” –and while the four-speed transmission is

original, Alfie’s fitted an EMPI short shift kit for a far more precise gear change. “The original we called the soup ladle, but this one is super tight,” he explained.

Maintenance is quite straightforward: always check the oil and keep your eye on the fuel pump as it can potentially catch fire. The hardest job so far was accessing the engine’s fan for repair – the alternator needs removed and the manifold moved –while Alfie leaves carbie tuning to a local air-cooled specialist. “It’s such a hard task to get it running sweet, and I’ve not got dual carbies to make it even harder,” he said. “It’ll be running fine then the outside temperature changes by two degrees and it runs like a tractor. But when you get the sweet spot it can’t be replicated.”

Alfie said he’s twice been offered $40,000 to sell his Herbie, but he’d not take a million for it. “Some things are worth more than material. There’s the memories this car has.” He’ll keep using it for club runs, khanacross racing and getting to uni and work, and you feel these two will be together for life. First loves are hard to beat.

THE NUMBER OF YOUNGSTERS WHO’VE ACCRUED VITAL MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE THROUGH OWNING A BEETLE MUST BE IN THE MILLIONS.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Bosch 16GA Brad Nail Gun

Bosch has released a new brad nail gun, and we’re staggered with just how good it is

The 16GA Brad Nail Gun is an 18V 20-degree-angled brad gun with impressive power that drove our 50mm 16GA brads perfectly into pine and hardwood and paired up perfectly with the ProCORE18V batteries. The design team at Bosch produced a narrow nose which offers great line of sight to the nailing area, ensuring excellent accuracy in either single-fire or bump-fire mode. Being powered by the 18V battery system means the compressor and air hose can stay on the back of the ute, and in even better news, there are no expensive gas cartridges to buy.

A dry-fire lock out protects timber from damage by preventing blank firing when the magazine is empty, and toolless jam clearing means any jams are quick and easy to remove. A flywheel drive makes for less recoil than nail guns with gas-spring drive trains, it’s

easy to adjust the nail depth with precision, and an integrated belt hook mounts on the left or right side.

For our testing we grabbed Patrick Jacobs from Cre8ive Building Projects and asked him to give the Bosch a thorough workout.

TEST #1: POWER AND PERFORMANCE

Pat had cut all the pine architraves to size and was ready to nail when we arrived.

“The first thing I noticed with the Bosch was the grip and balance,” said Pat. “It felt great in the hand, and when squeezing the trigger it fires with an impressive crack. It’s not loud, but it just sounds good.

“But it’s the nail depth that really impressed,” he continued. “I had the gun set on medium depth and it was sinking the brads nicely beneath the timber surface, leaving them in the perfect position for filling at a later date. Some of the timber I was

nailing to was hardwood and the brads still penetrated to the set depth without having to make any adjustment. Even at this mediumdepth setting into hardwood the gun wasn’t struggling at all.”

TEST #2: FEATURES AND ERGOS

Bosch has included a great combination of features that add to both the performance and handling of the gun. The balance is impressive and the gun handles nicely when firing, but also, the gun is extremely wellbalanced. It will stand steady when stood upright as well as when down upside-down on the head as most would normally do with a pneumatic nail gun.

We asked Pat about his fav features.

“The rapid-fire option is great when you need it,” he beamed. “I would normally leave the gun in single-fire mode as I tend to go more for the precision and exact placement rather

With Jamie Gray

The 16GA Brad Nail Gun is an 18V 20-degree-angled brad gun with impressive power.

• Dry-fire lockout

• Narrow nose

• Toolless jam clearing

• Flywheel drive

• Integrated belt hook

• Weight 2.9kg (without battery)

• Single-fire and bump-fire modes

• Maximum freedom with 18V system

• Accurate nail-depth adjustment

than rapid-fire, but again, it’s an awesome feature to have when you are focussed on speed, and the Human Machine Interface at the base of the grip means a simple press of the button toggles you between the two modes. I liked that a lot.

“I was pretty impressed to see how well the narrow nose has been designed. It allows for

very accurate nail placement, and from an ergonomics perspective the Bosch feels as good in use as it looks. The grip and trigger are well positioned for a natural grip and easy activation.”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

The Bosch 16GA Brad Nail Gun is an impressive addition to the Bosch range. Its design, features, material and construction all work effectively and efficiently together. Bosch hasn’t over-complicated things by trying to add too many features, but has ensured the 16GA does a good job, feels great in the hand, is easy to use, and has more than enough power to do exactly what it has been designed to do: finish off arcs, skirts and trims with accuracy, speed and precision.

It’s a top-shelf effort from Bosch on the first try.

Visit: www.bosch-pt.com.au

Pat doing a brilliant job with Bosch’s first brad gun for Australia.

The HMI interface allows powering up and down as well as switching between single-shot and rapid-fire.

Great line of sight for accurate placement.

The nail-depth adjustment offers impressive accuracy.

Nice feel and good ergos from the 16GA.

Taking C brads from 32mm-64mm (16ga).

With Jamie Gray

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Bahco ERGO 1000V insulated pliers

For tradies using pliers regularly over long periods, especially electricians, ergonomics can be the difference between potential repetitive strain issues and injury-free job satisfaction. Combine great ergos with the safety of 1000V insulation and you have the ERGO 1000V range of insulated pliers from Bahco.

Any tool specifically designed to reduce muscle tension and the risk of injuries and accidents while increasing productivity and profitability is always going to impress us, but Bahco’s ERGO range goes even further, with serrated jaws, hardened teeth and extralarge shoulders. It’s an impressive list of well thought out features that have come straight from experienced sparkies who know what a tradesman needs.

• High-quality European manufacture

• Innovative design

• Enhanced safety and productivity

Every tool in the ERGO range is tested for 10 seconds at 10,000V.

All Bahco’s ERGO pliers are built in the company’s factories across Europe, and have been designed and built to last and outperform their competition.

The soft TPE layer grip on the handle sits over a strong PP handle, making the tools easier and extremely comfortable to use, not to mention providing great functionality. The user doesn’t have to grip as tight to perform tasks and therefore reduces muscle tension and strain.

The ERGO range includes various-sized Long Nose Snipe Pliers, Bent Nose Snipe Pliers, Side Cutters, Round Nose Pliers, Combination Pliers and Quick Adjust Water Pump Pliers, and the entire range has the dual-component handle and phosphate finish.

Every tool is tested for 10 seconds at 10,000V at the end of the manufacturing cycle, and has been designed and built to meet the highest demands of even the most testing worksites, all while bringing optimum productivity, profitability, quality, performance and innovation.

We caught up with talented sparky Stuart Innes from Innuku Electrical. Stuart specialises in the supply and installation of high-end smart homes and automated

electrical systems, and he was keen to give the ERGO range a try on his current worksite.

TEST #1: COMFORT AND CONTROL

The first test was really just a matter of getting the tools in the hands of Stuart’s team and letting them work.

“As soon as I picked up the first pliers I could tell how comfortable they were,” clenched Stuart. “The grip felt amazing and the shape of the handles fit perfectly in the hand.

“I also loved the wide shoulders of the pliers which, from a safety perspective, stop your hand or fingers sliding forward onto the live part of the tool. From a gripping and comfort aspect, this made for great workability. The comfort directly delivers precise control in sensitive areas and with electrical cables around live electricity. This control enhances productivity and in the long run will save time and enhance safety.”

TEST #2: SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE

The build quality of any tool will essentially determine its true value. The fact all Bahco’s ERGO pliers are built in the company’s factories across Europe, and have been designed and built to last and outperform

their competition, means tradies experience the best performance on offer. This is evident when cutting through cables and challenging the hardened blades and serrated teeth.

“Electricians are pretty hard on their pliers,” watted Stuart. “A lot of the time their favourite set of pliers will be used for cutting a wide range of cable thicknesses, as well as cutting and removing screws, nails and other items. I have to say the cutting edges have stood up to some serious use over the past few days, with impressive results on both soft and hard wire.

“From the combination pliers cutting up to 2.5mm piano wire, and some of the other pliers easily cutting through substantially thicker copper, I have no doubts about the performance and quality of Bahco’s ERGO range.”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

The ERGO range has ticked all the boxes for safety, performance and durability, and for an electrician of Stuart’s quality and experience to say Bahco ERGO pliers are up there with the best he has ever used is a pretty glowing and telling indication of the true quality of these hand tools.

Visit www.bahco.com.au

• Two-component ERGO insulated handles

• Phosphate anti-corrosion treated finish

• Improved accessibility in confined spaces

The Bent Nose Snipe Pliers getting into some tight, detailed work.

Wide shoulders on the pliers prevent hands or fingers sliding forward onto the live part of the tool.

Stuart from Innuku loved the design of the ERGO range.

The Quick Adjust Water Pump Pliers were a hit with the plumber as well.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Diablo impact and rotary drill bits

Drilling masonry puts specific challenges on even the most robust drill bits. Materials like concrete, brick and stone require unique technologies, design and manufacturing processes to produce bits that last and perform. Diablo’s Red Granite Drill Bits, Multi-Material Drill Bits and Tile & Glass Drill Bits are at the leading edge globally for masonry drilling. All offer both impressive lifespans and performance on materials like concrete, hard tiles, stone and glass.

Despite offering specific bits for specific materials, the ranges each have some key crossover features, like the use of Diablomade carbide, multi-ground grip point tips, an optimised U-flute design, and all are optimised for both corded and cordless drills. The features seamlessly combine

to give more holes per battery charge on cordless drills due to the efficiency and overall bit quality, and the hex shank design also provides extra stability by preventing the drill spinning in the chuck on traditional drills. All bits in the three ranges are suitable for use in both rotary hammer drills and impact

• More holes per charge

• Optimised for cordless and corded drills

• Optimised brazing and hardening process

• Diablo-made carbide

• Optimised U-flute design

• Multi-ground grip point tip

With Jamie Gray

The 6mm Multi-Material bit slicing through Australian hardwood decking.

drivers and offer exceptional durability. The Multi-Material Drill Bits and Red Granite Drill Bits offer up 3x the life of other bits, and the Tile & Glass Drill Bits up to 10x. The key features are even more important for high heat and impact applications where the Diablo made Multi-ground carbide tip delivers stability, strength, longevity and the accuracy required for fast starts and precise holes.

We put all three of the ranges to work into concrete, brick and stone with some excellent results. The bits all performed exceptionally well. But it was the MultiMaterial Drill Bits and the Tile & Glass Drill Bits we focussed on.

TEST #1: MULTI-MATERIAL DRILL BITS

The Mutli-Material Drill Bit range is an impressive product designed for drilling materials from thin metal, pine sleeper, Australian hardwood decking and ceramic tile, through to things like 30mm travertine. We grabbed a 6.5mm Multi-Material bit and used it on each of these products individually multiple times.

The bit performed exceptionally well across all drilling. So well, in fact, we decided to create a ‘multi-material sandwich’. We stacked each of these products into a single block and drilled through the entire stack.

The 6.5mm bit didn’t skip a beat, slicing its way through the entire stack in an epic test that really highlighted its true multimaterial

capabilities. The process obviously slowed a little when going through the tile compared to the pine sleeper, but even the Aussie hardwood didn’t pose a problem.

After repeating this multimaterial sandwichtest 5 times, using the same 6.5mm bit, we couldn’t see any reduction in performance.

TEST #2: TILE & GLASS DRILL BITS

There’s a tendency to crack or break glass or tile when using inferior drill bits. Many an experienced tradie has had a few fails in this area.

The Diablo Tile & Glass bits have been through an optimised brazing and hardening process to extend the life of the multi-ground carbide tip. The result delivers precise and accurate holes.

We successfully drilled various tiles, both porcelain and ceramic, and the bits didn’t wander at all. They stayed precisely where they were placed.

We did lubricate the bits with water when drilling and kept below 2000rpm as Diablo recommended, and the Tile & Glass Drill Bits were a standout, producing extremely clean, high-quality results in tricky materials. The results were top shelf in terms of finish and ease of use. There was no chipping on the edges of our tiles and, other than adding water, it was an extremely easy process.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

The three bit ranges from Diablo, although similar in their intended use, are unique enough to each earn a place in the tool kit. For dedicated concrete drilling I would lean towards the Red Granite Range. For a general-purpose masonry bit I would use the Multi-Material bits, and for tiles and glass the Diablo Tile & Glass Drill Bits produced such good results I couldn’t go past them for this specific use.

Visit: www.diablotools.com.au

Metal sheeting, hardwood decking, pine sleeper and lastly a 30mm section of travatine.

Now that’s a multimaterial sandwich.

Guiding the Multi-Material bit effortlessly through a section of 100mm slab.

The Tile & Glass bits were amazing, hole after hole.

An impressive collection of the Diablo masonry ranges.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Snap-D range of D shackles and bow shackles

With Jamie Gray

Builder and big-wave foil surfer Matt Davies swapped to new Snap D shackles for their fast-release capability in dangerous surf.

Stainless steel won’t lock up and rust. Just give it a spray with fresh water after use to stop it from discolouring.

Made from 304 stainless, with captive pins. Brilliant!

Snap-D is a New Zealand-based company which has designed a great system of shackles with a quickrelease system that uses a simple, single push-and-half-turn to release the captive pin in seconds.

Everyone knows the feeling of having to spend way too much time undoing existing D shackles. They are prone to rusting tight, especially around saltwater conditions, and potentially need multigrips to remove.

Being made from 304 stainless, Snap-D shackles will last in ocean and coastal environments, only requiring a freshwater rinse or hose after use to stop any discolouration. Ranging in size from 8mm up to 19mm, they are the perfect choice for tradies who regularly need to quickly and easily disconnect the trailer.

Snap-D shackles have some impressive load ratings. The big boy 19mm bow shackle carries a maximum load rating of 4500kg

(MTM/ATM), perfect for pulling vehicles out of ditches or when bogged on 4WD trips. At the other end of the range, the 8mm D shackle is ideal for small dinghies and jet skis, and is about the size of a small keyring.

TEST #1: SPEED AND MOTHER NATURE

Matt Davies, builder and big-wave tow foiler, and his tow partner, Mike Clyne, push the limits of both themselves and their equipment towing their foil boards into huge waves with their jet ski. The pressure on metal shackles towing in big waves, along with the action of the salt water, means traditional shackles tend to lock up, bend, and often need tools to undo after short periods of use. Traditional shackles also need frequent replacement.

“The ocean is pretty hard on all our gear, including the jet skis, trailer and shackles,” said Matt, with a big wave. “What I love about these Snap-D shackles is the heavyduty build, strength and quick-release functionality.

“When towing a surfer in the ocean with traditional shackles, the only way you can quick release is by cutting the tow rope. That takes time to open the hatch of the ski, find the knife, then cut the rope. It could take anywhere from 30 seconds to 60 seconds. By comparison, I can release the Snap-D and tow rope in a few seconds.”

TEST #2: EASE OF USE

Heath Thompson from Impact Pools and Landscapes deals with multiple excavators, loaders, and other trailerable items that are moved from site to site every three of four days. That means trailers which are often being unhitched and parked.

“The speed of the quick release with the simple half turn is a great feature,” offered

• Captive pin

• Quick release

• Half-turn release

• Heavy duty to handle any job

• Ideal for towing and vehicle recovery

Heath. “With my previous D shackles, to remove in winter on cold mornings onsite at 7.00am, they would often stick and generally be difficult to undo. The Snap-D’s range of sizes also means they can cover all of our machinery from our smallest loader to our biggest excavator.

“On weekends I often go away with the boys riding dirtbikes, and the Snap-D shackles make swapping from work trailers and equipment to weekend adventures extremely quick and easy!”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

The only ugly involved in this tough test was the state of some of the standard shackles we saw in use. Some were twisted, bent and rusted.

The range of Snap-D D shackles and bow shackles means you can safely match the right Snap-D to the right equipment. As a rough guide, the 10mm Snap-D will suit single-axle trailers. Tandem-axle trailers will require 2x12mm or 2x13mm Snap-Ds. Caravans, floats and small/medium boats will require a single 12mm or 13mm shackle, and larger boats will also require 2x12mm or 2x13mm Snap-Ds.

Contact Snap-D for confirmation on matching the right shackle to your situation.

Visit: www.snapdirect.com.au

• Made from 304 stainless steel

Matt Davies riding high on a foil after being towed in by jet ski.

A simple push and half twist released the Snap D in seconds – as opposed 30 seconds to 40 seconds with a traditional shackle.

SnapD’s innovative captive pin design means you’ll never lose another shackle pin.

The Snap-D bow shackle is perfect for your boating needs.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

AEG 18V 4.8mm rivet gun

If you’re looking for a powerful compact rivet gun that can fit into tight spaces, the AEG 18V 4.8mm Rivet Gun is for you. At only 156mm long without the mandrel catcher, and weighing in at 1.4kg without the battery, it’s capable of tackling up to 4.8mm rivets with its impressive 11,000N pull force.

Even though it’s compact, the AEG still has a robust and comfortable design that feels good in the hand. It’s fast and smooth and includes all the features you would hope for, like a bright LED sight light, a mandrel catcher and a 28mm stroke length.

It comes with accessories that include 4x nose pieces (2.4mm/3.2mm/4.0mm/4.8mm) and will happily rivet using a wide range of rivet materials, including aluminium, copper, steel and stainless steel.

For our testing we grabbed Australia’s leading high-end roofer, Matt Sterland, from Sterland Roofing, and had him put the AEG through its paces.

I’ve been shooting images of Matt’s work for the National Metal Roofing and Cladding Association of Australia award entries for years, and he just cleaned up a few months back, winning 5 of the 15 categories. He scooped the main award – the Rex Blackwell Award for Roofing Excellence –so congratulations to Matty and the hardworking Sterland Roofing team.

I couldn’t think of anyone better to test the AEG 18V 4.8mm rivet gun.

TEST #1: ERGONOMICS AND FEEL

I noticed the barrel of the grip felt like it had just a little more girth than the AEG drill or impact driver, which I liked. It felt great in the hand and really comfortable to squeeze the trigger.

But it was Matt’s opinion I was really interested in.

“The boys would have loved to have this

With Jamie Gray

A very impressive 18V rivet gun that will tick all the boxes for roofers of all levels.

Even though it’s compact, the AEG still has a robust and comfortable design.

rivet gun for a job we just finished,” popped Matt. “It’s so easy to set up and use.

“The compact size is a huge benefit. When you take off the mandrel catcher it’s only 156mm long from front to back. It would have to be the smallest 18V rivet gun on the market, and probably the only one that would fit into small areas like box gutters and the like. This is going to make a huge difference for roofers who currently have to use manual rivet guns.

“It feels great and creates effortless and strong pop rivets in a second. The difference between using a traditional manual rivet gun and this one would be huge at the end of the day, in terms of saving both time and energy when up on the roof.”

TEST #2: POWER AND PERFORMANCE

As the name suggests, AEG’s 18V 4.8mm rivet gun can take rivets up to 4.8mm, so it was always going to produce pretty amazing results at anything under that size. It sure did manage exactly that.

• Powerful 18V motor

• 11,000N pull force

• Shortest overall length of 156mm

• Built-in wrench

• Up to 4.8mm rivet capacity

• Durable lightweight design

• 1.4kg (tool only)

• LED sight light

• On board lanyard loop

We tested 3.2mm, 4mm and 4.8mm rivets in aluminium and stainless. Across the board it was fast, smooth and impressive. Even at the 4.8mm end of the range in stainless steel it exceeded Matt’s expectations considerably.

“This rivet gun has a pile of power,” triggered Matt. “It’s fast and smooth. I thought it was going to struggle on the 4.8mm stainless rivets, as most 18V tools would, but it still smashed it. It was noticeable it had slowed a little from the 4mm rivet, but by no means would I say it struggled.

“There’s no doubt that this rivet gun would make a huge impact on roofers looking for a

AEG ONSITE

Reach out to the AEG Onsite team at www.aegonsite.com.au or call 1300 AEG ONSITE to book a site visit now. They’ll deliver and transact direct to your site!

powerful and fast 18V rivet solution.”

As the rain really started to come down and a few of Matt’s roofers came back to the office, they were all more than impressed with this little performer. The overall feedback was, “Where was this last month on that job with the box gutters!”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

There’s no doubt this tool will save time, reduce fatigue and repetitive strain, and reduce the scratches on metalwork that always happen when you get tired arms from squeezing traditional nonpowered rivet guns. When you add in the LED sight light, 4.8mm capacity and the short overall length, you have a very impressive 18V rivet gun that will tick all the boxes for roofers of all levels.

Visit www.aegpowertools.com.au

Even at the upper end of the scale – at 4.8mm with stainless-steel rivets – the gun’s performance was exceptional.

You can see how well the grip fits into the hand.

Matt was impressed with the speed and quality of the job using 4.8mm rivets.

Overall the AEG 18V 4.8mm Rivet Gun was fast and powerful.

The 2.8mm, 3.2mm, 4mm & 4.8mm nose pieces store nicely at the back of the grip.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Cement Australia Off White cement

Trends have been slowly moving from the traditional grey mortar mix to white and off-white cement, both on its own and with the addition of coloured oxides, for specific situations. But the ability of off-white, when mixed with certain sands, to compliment the warm colours found in natural stone seems to be behind the surge in popularity of off-white colouring.

Cement Australia’s range of products has always been on trend in terms of colour options, pre-packaged and cement-only products, and an impressive range of additives and oxides for creating original and unique looks for specific finishes. At the heart of Cement Australia’s range is the quality and consistency of its materials and ingredients, and products which look amazing and are great to work with.

For this test WTW revisited stonemason Blake Cooper from Northern Beaches Stone. Blake had just used the Cement Australia

With Jamie Gray

Off-white cement produces a lighter colour that works perfectly on natural stone.

Blake from Northern Beaches Stone applying the Cement Australia Off White mortar.

• Blends to raw materials

• Light-coloured cement for a brighter finish

• Suits oxide addition for a coloured finish

• Conforms to AS3972 Type HE

General Purpose Cement to lay 50mm-thick natural stone paving and was using Cement Australia Off White Cement as a mortar to complete the look of the job.

TEST #1: USABILITY AND CONSISTENCY

Getting consistent colour across a large job is extremely important, especially working on high-end homes. Blake’s technique for achieving that consistency sounds straightforward.

“Properly mixing the sand and off-white cement before adding the water is key in getting consistent colour,” he mudded. “For this job we used a barrow and a larry, ensuring the sand and cement were properly mixed before adding the water.

“The Cement Australia Off White Cement is

• Revolutionised the development of architectural concrete

• Perfect for aesthetic and decorative opportunities

• Suits early high-strength applications

a great product to use. It mixed up really well and produced a fluffy consistency that had a great amount of stick.

“All my boys enjoyed using it. It was great to work with as a mortar, and when pointing it wasn’t too hard on the wrists or hands.

“The product was probably one of the best off-white cements we have used.”

TEST #2: COLOUR

At the end of the day it’s about having happy clients who love the look of the work.

The off-white cement starts off looking much darker than its eventual colour, then, as it dries, lightens up substantially.

“Natural sandstone can range from many warm, natural shades right through to purples,” masoned Blake. “We saw that in some parts of this job. With our special mix of various types of sand to achieve the exact

look we were going for, the off-white/beige look we achieved complimented the natural stone beautifully. It doesn’t compete with the colour of the stone, it just sets it off.

“The Cement Australia Off White was an excellent product for us to use on this job, and both the builder and the client are over the moon with what we’ve produced.” said Blake.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

Colour and consistency are the name of the game for any render and mortar, and the Cement Australia Off White Cement has delivered both on this impressive job.

From the ease of mixing, great consistency and workability of the product, right through to the end look and feel of the job, the product was first class. Great feedback from highquality masons like Blake and his team from Northern Beaches Stone makes it pretty safe to say the team at Cement Australia is nailing its range of products.

Cement Australia has a wide range of both cement and pre-packaged products, oxides and additives. Be sure to check them out for your next project.

Visit: www.cementaustralia.com.au

As the mortar dries it lightens up from a grey to beautiful beige/off white.

Consistency in colour and texture are key to a good job.

All Cement Australia products are made right here in Australia.

Cement Australia Off White Cement can be used either naturally or with coloured oxides.

Consistent colour is extremely important, especially working on high-end homes.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Kango drill bit ranges

• 3x new ranges: Cobalt, HSS & Impact HSS

• New four-cut tip

• Thicker core

With Jamie Gray

The 8mm & 10mm Cobalt bits did a great job on the 5mm stainless-steel angle.

Ultimate cutting performance for use in both drills and impact drivers.

Kango’s Cobalt, HSS and Impact HSS bits cover drilling needs for materials from metal and hard metals through to wood and plastic.

Kango has stepped things up with not 1 but 3 new drill-bit ranges: Cobalt, HSS and Impact HSS, covering drilling needs for materials from metal and hard metals through to wood and plastic. There are some general features which carry across all three ranges, including:

• The new four-cut tip which gives maximum material contact, faster drill speeds and cleaner holes;

• A thicker core with a tapered design to create a stronger bit;

• A 135-degree split point to prevent the bits from wandering;

• A rapid-eject flute which quickly clears chips and material for faster drilling; and

• Chamfered edges which reduce binding.

TEST #1: COBALT

The Cobalt range is purpose-built for tougher materials like stainless steel and cast iron. In addition to the common features we’ve already outlined, the Cobalt range has a 3-flat shank which reduces chuck slippage and an M35 5% Cobalt-blend material to withstand extreme levels of abrasion and heat.

• 135-degree split point

• Rapid-eject flute

• Chamfered edges

Matt Wilcock from Outfall Art agreed to give the Kango Cobalt bits a run for us. He kicked off by drilling both the 8mm and 10mm Cobalt bits through 5mm stainless-steel angle and 12mm metal cleats, with both the press and the 18V AEG drill. As you can see from the images, the resulting edges were extremely clean and crisp and looked very tidy indeed.

“The 135-degree split point worked really well with the bit drilling exactly where I wanted,” arted Matt. “The bit also drilled clean and true, with material being ejected with ease.”

TEST #2: HSS & HSS IMPACT

The HSS range includes the HSS and HSS Impact ranges, with the HSS Impact range receiving some extra impact resistance, including a titanium coating to reduce friction and heat build-up for maximum life and performance. The ¼" hex shank can be used in both impact drivers and regular drills.

For our testing of the HSS range we grabbed some 3mm aluminium tubing, some wood, and a handful of plastic.

As you would expect, the softer wood and plastic didn’t present any challenges at all, with the bits sinking into the material and clearing out the debris beautifully. And when we started drilling the aluminium we could really see just how well – and how fast – the new four-cutter tip performed.

The combined features and designs of the HSS bits contribute to a clean, fast and precise drilling experience. Jimmy Sullman from SWAT fabrications had several hundred 3mm holes to drill into a brass wine rack he was constructing for a restaurant, and he

was impressed with both the sharpness and the longevity of the cutting edge over long periods of use.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

There was no mucking around with the Kangos. We jumped straight into the largest sizes we were sent on the hardest materials we had available, and even after drilling the 10mm Cobalt bit through the 12mm steel cleat the tip looked in great shape. In a strong indication of the quality and strength of the bit, it was still sharp and clean with no visible damage or chips.

We did our best to really slow these bits down, but I have to say the Kango range exceeded our expectations. Given the thickness of some of our test pieces (10mm+) we didn’t focus on the speed of the cutting process, but instead let the drill and bit do the hard work without excess downward pressure. But in saying that, the bits’ sharpness, strength and material ejection allowed for some fast cutting and produced great-looking results.

Kango has packed a lot into these 3 new drill-bit ranges, and they all stood up well to the materials we tested them on. Those chamfered edges and variable-flute geometry work a treat for faster, cleaner cuts.

Visit: www.kangotools.com.au

The 3mm HSS bit cut beautifully through the brass.

The four-cut design sliced through the stainless.

A very nice cut by the 8mm Cobalt bit through a 12mm cleat.

Jimmy from SWAT Fabrications enjoyed the Kango bits.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Ridgid RP 350 and RP 351 press tools

Tradies, especially plumbers, are going love the combined features of these two press tools.

The RP 351 is Ridgid’s first in-line standard series press tool, while the RP 350 is the pistol-grip model. Both offer serious power with brushless motors capable of over 100,000 press cycles, no scheduled maintenance and a 360-degree swivel head. Jaw sizes range from 15mm (32kN) up to 50mm, and offer a hydraulic ram output of 7,200lbs.

These two tools have been specifically built to work in tight spaces, and the barrel shape of the RP 351, with its unique design, reaches even further into tight-access areas. Restricted access often means not much light, and the LED work lights on the Ridgid press tools are above and beyond those found on most tools.

Power is supplied by an advanced 18V

• Brushless motor capable of over 100,000 presses

• No scheduled maintenance

• Bluetooth connectivity

• Endless swivel head

lithium-ion battery and the tools produce 325 presses per charge with a crimp cycle time of only 4.5 seconds (on ¾" fittings on type L copper), and weigh in at 3.2kg for the tool only.

Both tools are Bluetooth-enabled and can be registered and linked to the Ridgid Link app which can track press counts, battery life and other performance stats.

WTW caught up with plumber Bill Spoljaric. Bill’s worked with the two previous generations of the RP 350 and RP 351 and was happy to let us know his thoughts on the new models.

With Jamie Gray

Billy was loving the added agility of the 360-degree endless swivel head.

Ridgid’s RP 351 and RP 350 offer serious power with brushless motors capable of over 100,000 press cycles.

TEST #1: SPEED AND EASE OF USE

For our first test Bill put both the RP 350 and RP 351 to work on some 15mm copper. It was an effortless process which both tools completed with ease.

“I own the previous generation of both these tools,” said Billy, crimping like a madman. “I purchased them 2 years back and have loved them. But these new editions are ahead in both ease of use with the 360degree swivel head as well as balance of the tool and general performance.

“They just feel superior across the board.

“The LED lights are actually pretty bright and do a great job at providing workable lighting in low-light environments, too. The tools themselves seem quieter and smoother, and the stability of the design allows them to

be used either by holding the tools or letting them stand on the work bench and holding the copper as you work.”

TEST #2: POWER AND ERGONOMICS

The agile design of the RP 350 & RP 351 provides not only excellent access to hard-toreach areas, but also gives great ergonomics. The brushless motor provides 7,200 lbs of pressure and fast crimping.

“The unlimited range of the swivel head is a big advancement allowing you to position the tool into much more user-friendly operating positions,” piped Bill. “The previous editions were only providing a 270-degree range of movement, which, after now experiencing the full 360-degree range, was restrictive in many situations.

“The tool feels strong and solid in the hand and activating the trigger is easy in a natural and comfortable position. With the brushless motor being rated to 100,000 activations these tools will meet and exceed the high

standard and reputation of Ridgid tools. “The color-coded indicator lights, found around the power button at the rear of the tool, quickly display any important info at a glance. Things like low battery, Bluetooth connectivity or a released pin. It’s quick and important information while working on site,” said Bill.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

The fact Ridgid offers a full lifetime warranty against material defects and workmanship is a pretty solid indicator of the belief and confidence it has in its tools. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity and colour-coded light indicators for easy operation shows Ridgid’s stance on staying at the forefront of plumbing tools and remaining relevant in an industry that seems to be moving with technology at breakneck speeds.

Visit: www.ridgid.com.au

The design allows for the tools to be used either by holding the tools or letting them stand on the work bench and holding the job.

Bill felt the tools were stronger, quieter and faster than the previous generations.

Both the RP 350 and RP 351 have excellent balance and power.

Producing 7,200lbs of crimping pressure, even 50mm-100mm is a breeze for these tools.

You can feel the quality and strength of these press tools.

TOUGHTRADIETEST APPROVED

Crescent Lufkin

30 METRE (100FT)

Professional chalk reels

After chatting with the Crescent Lufkin team, it sounds like the trusty chalk reel has gone through multiple rounds of R&D, fine tuning, new developments and additions, all with direct feedback from tradies. The result is a range of new professional reels with features which include longer and stronger lines from 15-45M, and with faster rewinds of up to 6x with the 6:1 gear ratio. The process of filling/refilling chalk was previously a slightly awkward affair involving removal of caps or seals, so Crescent Lufkin has created a clever,

one-way chalk valve for quick, no-mess refills. For those who prefer the traditional method of filling you can still remove the end cap if you wish.

The shape and design of the reels have also come under review, with the creation of a new ergonomic case designed to fit better in the hand for easier use with less fatigue. A variant with a full aluminium case has also been included.

To improve the actual process and quality of the marked chalk line, a thumb-activated hub lock has been designed and added

• Range of extra-long lines from 15-45M

• Fold-away rotating hub with 6:1 gear ratio

• Nesting end hook with 3x grip

With Jamie Gray

Dave enjoying the ergonomics of the teardrop shape and rubberised design.

The Crescent Lufkin chalk reel has gone through multiple rounds of R&D, fine tuning, new developments and additions, with direct feedback from tradies.

which holds the line securely in place to make the snapping process easier, cleaner and faster.

Finally, a nesting end hook has been added which retracts into the case itself and locks in place, preventing tool-bag snags.

To help with our testing we enlisted the talented Martin and Dave from Beaches Carpentry. The pair have been building quality homes around Sydney for over 20 years.

TEST #1: ERGONOMICS

Chatting with Dave about his experience with the 30m professional chalk reel he shared, “There’s no denying the new shape fits really well into the hand. The teardropstyle shape provides excellent grip, and the

thumb-activated hub lock gives the perfect tension and pressure to snap a precise and crisp line. It makes you wonder why this hasn’t been introduced sooner.

“The locking dial has a textured, rubberised edge, making it perfect to slide into the locking position easily. But it’s also the larger and toothier end hook that made for exact placement at the other end of the line which added to the ease and precision of the chalk reel.”

TEST #2: CHALK LINE AND REWIND SPEED

Watching Martin and Dave very quickly adapt to the new features of the chalk reel and then inspecting the quality of the chalk lines it’s clear tradies are going to love these new features.

“I really liked the ‘hard mark blue chalk’ that was included with the chalk reel in one of the packages,” said Dave. “It produced a brighter blue line which was clear and

easy to see on both indoor and outdoor applications with mixed lighting.

“The 6:1 gear ratio made for a very fast rewinding process. This is something tradies will love, as a slow rewind will put a lot of tradies off a chalk reel pretty much straight away, as will cheap plastic construction.

“I have used both the heavy-duty red & black unit as well as the aluminium version and both have stood up to a couple of solid drop tests with impressive results.”

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

All in all, it’s awesome to see the trusty chalk line get some love and attention. Even better is to see features combine to produce a tool which is going to allow tradies to achieve more accurate and precise results easier and in less time.

I can’t think of a single tradie who wouldn’t be happy with that.

Visit: www.crescenttool.com.au

• Thumb-activated hub lock

• One-way chalk valve

• Ergonomic heavy-duty case

The 6:1 rewind ratio saves a pile of time over the course of a busy day.

An oversized end hook gives optimum performance and bite.

A unique locking dial allows for a super tight line and crisp markings.

Enjoy clear and precise chalk lines of up to 30m.

Dave from Beaches Carpentry prepares to release the chalk line.

NEWS & VIEWS

CARBATEC WOODWORKING HAND TOOLS AND MACHINERY

Since 1987, Carbatec has delivered quality woodworking products and services across Australia and New Zealand. The company’s commitment to deliver tools at value for money, with world-class customer service, has proven Carbatec to be the trusted source for all woodworking professionals and enthusiasts.

From woodturning to marking & measuring, renovating your kitchen to carving a spoon. From joinery to routing and shaping, dust control to timber. It might be you’re just needing some inspiration to create a new timber project or a solution to complete the existing

project. It doesn’t matter what your woodworking needs are, Carbatec will support you with the right advice and tools to get the job done.

With 6 Carbatec stores in Australia and hundreds of fine distributors across the nation, Carbatec has a range to suit beginners, skilled craftspeople and professional tradies.

Take your projects, shed, worksite or garage to the next level with the Carbatec range of woodworking hand tools and machinery.

For more information please go to carbatec.com.au.

FIRED UP FOR A FEED

We’ve all been there – finished an action-packed day on the tracks, or a tough morning onsite, and all you can think about is cooking up some quality grub. Then, bam! Your portable stove runs out of gas.

Well, thanks to Hot Devil’s all-new Butane Gas Cartridges, this will be a problem of the past.

Hot Devil has really upped the ante with its butane-gas cartridge. These bad boys are now purified 11 times.

What does that mean for you?

It means the gas burns hotter and lasts longer than any other comparable gas on the market. That’s right! Up to 20 minutes longer!

You can say goodbye to the semicooked or lukewarm grub when you’re out in the backblocks or onsite trying to feed the crew.

Get into your nearest Hot Devil stockest to try these great new Butane Gas Cartridges yourself.

PUTTING THE BEST TO THE TEST

Two Isuzu Trucks technicians are preparing to do battle with colleagues from around the world at this year’s I-1 Grand Prix, the ultimate test of Isuzu skills and technical know how.

The I-1 GP, as it’s known, pits national teams of Isuzu motor mechanics and auto electricians against each other in timed technical challenges. Pre-COVID, the I-1 GP was held in Japan, but this year the competition will once again be online.

Australia’s team was whittled down from a pool of 63 technicians and apprentices who took part in an online qualifier event that included a one-hour written exam and three 10-minute virtual failure diagnostic exercises.

The eight top-scoring technicians and eight highest-placed apprentices travelled to Melbourne in July to compete in the National Technical Skills Competition at Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL’s) headquarters. The format of this competition was a onehour written exam and a one-hour on-vehicle exercise.

IAL National Training Manager David Smith said the I-1 GP,

along with the exciting Walkinshaw Andretti United V8 Supercar pit-crew experience, were some of the fantastic skill-building experiences that are so important for Isuzu, particularly in light of the current skills shortage both in Australia and globally.

“These experiences are in addition to the regular training undertaken by Isuzu Trucks technicians to update their knowledge of vehicle inspections, diagnosis, repairs and systems management,” Mr Smith said.

TJM UPGRADES FOR THE 2022 FORD RANGER

For the past 12 months, TJM’s designers and engineers have been hard at work perfecting the toughest, most innovative accessories range for the 2022 Ranger that’s designed to thrive in the harsh Australian environment.

“We’re seeing the first batch of 10,000 or so Rangers arrive on our shores,” said TJM Head of Engineering, Peter Sparkes. “That is thousands of vehicles we cannot wait to see rolling up to our fitment centres for the upgrades they deserve.

“Creating the upgrades for the 2022 Ranger has been nothing short of incredible. We’ve pushed boundaries, made new discoveries, unlocked new innovations and pioneered market firsts, all while building on the same premium quality and reliability our customers have come to expect from us.”

“Across the next few months, our premium suite of products will be available to ensure these beasts are truly equipped for the Australian Outdoors,” said Sparkes.

From the incredible and revolutionary XGS Suspension range to unbeatable GVM upgrades, versatile bull bars, unmatched underbody and side protection, and so much more, TJM accessories are ready to turn your Ranger into an off-roading superweapon.”

Visit: www.tjm.com.au.

BLUNDSTONE – STABILITY MEETS THE FREEDOM TO MOVE WITH ROTOFLEX

Iconic Australian footwear brand Blundstone continues to be at the forefront of safety footwear with the launch of its new RotoFlex® Range. This world-leading biomechanical design is a result of years of research and development into the needs of workers in the trades, mining and construction industries. The airportfriendly range includes four unisex styles and two women’s-specific styles crafted for the ever-growing female market.

All six styles feature a water-resistant

upper, lightweight, compression-resistant composite toe cap, and an all-new zoned airflow footbed to activate ventilation and provide moisture control—no more sweaty feet. The overarching comfort system, SoftCell®, utilises a combination of specialist materials and a unique biomechanical foot-cradling design to increase stability, balance, comfort and manoeuvrability, while reducing ankleslip risk and fatigue.

Every single component used in the construction of the RotoFlex range has been researched, tested and

trialled to ensure Blundstone delivers truly innovative, better-performing safety footwear. The dedicated design team looked at multiple options for each element and selected the bestperforming, most-appropriate product— and if the team couldn’t find the perfect piece, it created it.

Launching in September 2022, RotoFlex delivers a strong foundation from the ground up, providing unbeatable fit and unrivalled comfort—perfect from day one. Put Blundstone’s innovation to work at www.blundstone.com.au/rotoflex.

NEW BOC PLASMAS

A CUT ABOVE THE REST.

Just landed. Two new plasma cutters from BOC, each with a three-phase cutting solution that delivers a fast, efficient and safe way to get quality smooth cuts every time.

The BOC Smoothcut 100C Air offers the convenience of an in-built air compressor for those quick-and-easy jobs or where lugging a separate air compressor becomes cumbersome. It can also be connected to an external air compressor for those thicker, heavierduty cuts.

The BOC Smoothcut 100A’s special feature is its CNC compatibility which allows for high precision and repeat cuts – ideal for repetitive and/or decorative metal work. Both these workhorses are ideal for medium to heavy metal fabrication. They come as a complete package that includes a quality Trafimet-style plasma torch with a generous cable length and double insulator trigger to prevent accidental start-ups – a great safety feature.

Simple to use and manoeuvre, the BOC Smoothcut 100C Air and Smoothcut 100A comply with AS/NZS 60974-1 and IEC/EN 60974-10, and are both backed by a three-year conditional warranty.

These machines, and their torch wear parts, are readily available from a wide network of BOC stores and BOC distributors. For more information visit www.boc.com.au or ring 131 262 for your nearest BOC store.

smart. strong. safe.

If you’ve got your own tradie business, it’s probably safe to say you’re an expert at your job. Your clients may depend on your knowledge, so giving out your tradie pearls of wisdom has become a part of the job.

But did you know that if you are an electrician, plumber or carpenter, and your advice causes them a financial loss, you could be held responsible? That’s where Professional Indemnity* insurance could come in handy.

More than 10,000 plumbers, electricians, and carpenters get their business insurance through BizCover,

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE

and most of these tradies understand the importance of Public Liability* insurance. Yet only a fraction of these tradies understand the importance of Professional Indemnity insurance. A claim could arise from you providing the wrong service, miscalculating a measurement, or giving an incorrect diagnosis or treatment, and your client could suffer financially as a result.

While it may not be mandatory, the results of a claim against you because of your advice could be disastrous for your business.

So, if you’re getting paid for your professional advice or opinion, it’s important to consider whether you are covering yourself.

Running a tradie business can be stressful at the best of times, let alone when you have a claim made against you because of your advice. Fortunately, you can get protected for Professional Indemnity insurance today through BizCover.

Compare multiple competitive quotes from some of Australia’s leading insurers online at BizCover.com.au

WÖLF TOOLS RANGE

In only four short years, WöLF Tools has changed the hand-tool landscape in Australia. WöLF’s premium-quality tools are designed specifically for Australian tradies and the range has now grown to over 200 products.

WöLF’s mantra is ‘efficiency, durability, performance, quality’, and that’s what the Aussie trade expects from its hand tools. Since its recent launch, WöLF’s Long

Handled Nut Riveter has been a huge hit with Australian tradies. This versatile tool allows for the creation of a threaded fixing point in a huge range of flat metal surfaces. Along with the nut riveter, it comes with 7 different size mandrels and 70 rivet nuts, so it’s a one-box solution for in the work van or ute. Another favourite in the WöLF range is the Camo folding knife. It’s a great

all-round knife, handy at work and on the weekend. It’s got a sharp, 95mm, stainless-steel blade with black finish, and a camo wrapped handle. The blade is kept safely in place with its locking mechanism and can be easily secured onto a belt or in a pocket with its clip. Check out the entire WöLF Tools range exclusively at Total Tools; either online at TotalTools.com.au or in store.

A VAN AND A FINANCE DEAL THAT MAKE GREAT BUSINESS SENSE

A tradies’ best friend, the new PEUGEOT Expert Van, is now even more appealing with a competitive finance offer designed to get you into this faithful workhorse. From just $257 per week for 3 years* and $0 deposit, you can discover why tradies love this economical mid-size van. The offer applies to eligible ABN holders when purchasing the Expert Pro Van SWB Auto, with finance at 8.99% p.a. and a generous 20,000km annual allowance. Then you can choose to make a final repayment to own it outright, or take advantage of our Guaranteed Future Value to trade it in on a new van, or just hand it back.

Building on its award-winning history, the new Expert Van is reliable and super capable with car-like driving dynamics and all-round comfort. There’s the innovative City, Pro or Premium models,

plus a limited Special Edition Sport model – and a number of both short and long body versions to choose from. Getting around town is effortless due to the fuel-efficient, yet responsive, PEUGEOT 2.0L HDi turbo diesel engine that boasts lots of pulling power – plus your choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. Jump behind the wheel and you’ll discover the ergonomically designed i-CockpitTM with intuitive dashboard layout and compact steering wheel.

Out the back, quick and easy accessibility is everything when you’re busy, which is why Expert Van comes with 180-degree opening swing doors at the back and dual sliding doors on most models. Inside, the practical design delivers maximum space use and a 1.4-tonne payload. Short-body models feature 5.3 cubic metres of load space

and long-body models take up to 6.1 cubic metres of cargo.

A true extension of your business, PEUGEOT Expert Van is also a workshop, storage unit, office, meeting space and lunchroom – thanks to the smart Moduwork mobile office system. This system also allows for flexible cargo configurations – including carrying items up to 4024mm long.

Comfort and safety have also been built into every aspect of Expert Van, with advanced safety features, seamless technology and driver and passenger airbags. All models feature Electronic Stability Control and a wideview Reverse Camera & Sensors, while you can step up to add Autonomous Emergency Braking and Speed Sign Detection. Plus every van comes with a 5-year/200,000 KM Warranty* + 5-year Roadside Assist*.

WANT AN EASIER AND FASTER WAY TO GET PAYMENT CLAIMS APPROVED?

Are you sick of wasting hours every month wrangling spreadsheets to prepare payment claims, then sending them to clients by email and waiting days to hear back? And if your clients push back or request changes, that’s more time wasted before you can issue your invoices – which means slow payments that can really hurt your cashflow.

Payapps helps you prepare and submit payment claims in minutes, not hours. Your contract is uploaded at the start of a project, making it easy to track claims, retention and variations in one place. It even has a document library for important compliance documents and the supporting evidence you need for payment claim approvals.

When your clients also use Payapps, everyone has complete transparency and a trusted view of your contracts, claims made, important documents and approval status. Shane Samwell, Managing Director for Systematic Plumbing agrees: “It is a lot easier for variations – everyone is on the same page with what has been claimed and what the approval status is.”

Payapps works anywhere, on any device, so you can easily submit payment claims onsite or on the go. It is easy to use and seamlessly integrates with leading accounting software like Xero and MYOB, to quickly turn claims into invoices and match up all your financial information.

Ditch the spreadsheets, simplify payment claims, get fast approvals and take back your valuable time with Payapps. See it for yourself at payapps.com/WTW.

WANT

TO KNOW HOW TO MARKET YOUR HOME

SERVICE COMPANY?

In a highly competitive sales landscape, home-services marketing is important if you want your business to succeed. You might perform an important service, but that doesn’t matter if customers can’t find you. Whether you’re an independent local handyman or a national home-services provider, you need to stand out to gain customers.

If you only rely on family and friends to spread the word, it’s time to start using some modern digital-marketing strategies. Don’t worry: it’s not as overwhelming as it seems. When done right, marketing helps even small businesses compete.

Gaining customers is as simple as knowing who you’re marketing to and how to reach them. If you’re good at what you do—and of course you are—and keep in touch with your clients, you’ll earn repeat business.

And when you harness the power of reviews and feedback, your clients will help you earn the business of other local customers.

Want to know how to market your home service company?

Find out here: https://www.podium.com.au/article/ home-services-marketing/

JBS: PROVEN INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE

JBS proudly produces industrial-quality tools and storage exclusively sold through Blackwoods – The Industrial & Safety Specialist. For almost 30 years, JBS has built its reputation by putting quality tools into the hands of Australians to get the tough jobs done fast and done well.

JBS has developed its product range to keep up with the changing needs of customers. A revamped design pays homage to its heritage, with a fresh look and feel that reflects the high level of quality and functionality that customers have come to expect.

The JBS brand has always delivered uncompromising quality at a price which is accessible to the everyday Australian. The new look and feel of the JBS brand aligns with customer’s expectations of the quality of every single JBS product. The JBS reputation for being safe, reliable and built to last has been hard-earned, and JBS has worked hard to keep it through this transformation.

The 2023 JBS Product Catalogue is now available, featuring Apprentice Gear, Tool Kits, the exclusive Modpak Range, Sockets, Sets & Accessories and much more. Check it out at www.jbstools.com.au

UHF CB HANDHELD 80 Channels

2 WAY RADIOS

• 5W max TX output power

• Long life 220mAh Lithium battery

• Rapid, open or group scan

• Voice scramble function

• Range extender (duplex) capability

• VOX hands free capable

• Digital codes squelch (DCS)

• Backlit LCD display

Available Through Electrical Wholesalers & Trade Outlets

Proudly Distributed by

UH850S-L

UH850S-O

UH850S

Two batteries mean more power! Makita-built brushless motors, along with two 40V Max XGT Batteries, deliver the power and performance required for heavy-load applications. By using two 40V Max XGT Batteries, you get 80V Max of power within one system. The increased power and performance allow XGT Cordless Equipment and Tools to rival corded tools and petrol equipment.

The 80V Max (40Vx2) XGT Brushless 13kg Demolition Hammer (HM002G) is a cordless concrete solution designed for heavy-load applications. Utilising 2x 40V Max XGT batteries to deliver 80V of power on the 40V Max XGT platform. The HM002G delivers the power, speed and run-time for corded demands, without the cord. The demolition hammer delivers up to 15% faster breaking than equivalent corded hammer (HM1213C). This breaker features Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) for reduced vibration, with an internal counterbalance to actively reduce vibration. For added durability in harsh job site conditions the HM002G features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) engineered for improved dust and water resistance. The HM002G is also equip with Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) for wireless power-on and power-off communication between the equipped tool and compatible dust extractor. With finally constant speed control that automatically applies additional power to the motor to maintain speed under load to complete challenging jobs.

The 80V Max (40Vx2) XGT Brushless 52mm Rotary Hammer (HR006G) is a cordless concrete solution designed for heavy-load applications. Utilising 2x 40V Max XGT batteries to deliver 80V of power on the 40V Max XGT platform. The HR006G delivers the power, speed, and run-time for corded demands, without the cord. The HR006G features Active Feedback-Sensing Technology (AFT), which electronically turns off the motor if rotation of bit is suddenly forced to stop and Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT) for reduced vibration with an internal counterbalance to actively reduce vibration.

For added durability in harsh jobsite conditions the HR006G features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) engineered for improved dust and water resistance. Also featuring constant speed control that automatically applies additional power under load to complete the most demanding jobs.

Introducing by Blundstone.

STABILITY MEETS THE FREEDOM TO MOVE

Performance-driven, specially designed elements culminate in RotoFlex—a world-leading biomechanical design system that provides an outstanding level of comfort and safety. These boots are the new benchmark for lightweight safety footwear.

Put our innovation to work—September 2022.

UNBEATABLE FIT. UNRIVALLED COMFORT.

COMPRESSION RESISTANT COMPOSITE SAFETY. ALL-NEW TECH FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT.

Made with Infinergy® by BASF

STABILITY WITH EVERY STEP.

BLUNDSTONE.COM.AU/ROTOFLEX

@blundstoneworkau

Infinergy® E-TPU, a super elastic energy foam providing enhanced cushioning.