News & Stories

Stories, updates and news from the Shed

News & Announcements

Source: KuShed Bulletin, Jun 25, 2025

A steam bending setup has been installed in the workshop — a wallpaper steamer connected to a steam box, tucked under the bench near the compressor. Steam bending softens the lignin in timber, making it pliable enough to form curves that would otherwise be impossible. Member Mike Levitan has already demonstrated the capability with a striking sinusoidal serving platter made from different coloured wood strips. Instructions will be posted at the machine — ask a supervisor for a demonstration in the meantime.

Source: KuShed Bulletin, Jun 25, 2025

KuShed is producing possum and bird boxes for WIRES and the broader community. The boxes are available unpainted at $50, with a mounting plate for easy installation on trees or posts and a hinged lid for cleaning. They make a practical contribution to local wildlife in an area where hollow-bearing trees are increasingly scarce. To order, email the Shed at kushed@bigpond.com.

Source: KuShed Bulletin, Jan 4, 2025

KuShed held its Annual General Meeting in December 2024, with the Shed reported to be in strong shape both financially and in terms of membership. The newly elected committee is led by President Brian Killin, with Mal Cocks and Martin Suthers as Vice Presidents, Andrew Killen as Treasurer, and Mark Champion as Secretary. The President’s report noted a record surplus of $17,823 for the year, with over $41,000 in the bank — largely thanks to the bee box program.

Source: KuShed Bulletin, Jan 4, 2025

The committee has announced a structured skills training program for members, planned as a three-year development initiative. Initial courses will cover woodturning (using the Shed’s two new digitally controlled lathes), routers, dovetail and finger joint jigs, the Tormek sharpening system, metalwork lathe, and picture framing. The welding team is already well advanced with support from TAFE. Participants will be expected to commit to some preparation and study for each course — materials will be provided.

Source: KuShed Bulletin, Jan 4, 2025

The record bee box income in 2024 has funded a significant round of new equipment purchases for the Shed. New acquisitions include a digitally controlled woodturning lathe, a special thicknesser for soft timbers, a new V-nailer for picture frames, a premium quality router table, and a new metalwork lathe due early in the new year. Members are encouraged to get accredited on the new equipment as induction programs become available.

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Stories from the Shed

A Chess Set Worth Keeping — Ben’s Heirloom Project
Byadmin June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 Member Profiles
Ben Hur wanted to make a gift that would last generations. Fine woodwork met 3D engraving — and the result is an instant family heirloom.
Read More A Chess Set Worth Keeping — Ben’s Heirloom Project
The Bee Box Boys Hit 5,000
Byadmin June 28, 2026June 29, 2026 Community, Shed Life
KuShed’s bee box team reached a milestone — 5,000 homes for native stingless bees — and their work underpins the financial life of the whole Shed.
Read More The Bee Box Boys Hit 5,000
Two Decades to a Tune — Paul’s Ukulele Finally Sings
Byadmin June 28, 2026June 29, 2026 Member Profiles
Paul Nelson bought a ukulele kit twenty years ago. It sat in a cupboard — until he joined KuShed and finally had the tools, the space, and the company to finish the job.
Read More Two Decades to a Tune — Paul’s Ukulele Finally Sings
Lockers, Bowls Cases, and Bookshelves — A Big Run for Community Joinery
Byadmin June 28, 2026June 29, 2026 Community
Twelve lockers for the St Ives Bowling Club, nearly 40 bowls cases over twelve months, and bookshelves for Lifeline Gordon — the Shed’s joinery team had a productive run.
Read More Lockers, Bowls Cases, and Bookshelves — A Big Run for Community Joinery
Steam Bending Comes to the Shed
Byadmin June 25, 2026June 29, 2026 Shed Life
A new steam box opens up a whole new world of woodworking possibilities — and a serving platter is already proving what’s possible.
Read More Steam Bending Comes to the Shed
KuShed Fits Out the RFS
Byadmin June 18, 2026June 29, 2026 Community
When East Killara’s Rural Fire Service moved into new headquarters, KuShed members built the furniture to help them settle in.
Read More KuShed Fits Out the RFS
A Decade of Toys — Patricio’s Story
Byadmin June 18, 2026June 29, 2026 Member Profiles
For over a decade, Patricio Parrague has been quietly making wooden toys and planes — and donating them to children who will never know his name.
Read More A Decade of Toys — Patricio’s Story

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