The Shed 117, October/November 2024

Engineering a success
Meet 21st-century sheddie, Tim O'Connor of Army Bay Engineering, who has created his own unique brand of mini bikes from his small Whangaparaoa peninsula workshop, Hustler Mini Bikes.
In the true spirit of the Kiwi DIY tradition, Tim rallied from the disappointment of a Covid-related job loss to create his own very successful, satisfying, and special business.
“There is no room for mediocrity nor false modesty in the shed of precision engineer Tim O’Connor. His Instagram tagline is: ‘Maker of the world’s finest minibikes,’ and it would be a hard ask to find someone more motivated and committed to improving their product than this self-confessed perfectionist.
For Tim, designing, building, and marketing his ‘Hustler’ minibikes is not just about selling units. His scaled-down, pocket-rockets have a deeper, almost sentimental significance. He has been riding small bikes since the age of 12, and remembers building minibikes in the garage with his father.
He says, “That is where my love for bikes and engineering started.” 

Also featured in this edition of The Shed
Jacks Tech 2024
A chance to get up close and personal with the latest in woodworking technology.
From the archives – Ramping it up
How to make a pair of ramps for home car maintenance
Setting up a workshop – part 1
Your guide to the perfect workshop
Introduction to electronic music – part one
The magic of electronic music means you can set up your own one-man band, create original masterpieces, or rearrange your favourite instrumental.
The MOTAT chronicles
Part one – All hands on deck
Off the grid
Our off-the-gridder makes a musically inspired steampunk chandelier
Arduino Basics 102 part 2 – Time
This article covers the use of the Arduino internal timer and shows how time can be used to change the function of a button press.
How to build a hydraulic hoist – Clever stuff in the hangar
For some people, a problem is just a challenge for which they haven’t yet found a solution.
The Shed Shrink – Keep calm and carry on
Could tea be the magic elixir to solve all problems?
Book review – The Team That Hit the Rocks
By Peter Jerram
The scooter doctor
A shed-based business, with plenty of social contact, is a dream come true for this Auckland sheddie.
Wood-turning
A showcase for the efficient use of space, this shed is immaculate. Everything is in its place – visible and easy to reach. Helen Frances visits the shed of New Plymouth woodturner, Tony Ashton.
Back o’ The Shed – Neuro Nuovo
Is neurodiversity actually the new neurotypical?
To see a fully illustrated content run of what’s in this issue, see here