The Shed 128, August/September 2026

Sentimental Journey
Jack Ryder had a unique ability to hypnotise sports stars, politicians, and celebrities into donating items for his museum and sports memorabilia collection. Now, his grandson Clint manages this West Auckland landmark, but the property development vultures are circling.
It is hard to imagine a less likely location for a living museum than the back blocks of suburban West Auckland in Avondale.
Yet here, towards the end of a lengthy no-through road, the Ryder family hold tight to a self-built vestige of Auckland’s yesteryear. While the surrounding streets are turned into homogeneous multi-unit town housing, the Ryders’ two-acre slice of Pavlova Paradise remains, less a multi-generational home ground and more a celebration of the character of the city’s past.
Slipping through the tall white gates past the twin concrete lion sentinels at the street end of Ryder’s long hedge-lined driveway, the modern world slips away. Ahead, in the shade of a 100-year-old Pecan tree, an enclave of antique edifices opens out along the back-fence line like a set from a period movie. This corner of vintage Kiwiana is the handiwork of the late and industrious Jack Ryder, a coach-builder and wharfie, who began constructing it from a group of sheds spread across the property.
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A new chapter for Nova lathes
A new Kiwi-designed lathe has got this woodworker very excited. So excited, in fact, he has already ordered one for himself. This profile of the new Nova Neutron Lathe is by woodcrafter John Woods, NAW committee member.
From the archives–  The Sound of Music
A quest for better-quality sound leads to a transmission-line speaker build.
I’m probably showing my age, but I still believe that much of what passes for audio hi-fi today is vastly inferior to some of that which went before.
My Girls ’N’ Gasoline shed – If the Chev fits
Forget open-plan kitchens and fancy finishes – Melissa Hannan just needs her shed. That’s where the real living happens. It’s the heartbeat of her home, where projects take shape, mates gather around a stubborn job, and cars become part of her identity.
Arduino – Coding and AI 
Our Arduino expert is curious if AI can help check his written code. He decides to test Claude AI and even inquires how and why it performed its analyses. The outcome?
Motorbike restoration – Restoring a 1952 AJS, part 11
Peter is focusing on the electrical aspects in this instalment, making plenty of calls to determine the best approaches as funds and time permit. Having a ride down the driveway is now not far away.
Valve radios – Going it alone
He has observed the master, had plenty of tuition, so the time has come for Chris to attempt to restore his Philco valve radio. There will be a few rookie mistakes for sure, but sometimes the best way to learn is on the job.
Off the grid – Otago Model Engineering Society – 90 years old and counting…
Murray is in awe of the history of this club and the talented, dedicated modellers who have built this club up from absolutely nothing.
Workshops are changing – Makerspace NZ and the new wave of advanced makers.
Step into a Kiwi garage or workshop today, and you'll notice something different. The familiar sights are still there – hand tools hanging on the wall, stacks of timber, and half-finished weekend projects waiting for attention.
Woodworking basics – Mortise-and-tenon – Part One
We continue our series of tutorials on woodworking and cabinetmaking, and in this instalment, Edward Prince explains how to create the mortise-and-tenon joint. The oldest and strongest joint in woodworking
Metal engraving – Hand engraving artist
Blending culture, craftsmanship and creative edge, Reece Harlan is redefining freehand metal engraving. With a background as a welding engineer and early roots in graffiti and street art, he combines technical precision with raw artistic expression to create one-of-a-kind pieces.
Ham Radio Part Two – just a backup?
Nigel continues to explore the world of Ham Radio, constantly intrigued and surprised by his discoveries. The skills of these radio operators and innovators are diverse, even extending into space.
Instrument maker – The sounds of wood
Growing up on a farm, surrounded by tools and an inspirational grandfather, in a home filled with music, led to a life of playing and making a world of instruments. Meet Phill Jones, a self-taught bespoke instrument maker.
The Shed Shrink – Surfs up
Some near misses with large trucks when out road cycling sent this new Kiwi looking for some safer thrills. He discovered a new outdoor pastime that is also great for his mental well-being.
Back O The Shed – Booming on
An election is on the horizon, so Jude joins a political party to do his bit for democracy. However, he laments the lack of aspirations in our youth. Who will provide the unifying voice that can hold us together?