Bob Grocke demonstrates how toggles open and close the ventilation’s gates.
Camera IconBob Grocke demonstrates how toggles open and close the ventilation’s gates. Credit: Supplied/Jon Bassett.

Necessity the mother of invention at Mosman Park Men’s Shed

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

A TIGHT budget has become the mother of invention at the Mosman Park Men’s Shed.

The Men’s Shed created wooden switches and uses plastic pipe for industrial ventilation, taking away wood shavings and dust.

“Normally it would be made of metal, but we couldn’t afford that, so we used PVC and ducting gates we could open ourselves,” founding shed member Bob Grocke said.

The $12,000 system’s gates are made of wood and have toggles to open and close their ducts which suck up the debris from saws, drills, sanders and other machines that can create dangerous particles.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

A second-hand hopper outside the shed collected the dust and shavings during tests this week.

Mr Grocke said making their own ventilation saved shed members up to $20,000, and it replaces a system of floor-mounted cleaners for each machine.

The shed, at Tom Perrot Reserve, was established to create companionship for older men in an industrious environment.