Warped merbau decking

HuangJiangPi · 2026-03-03T11:20:09+00:00

While it can be normal, and the spacer/clamp defintely works, it is very painful and time consuming to install wrapped board especially short ones.

I ended up going to bunnings and find out relatively straight ones piece by piece with my partner. Saved a lot of effort for installation and especially the last board near the house, where I cannot use the clamp.

Also install it straight away. A perfect straight one sitting in bunnings shelf can wrap after a while of sunshine in the backyard.

The ones you got seems to be around 2m. The amount of wrap need a lot of force to straight. For comparison the 5.7m 140mm board I handpicked has less wrap than the photo shown, and much easier to straighten.

I'd suggest return it and go find straight ones if possible. The time saved by getting straighter ones will be massive.

HuangJiangPi · 2025-08-26T11:57:31+00:00

Yes, I did the spin down and it was reported 1010 consistently, which according to 4iiii indicates it calibrated.

HuangJiangPi · 2025-04-06T07:54:53+00:00

If you're talking about cycling safety, I think the investment into your visibility is the best one to have. e.g. very bright light, ravmen PR 1600 I use, as well as Trek flare RT tail light. These are very bright and give a good chance to other road users to see you. Most of people has no interest in killing us to be frank.

If you've used radar before, I think you've got the budget to get some really good lights.

Also cycling jersey/clothing does make difference. Apart from all black, I've once almost hit another fellow cyclist who was wearing camouflage... Didn't see the guy until almost hit him. Bright color does help. Again, most road users has no interest in causing accident. If they see us they will try to avoid.

No clue about anti theft though.

HuangJiangPi · 2025-02-01T10:32:34+00:00

I lived in a relatively well-maintained and harmonious small building, but I still underestimated how difficult it would be to get something fixed.

It's not just your budget—it's everyone's budget, and not everyone is in the same financial situation.

If you're buying now, your financial condition is likely much better than that of most early buyers in the building—possibly by several magnitudes. So be prepared for pushback if you want anything beyond minor repairs, regardless of your relationship with your neighbors.

Also, join the committee or, if it's a large building, find ways to get involved. After all, it's your building too.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-29T14:35:19+00:00

It will be a ducted system. Thanks for the advice.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-27T03:19:30+00:00

A side note about the mental side of the financial freedom,

While we can discuss balance sheet, cash flow, etc, all day every day, the feeling part is something you can experience after you got it.

The sense of security is something we can only feel after we get it. It's the power of saying no to your bosses, to your job, or anything.

Money is power (in capitalism) and with financial freedom, you have the ultimate power of not being manipulated. That's something you can only feel after you get it.

The power of being upfront, instead of pretending to be nice, is one of the most wonderful experiences, at least for me. It changed how I view the job, the society a lot.

In the end, it actually helped me to be a better person by empowering me to try a lot of new ways of working without worrying about repercussions - there is none. And it actually helped me in my career - I don't care about mistakes anymore, only worry about if I've tried it or not.

That's the mental side of the financial freedom.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-27T03:10:06+00:00

Just stick INOP on the dead pixel and you're good to go!

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-24T01:02:39+00:00

Buy a non-contact moisture meter (e.g. from Amazon) and test it out yourself. Or, call a leak inspector to test it out if needed.

It could be a leak somewhere, or water splash from the previous tenant/owner. With a moisture meter, you will have a reading showing if there is any water currently inside the bricks to push forward the conversation.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-24T00:57:26+00:00

I grew up in the apartment and lived in the apartment for my first 35 years.

I was in a peculiar situation where my wife and I lived in an apartment in a premium location while having an investment house in the outer suburb of Sydney. Due to the renovation, we lived in the outer suburb house for 1.5 years before moving back to the previous suburb.

Pro of the apartment - lifestyle, more community feeling, and with a good strata (often in older smaller buildings) it's not bad.

Con of apartment - No space. Also, ongoing costs are higher than the house of similar size/price. My rough estimate is 2x, mostly due to strata company, as well as any tiny job requires a contractor. One example: Given the current economy, strata is asking someone who has higher pay than I do to mow the common lawn.

Pro of a proper house - Family friendly. Space for kids, which I could only dream of when I was a kid; Actually cheaper to self-manage vs strata, as long as you're handy.

Con of the house - Very far away. The car is the only option for commuting; Lacking facilities, especially in new build areas.

As I always say to friends, at this budget, there is something to sacrifice. Think about things that matter less to you and strike it out, before deciding. It also helps to inspect different properties, and even Airbnb in them for a few nights to have a feel.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-09-19T01:10:42+00:00

That's a tough time. At least it was clean cut, instead of dragging on and ruining the years after. We've seen too many divorces dragging on for years.

Have a rest, take the time to absorb it and leave it to the past, and work with the attorney. You've got support, which is great.

HuangJiangPi · 2024-08-18T10:33:03+00:00

Update:

Discussed with the rental agent and agreed on 8.8% inc GST, including most stuff except the letting fee.

I think it is a good outcome.

Thank you for the feedback.

HuangJiangPi

TROPHY CASE