The markings on the previous page are important. If the three points are aligned on the wall, floor, and outside the door, they will match the sheet vinyl markings, and everything will be square.
Bear in mind that the vinyl will want to cover some of the markings. The vinyl, when carried in, will be rolled up. So, only the backing will be visible for mark (B). Visibility will be obscured.
Marking the underside of the vinyl will be difficult. So, a simple technique to transfer the markings to the underside of the sheet vinyl will involve a pair of thumbtacks.
A quick note regarding placing ink and felt tip pen markings on the underside of your vinyl.
DON’T DO IT!
Sometimes, it may seem unavoidable, especially if you only have access to the underside of the sheet while unfolding it.
I have always found some situations troublesome. In the case of a bereavement, A child often wants an answer to The big question: “Will Nanny, Grandad, or whoever has departed GO TO HEAVEN.”
Being an Athiest, I need a better answer than Yes!
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Is heaven beyond our earthly existence?
Dreams and Connections: An Atheist Reflection
In many religious beliefs, heaven is considered above or beyond our earthly existence. However, some atheists interpret heaven more metaphorically, suggesting that it can also be found in moments of love, connection, and happiness here on Earth.
I often find myself pondering an age-old question: Do our departed loved ones go to heaven, or do they stay with us in some form forever? This contemplation draws me to the idea that they might keep in touch by visiting us in our dreams.
Recently, I had an incredibly vivid and meaningful dream. I found myself fishing near Ibsley Bridge, nestled in a small rowboat. Despite my efforts, no fish were biting, and soon, I realised my boat had drifted away, getting stuck in the thick reeds along the shoreline. I struggled for a few minutes, trying to maneuver the boat back to the bank, when suddenly, a voice called out.
“Don’t worry, I got you,” a man shouted from the bank. He stepped into the water without hesitation, reaching waist-deep to grab my boat and pull it safely. At that moment, I didn’t even need to turn to look. I knew exactly who he was—it was Bill Swindells.
After he helped me back to the shore, we spent a short but meaningful amount of time together before I woke up. The warmth of that encounter lingered with me. It made me realise that while our loved ones may or may not ascend to heaven, they certainly never truly leave us. The memories and connections we hold can manifest in unexpected ways, even during sleep.
Those last few moments of a dream might be more than mere remnants; they could be a reflection of love and recognition—a brief reunion that reminds us that we are never alone.
This experience has shifted my perspective on loss and remembrance. Perhaps, rather than focusing solely on where our loved ones go after they pass, we can celebrate the moments we still share with them, primarily through our dreams.
As I look at the image of the Avon River reeds, I am reminded of the gentle currents of life that continue, connecting us to those we have loved and lost. It’s a comforting thought that they are always intertwined with our lives, no matter where they may be.
A few months later, I added two biscuit tins. This combination made a complicated shape; This was the sort of shape that a sheet vinyl layer would only rarely encounter.
Success cutting vinyl around this gave my trainees confidence
“If I can cut around that, I can cut around anything” I heard these words uttered occasionally.
I found a small price of non-slip commercial vinyl and glued it on an old piece of plywood.
This gave me an unending, non-slip place to arrange easy or complicated shapes. these items were heavy so I made use of an old children’s trolly to be able to move them easily.
And the most useful of them all is The imitation Toilet
A simple matter of sliding the vinyl up a few more inches and trying again
The next step
We intend to place a single piece of sheet vinyl into this awkward space – laying it square, without rips or damage, and laying flat.
Occasionally I need to show customers how to “cut in” D.I.Y domestic vinyl.
I needed a round object I could use when I showed the occasional customer how to cut around odd shapes..
An old biscuit tin proved to work quite nicely. I would find a scrap of Domestic sheet vinyl. Lay it beside the tin that I had previously filled with a floor leveller. The extra weight was required to make it solid and not slide across the floor easily.
This created for My temporary trainee an excellent round shape. This simple tool proved to be a perfect tool for practice “cutting in.”
Success cutting around the tin consistently increased my trainees confidence. So I added two more square containers. Later, I swapped over to a fifteen-litre plastic glue drum because it was heavier than the previous tin. It was already made. This drum was previously used hold a display banner.
My objective (as always) was to sell another short end of a roll, a remnant. I was occasionally getting a much bigger sale.
A few months later, I added two biscuit tins. This combination made a complicated shape; This was the sort of shape that a sheet vinyl layer would only rarely encounter. Success cutting vinyl around this gave my trainees confidence “If I can cut around that, I can cut around anything” I heard these words uttered on a good few occasions.
Cutting in sheet vinyl is not difficult. Go about it in the right way, and have no miss-cuts.
With the vinyl positioned, curled up the wall a few centimetres; place the square close to the wall.
Position the square on the vinyl close against the wall. The shape of the square will
enable you to place your foot, using your weight to hold the vinyl flat.
The concave blade will become wedged between the wall and the steel square.
The width of a knife blade,
(see above image)
The next step
A Homemade Teaching Tool
Occasionally, when I attempt to show customers how to “cut in” D.I.Y domestic vinyl. I needed a round object I could use when I showed my temporary student how to cut around odd shapes.. An old biscuit tin proved to work quite nicely. I would find a scrap of Domestic sheet vinyl. Lay it beside the tin that I had previously filled with a floor leveller. The extra weight was required to make it solid and not slide across the floor easily. This created an excellent round shape for my temporary trainee. This simple tool proved to be a perfect tool for practising “cutting in.” Success cutting around the tin consistently increased my trainee’s confidence. So, I added two more square containers. Later, I swapped over to a fifteen-litre plastic glue drum because it was heavier than the previous tin. It was already made. This drum was previously used to hold a display banner.
My objective (as always) was to sell another short end of a roll, a remnant. I was occasionally getting a much bigger sale. A few months later, I added two biscuit tins. This combination made a complicated shape; This was the sort of shape that a sheet vinyl layer would only rarely encounter.
Success cutting vinyl around this gave my trainees confidence. “If I can cut around that, I can cut around anything”, I heard these words occasionally.A few months later, I added two biscuit tins. This combination made a complicated shape; This was the sort of shape that a sheet vinyl layer would only rarely encounter. Success cutting vinyl around this gave my trainees confidence.
“If I can cut around that, I can cut around anything.”
A few months later, I added two biscuit tins. This combination made a complicated shape; This was the sort of shape that a sheet vinyl layer would only rarely encounter.
Success cutting vinyl around this gave my trainees confidence
“If I can cut around that, I can cut around anything.”
Use the above image to get it right. When cutting on the floor, your thumb has the power to add the necessary force to move the knife. And, notably, a brake
How to properly use and control a Stanly knife with a concave blade on a flat surface
The most common error is too much pull on the knife – it slips and cuts further than you intended. Your arm is too powerful to be let loose on such a small area. Use it in combinaton with your thumb.
Let you thumb do the work
NOTE
it would be best if you practised moving the knife carefully with only the power of your thumb
Better than scissors
you can use either the inside or the outside of a cut. No need to make a hole in the inner circle. Or a cut in the outer circle – Cutting shapes requires a little practice, But if you use a ‘concave blade, a few minutes of practice will see you through.
continues from Do It Yourself – LAY YOUR OWN SHEET VINYL
An expert vinyl layer shows how a complete novice can lay domestic sheet vinyl
to complicated floor shapes with every trick in the book.’
The area where we shall be laying vinyl sheet
I have chosen this particular bathroom, Toilet, and Laundry area(see images above). This area has nearly all the problems a DIY sheet vinyl layer will encounter. All in one spot. Including fitting (one piece) large sheet vinyl into a small complicated area.
Knowledge of these following techniques will be helpful for installing sheet vinyl into Caravans, Motor Homes, and any small intricate areas where laying a pattern square to the room is achievable, With no need to lay boring marbled or bland, polished concrete non-patterns simply because patterns are too complicated and never seem to run straight.
This image (above) is a typical modern soft ‘felt back’ sheet vinyl. These vinyls come in a general width of 4 metres. At this time, imitation plank patterns are very popular.
———————-
Small areas can be difficult to lay square and true, especially in areas where it is not possible to align the sheet vinyl with a longer wall. Our intended area is one of these. so we shall be placing some guide marks on the walls.
A little extra time lining up the sheet square to the walls can sometimes be favourable to simply laying a marble patternless sheet. Patterned ‘end of rolls’ also have the advantage of a better discount on “END OF ROLL” specials. Many people will avoid patterns for caravans, etc. Floorcoverings sales staff know this: the patternless remnants and ends of rolls sell faster. (lesser discount)
Previously I mentioned
That these newer felt-backed sheet vinyls are a gift to ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts.
The extra padding on the underside will cover most minor shortcomings of floor surfaces. And they will lay quite nicely without adhesives. This is Excellent because Glueing sheet vinyl to the floor can be tricky and messy for the inexperienced Vinyl layer.
They are easily folded (carefully) so that The D.I.Y person can wrangle them into uncompromising areas. Like small caravans, toilets, children’s cubby houses, and mobile homes.
Installed vinyl in a restricted area
I unfolded this piece of vinyl from the previous page
it is wrinkle-free and lays flat. Although I did make sure that
I did not step on the folded bit
————————–
I unfolded this piece of Vinyl from the previous page
It is wrinkle-free and lays flat. Although I did make sure that I did not step on the folded bit
It probably helps to have a warm North Queensland climate to remove wrinkles. But in cold climates, the Woman of the house Hair dryer will remove any creases (not too hot)
Recent studies show that more people now attempt tasks previously confined to specialised trades. These handy D.I.Y. people attempt and succeed every day in creating, building, writing, repairing, trying, and completing tasks previously in the domain of professionals. Undoubtedly, many handy people have a range of personal requirements, skills, and the opportunity to do it themselves. Still, they must gain skills, knowledge, or specialised tools. This book demonstrates that this fear is unnecessary. You can undoubtedly surprise yourself with a few simple tools, some practice, and assistance from 50 years of experience as a floor-covering professional. Often, these specialised tools are merely adopted to save time. The most crucial professional function is to save time. The hidden truth is that you are simply paying for YOUR OWN TIME saved in many circumstances. If you have spare or unused time, why not capitalise on it and buy yourself a sense of achievement, pride, and self-satisfaction?
BACK TO TODAY
A few months ago, I sold a roll of 4-metre-wide sheet vinyl to a customer who asked, “Do you think I could lay this myself?”
“That is not a problem,” I told him.
He then asked me, “Do you have any tips on how to go about it? “Tips?” I asked. I could give you instructions that will have you laying it in no time.”
I have always believed that most people can achieve anything they attempt, provided they take small, simple steps and that each small step achieves success. From my past experiences, I also understood that I knew all the small steps he required and that I fully understood that minor failures cause the most significant setbacks.
I promptly dedicated an hour to this customer. He wanted to buy the vinyl. I wanted to sell. But he had nagging doubts that he could lay the vinyl successfully. I had the know-how and experience to shatter those doubts.
In a very short time, I arranged it so that this customer was cutting small off-cuts of sheet vinyl against the shed walls Successfully,
Success breeds confidence. I showed him all the elementary tools he would require, and the sale was made. He left feeling completely capable.
He returned to see me about a week later and told me it went down brilliantly; “it looks like a professional laid it.”
“You should write a D.I.Y. book.” He said.
——————————————————
DO IT YOURSELF – LAY YOUR OWN SHEET VINYL
PAT DAVIS
An expert vinyl layer shows how a complete novice can lay domestic sheet vinyl to complicated floor shapes’ Every trick in the book.’
In the Mid-1970s, When I was working for Manning Vally Floorcoverings in Taree, N.S.W.,- Clive Norling (the Owner) asked me if I could do a demonstration in the shop to show customers how to D.I.Y. Rubber-backed carpets. At the time, Rubber-backed Carpets were popular as ‘Kitchen Carpets’. Clive had just bought a heap of end-of rolls of a particularly cheap but trendy carpet. Rubber backs were more straightforward to lay as they did not require stretching, tacking or fastening. At the time, many customers liked the idea of a soft kitchen floor.
So I said Yes! (I’ll try anything once) Most of our rubber-backed carpets had a thin backing layer of black rubber. In no time, I realised that running a piece of white chalk around the room’s perimeter (generally Kitchens) ensured a heavy chalk deposit at the base of the wall and floor. Simply Running A brickies, bolster held hard against the edge of the carpet and transformed the chalk line to the back of the carpet. The old bolster was merely a tool I had handy at the time. It was heavy and worked a treat. Resulting with a simple cut with scissors for a perfect fit
for the job ahead
———————————2—————————————–
I have chosen this particular bathroom, Toilet, and Laundry area (see images above). This area has nearly all of the problems a DIY sheet vinyl layer will encounter all in one place, including fitting (one piece) large sheet vinyl into a small, complicated area.
Knowledge of these techniques will help install sheet vinyl into Caravans, Motor Homes, and any small intricate areas where laying a pattern square to the room is achievable. There is no need to lay boring, marbled, or bland, polished concrete non-patterns simply because patterns are too complicated and never seem straight.
BACK TO TODAY
A few months ago, I sold a roll of 4-metre-wide sheet vinyl to a customer who asked, “Do you think I could lay this myself?”
“That is not a problem,” I told him.
He then asked me, “Do you have any tips on how to go about it? “Tips?” I asked. I could give you instructions that will have you laying it in no time.”
I have always believed that most people can achieve anything they attempt, provided they take small, simple steps and that each small step achieves success.
From my past experiences, I also understood that I knew all the small steps he required and that I fully understood that minor failures cause the most significant setbacks.
I promptly dedicated an hour to this customer. He wanted to buy the vinyl, and I wanted to sell it. But he had nagging doubts that he could lay the vinyl successfully.
I had the know-how and experience to shatter those doubts.
In a very short time, I arranged it so that this customer was cutting small off-cuts of sheet vinyl against the shed walls Successfully,
Success breeds confidence. I showed him all the elementary tools he would require, and the sale was made. He left feeling completely capable.
He returned to see me about a week later and told me it went down brilliantly; “it looks like a professional laid it.”
“You should write a D.I.Y. book.” He said.
Type of Vinyl We Shall Be Laying
This image (below) is a typical modern soft ‘felt back’ sheet vinyl. These vinyls come in a general width of 4 metres. At this time, imitation plank patterns are very popular.
Small areas can be challenging to lay square and true, especially where aligning the sheet vinyl with a longer wall is impossible. Our intended area is one of these. We shall place some guide marks on the walls.
A little extra time lining up the sheet square to the walls can sometimes be favourable to simply laying a marble patternless sheet. Patterned ‘end of rolls’ offers a better discount on “END OF ROLL” specials. Many people will avoid patterns for caravans, etc. Floorcoverings sales staff know this: the patternless remnants and ends of rolls sell faster. (lesser discount)
Knowledge of these following techniques will help install sheet vinyl into Caravans, Motor Homes, and any small intricate areas where laying a pattern square to the room is achievable, With no need to lay boring, marbled or bland, polished concrete non-patterns simply because patterns are too complicated and never seem to run straight.
—————-
Small areas can be challenging to lay square and accurately, especially where aligning the sheet vinyl with a longer wall is impossible. Our intended area is one of these. We shall place some guide marks on the walls.
A little extra time lining up the sheet square to the walls can sometimes be favourable to simply laying a marble patternless sheet. Patterned ‘end of rolls’ offers a better discount on “END OF ROLL” specials. Many people will avoid patterns for caravans, etc. Floorcoverings sales staff know this: the patternless remnants and ends of rolls sell faster. (lesser discount)
Previously, I mentioned That these newer felt-backed sheet vinyl are a gift to ‘Do It Yourself’ enthusiasts.
(a) The soft backing on these vinyls is not abrasive.
(b) They can be accidentally (or carelessly) scraped against painted walls or skirting. without damaging paintwork
(c) The extra padding on the underside will cover most minor shortcomings of floor surfaces. And they will lay quite nicely without adhesives. This is Excellent because glueing sheet vinyl to the floor can be tricky and messy for the inexperienced Vinyl layer.
(D) They are easily folded (carefully) so that The D.I.Y person can wrangle them into uncompromising areas. Like small caravans, toilets, children’s cubby houses, and mobile homes.
———————————-
Tools you will require.
(2)The Stanley knife This has proven to be the best shape,
A CONCAVE BLADE
A roofing Square
(3)Masking Tape:
Never write or leave marks on sheet vinyl. Always write on masking tape so that any markings can be removed. REMOVE the tap as early as possible.
If you write or mark the back of the vinyl, remember that felt pen markings will bleed through.
Once upon a time in the 1850s, a chap named Joseph Lucas found himself jobless with six kids to feed – a real-life episode of Survival. With no cash to spare, he rolled around the streets of Hockley selling paraffin oil from a barrow cart, proving that when life gives you lemons (or, in this case, oil), you turn them into a side hustle!
Fast-forward to 1860, when Joseph decided to go big or quit trying. He founded a small company that would eventually become Lucas Industries.
By 1872, Joseph’s 17-year-old son Harry joined the business. They started cranking out metal goodies like plant pot holders and scoops—because apparently, every family needs a stylish way to hold their plants and scoop their dirt! Then came 1875, when they took a leap and began making ship lamps, likely hoping to steer their fortunes in a brighter direction.
Joseph Lucas became known for his groundbreaking inventions, including the elusive short circuit, which surprisingly saved a few wires from burning out. He was also the mastermind behind the world’s first intermittent windscreen wiper, a game changer for rainy days—drivers no longer had to contend with constant swipes; they could clear their view only when necessary. Additionally, he invented the self-dimming headlamp, illuminating the road while failing to keep oncoming drivers from squinting.
With rxceptional creativity, Lucas invented a peculiar series of switches for his products. One set featured three main settings—DIM, FLICKER, and OFF—while another contained Smoke, Smoulder, and Burn, clearly reflecting his playful side.
Despite his achievements, Lucas was known for his ironic humour, saying, “If I made guns, wars would never have started.” His wit didn’t stop there. In the ’70s, during a moment of audacious ambition, Lucas ventured into manufacturing vacuum cleaners, which the townsfolk found amusing since it turned out to be the only product his company offered that did not “suck.”
Often, the question is pondered, “Why do the British drink warm beer?” The answer is, “Lucas also made refrigerators.”
Lucas’s memory will live on. His gadgets and the individual brilliance that he brought to life in a world of inventions. His everlasting motto, “Get home before dark,” Is a constant reminder to us all and a signal that behind the innovation, there’s always a path guiding you back to warmth, laughter, and home.
My oldest son Rowan and I have been working on a full nut-and-bolt restoration of a 1973 Triumph GT-6 for the past four years. When we finally finished the last piece, all 9,300 pieces of this fantastic little British machine had been removed, catalogued, restored, remade, electroplated, powder-coated, or, as a last resort, replaced, over 1,500+ hours spent together.
I love this car most of all because of the wonderful experiences Rowan and I had together as we brought it back from the dead, but also because of its story. I found this car buried in the back of a barn. It had been there 16 years. Someone owned it who had an emotional connection to it – and dreamed of a restoration –
but did not have the time and skill to make it happen. He was the first to drive it when it was finished, and I shed a tear watching it happen. And – I’ll have that memory to enjoy every time I get behind the wheel from now until it’s time for me to pass the car down to Rowan. What’s more, I’ve developed a wonderful friendship with the prior owner as he watched it slowly but steadily come together through more than 1,400 pictures in a shared photo album. I thought you all might enjoy the story behind this wonderful little machine.
About the Triumph GT6 (1966 to 1973)
Based on their popular Triumph Spitfire convertible, the Triumph GT6 is a sports coupé built by Standard-Triumph. Production ran from 1966 to 1974. These cars were only available in a coupe body style and were powered by a 2.0L inline-six paired with a 4-speed manual to send drive to the rear wheels. Alongside the Base Model, a range of Race Cars were also built.
