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The space you have allocated for a workshop is fairly limited - you need to be very sure that all machines earn their keep. Tools and equipment needs change with time. Many (me included) find that their initial expectations of what they might make, and the kit they need, changes over time...

As a motorist I have no problem with evidently experienced motorcyclists filtering - the critical safety element is speed differential - the bike rider needs to react in good time if a car changes lane etc. However driving through London recently in the rush hour period I was somewhat shocked...

With increasingly small properties and with more apartments, it is unsurprising that many simply do not have the space for a separate workshop - I know some will even use a spare bedroom. The combination machine could be a solution to the space problem. To be a success it needs to be much...

Proxxon seem to have identified a niche market for small high quality machines. Going up a size embraces a far larger potential market for advanced DIY and hobbyists. In industrial markets reliability, precision and service life are more critical. Weight is less/non critical - some degree...

It looks to be a substantial casting. How about gun stock manufacturing to allow both woodworking and work on decorative inlays without marring the other side?

Assuming conspicuous consumption or virtue signalling is a generalisation and largely wrong. EVs have only sold in material and increasing volumes over the last three years. They have been expensive relative to their ICE equivalents due largely to the cost of batteries. Manufacturers have...

The phrase "lions lead by donkeys" resonates: In the spring of 1916, during World War One, the German army turned the clocks forward as a way of conserving energy. Many followed suit including the UK. The main reason is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. That...

There is a difference. In the early days ICE was affordable only by wealthy folk. They were entirely capable of paying whatever was required to provide re-fuelling facilities. Others relied on rail, horses or legs. Many doubted the need or even the future for ICE except as a wealthy mans...

I'm sure there are some who believe they are genetically endowed with magnets in their feet.

Whether we are coming out of an ice age, in an ice age, or in a warming period depends entirely upon perspective: over billions of years it has been both warmer and colder there is a cycle which seems to recur every 100,000 years we are coming out of the last "ice age" about 12000 years ago...

I am content to accept the general thrust of the scientific consensus on climate change, but a large proportion of the population are either in active denial or unconvinced. Given their near 100% agreement I think the scientific community have done a poor job of its communication. Shouting...

That some with capital (high earners, sale of business, inheritance etc) decide to purchase property is no surprise. Property has been a fairly safe store of value with potential for growth. Interest rates since 2009 have been ~1% until recently. That councils should charge a council tax...

I started to speculate on the size of a community that could make the 15 minute city a reality, supporting day to day needs, not the occasional or specialist. Six supermarket chains account for ~80% of food sales and have ~8000 stores - some full size some more limited - about one for each 9000...

I have a BTL flat let via an agent. It is a part of my retirement income, not a business. Rental yields were much higher than interest rates and I felt more comfortable with a physical asset which had historically increased in value, rather than digital evidence (shares, ISA, bank account)...

Suburbanisation happened largely due to mass car ownership changing behaviours: greater car ownership reduced the economic case for decent public transport traditional town and city centres could not cope with traffic or parking out of town centre shopping malls and retail development allowed...

Reproduction is a response to the survival of the species and for millennia necessary given infant mortality , untreatable disease and injury. The main barriers to survival are now largely solved. 8bn (soon 10bn+) are not needed to secure humanity's future. Over-population may even kick...

Historically this is absolutely correct. Looking forward it is developing nations that will contribute to the growth in emissions as they pursue developed standards of living, and populations grow. Since 1990 CO2 emissions per capita in India have increased 300% from 0.6 tons to 1.8 tons...

Far right politicises the issue. For many "woke" is now used as an insult to mock "overrighteous liberalism". In this pejorative sense, woke means "following an intolerant and moralising ideology". I have some sympathy with the view despite identifying myself firmly with the climate change camp.

A purely personal take on the debate - I appreciate that we may handle relationships with family and friends differently. A "mates rates" job is one for which there should be a shared amicable understanding. Documenting the arrangements - prices, specification, payment terms, who pays for...

I would describe myself as 90%+ confident climate change is real, and that it has the capacity to very materially impact on the lives people currently live. However communication is almost wholly negative and lacks balance - eg: oceans are warming impacting fish populations, yet little...