Robert Morrissey

I use two things to handle pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc.  Luffa sponges + the old fashion stainless steel scrub things (pads).  I grow my own luffa sponges which I cut up into 6 inch pieces and use to handle most dishes, silverware ceramic bowls, etc.  The sponges are 100% biodegradable and last a long time.  When air dried, they are relatively germ free (I'll sometimes soak them in bleach water.  They are very strong and do a great job scrubbing the dishes clean.  The Stainless steel sponges I use on some silverware and pots and pans.  

I'll be building a RMH next spring/summer but needed something for this year... Hence I put in a air tight barrel stove this year... and it works great. The only hustle was cleaning it out occasionally. I wanted something to use to insulate the bottom of the barrel for longer life. (I knew about using sand and or ash). Again the problem was the occasional cleaning without having to replace the sand and or the ash. So I decided to use a piece of Harty Backer board (cut approx. 30 inches long and 12 inches wide). I left the layer of sand/ash and placed the hardy board on top of that (packed it down and then installed my homemade grate on top of that... It works Great! Now when I use my small homemade metal shovel, it slides easily across the top and or using a coffee can to scoop out the hot ashes and clean the area without any problems... Easy solution and solved my aggravation and Pain in the butt that made this stove 'less labor intensive' for cleaning it out.

I understand about the cost of new windows etc. Hence some suggestions. (1) Try covering the windows with bubble wrap (just cut to size of windows, use a spray bottle with some water and spray the windows and place the bubble wrap over the moistened window. It will add about 2 more R value to the window. The only thing you may not like is that you can't see out the window but light gets through easily etc. (2) Another option is to form a 'third' window by stapling up some plastic. You are basically creating 'dead air space' in addition to the double glass.(again, it may not be esthetically pleasing but it will add to heat retention of the house. (3) A third option is heavy curtains. (Will look pretty)... Again, saving on heat being transferred through the windows.

I have a question about a rocket mass heater. I built (or I'm building) a rocket mass heater out of 8 inch pipe. That pipe snakes through the mass (about 12ft).. once I exit the mass, I have 8 ft ceiling and want to know if I can REDUCE that 8 inch pipe to a 6 inch pipe to punch through my roof (with a double walled pipe.... Is that advisable and/or possible?

I have a question about a rocket mass heater. I built (or I'm building) a rocket mass heater out of 8 inch pipe. That pipe snakes through the mass (about 12ft).. once I exit the mass, I have 8 ft ceiling and want to know if I can REDUCE that 8 inch pipe to a 6 inch pipe to punch through my roof (with a double walled pipe.... Is that advisable and/or possible?