Better Wood Heat: DIY Rocket Mass Heater Videos kickstarter

Dean Howard wrote:
Can we get a regular, no-nonsense update...

How about if I guarantee "nonsense" and then leave you disappointed in that space?  

I think Daniel will have DVD3 done today.  All five sections are done with sound leveling and music.  It looks good.   The opening credits are short.  The trailing credits are looking really cool.   Yesterday I made shitty puppets of the "cast and crew" and he worked those into the trailing credits.  Last night before bed he wanted me to pick five names from the big list of "these people paid actual money to see their name here" and say something rude and obnoxious about them.  He said that he was going to work it in and that would be the last thing.   It will render all night and the final product should be ready this morning.  

Daniel said he will crank out one DVD per week.   But this is the same guy that has been working on it for nearly a year.  He also said that he would not leave this place until all four are done - and he is still here where I can torture him.  

Daniel has a lot of DVD4 done.  So I do think that DVD4 will wrap up quickly.  

Jason took the PDC and AT course that was offered here recently.   For talent night (a bill mollison requirement for a pdc), everybody showed their talent and Jason showed off his skill with art in the form of a stop motion movie.   I asked if he wanted a bit of editing work.  So Jason is here editing away at DVD2.  He thinks he will have DVD2 done in a week or so.  

The rocket mass heater innovators event will happen at the beginning of october, but I will not announce it until the DVDs are done.  In fact, there are about a dozen projects that I have not done because I am waiting on the DVDs to be done.  

At one point a couple of weeks ago I installed some video editing software and was going to start doing some of the editing myself.  And a parade of things just kept happening and I never even introduced the footage to the video editor.  

I made a draft version of DVD3 available to kickstarter supporters that supported the kickstart at $100 or more.  We didn't get very much feedback.  I thought we might get a lot of feedback.  I plan on doing the same with the other three DVDs.  If nothing else, it is a good process to see if the rmh bigs wanna add some notes or a puppet comment.

I suppose I should have set this up the moment that the kickstarter ended, but ....

Here is a page so that people can pre-order the videos:  http://richsoil.com/wood-heat.jsp

This will make it so that people that did not sign up for the kickstarter can get the primary rewards (but none of the "bonus candy").

Also, here is the current DVD status:

DVD1:  70% complete
DVD2:  96% complete
DVD3:  100% complete
DVD4:  96% complete

It looks like we are on track for finishing at the end of the month.  But we are currently saying that we predict completion on August 10th.  

Further, tomorrow we should have an early, private screening version of DVD2 and DVD4 for those that supported the kickstarter at $100 or more.

DVD2 and DVD4 look excellent!  DVD4 includes a full half hour on manifolds.  

I will be emailing the kickstarter supporters that supported the kickstarter at less than $100 to give them an opportunity to upgrade to a few of the different levels, including the $100 level.

I'm confused by the project update #26 email I just received.  It is offering the opportunity to upgrade my original kickstarter level.  I am confused because I wanted 4 physical dvd's and that's what I pledged my amount for.

The email says:  "4 DVD download and/or streaming and/or physical $70 (add $20 for shipping outside the US)", which equals $90. for 4 physical dvds.

I pledged $60. for 4 of the new physical dvd's.  Here is a copy and paste from that email from Kickstarter:

Amount pledged
$60.00 USD
Reward
4DVD: 4-DVD set as physical DVDs + everything in GLORY.

Am I misunderstanding the email?  Can somebody please clarify? - Thank you.

edith zahn wrote:I'm confused by the project update #26 email I just received.  It is offering the opportunity to upgrade my original kickstarter level.  I am confused because I wanted 4 physical dvd's and that's what I pledged my amount for.

The email says:  "4 DVD download and/or streaming and/or physical $70 (add $20 for shipping outside the US)", which equals $90. for 4 physical dvds.

I pledged $60. for 4 of the new physical dvd's.  Here is a copy and paste from that email from Kickstarter:

Amount pledged
$60.00 USD
Reward
4DVD: 4-DVD set as physical DVDs + everything in GLORY.

Am I misunderstanding the email?  Can somebody please clarify? - Thank you.

You will be getting the 4 physical DVDs.   That is what you already paid for.  

One of the kickstarter rewards was for $70 where you can get the 4 physical DVDs and/or the digital download and/or HD streaming.

If you want ONLY the physical DVDs, and ONLY 4, then you should do nothing.  You are all set.  

If, however, you want 8 DVDs, or maybe you want to receive the digital download six weeks before your physical dvds arrive, you might be interested in upgrading.

Thank you Paul.

Really excited to get this coming. I just finished my new shop this week and i am ready for a Rocket stove to heat with. Does anybody know what the clearance is to walls/wood floor?

Charles Deshler wrote:Really excited to get this coming. I just finished my new shop this week and i am ready for a Rocket stove to heat with. Does anybody know what the clearance is to walls/wood floor?

It depends upon how you design the build. Are you going to use heat shielding or not? I know Ernie and Erica discuss this in their new book, "The Rocket Mass Heater" so you may wish to get a copy of that. It is also discussed in various threads, which are free but require your time to be spent in greater amounts than reading their book. You may also look to your local building codes, and the ASTM standards for masonry heaters. A RMH is a hybrid of a masonry heater and a standard wood heater: the masonry standards apply to the thermal mass (bench, bell, etc); and the wood heater standards apply to the metal barrel.

Off the top of m head, which means I may be mistaken these are nominally a 3 to 4 foot clearance from the barrel, and half that distance if properly heat shielded, and as little as 4-inches for the mass, provided the proper thickness of mass is in place (a minimum of 8-inches as I recall). So if you are able to provide 4-foot clearance all the way around, I doubt you need to worry (this includes to the ceiling, which to my mind is certainly one of the more critical concerns: heat rises, after all). Anything less, and you need to take a careful look at your design parameters.

Not so much a specific answer, as it is a procedural answer ...which I think is best, not knowing what design you plan to build.

And always take extra precautions with the exit flue/chimney. Observe best building practices here, all the way around, paying extra attention to through-wall/ceiling and height of the chimney (insulated or multiple walled pipe is recommended in most cases, and may be required by your code - you won't know until you look at your local building codes). My opinion is that it is best to purchase pre-fab pieces for the through wall/ceiling and outdoor chimney - basically all the flue/chimney elements once they exit your RMH. And pay attention to the clearances.

Assuming you build the RMH as it is described in the literature found on this forum, on Donkey's forum, and in the few recommended books (again, Ernie and Erica's new book is probably the single best resource on that point now), the most dangerous elements are going to be how you exit the exhaust. I recommend being conservative in this area, whether you have local building codes or not, I would strongly recommend observing best building practices for your exhaust.

On a personal note, given how inexpensive temperature probes and thermometers are, I would plan to build several of these into your RMH at critical heat areas, so that you may observe these critical temperatures during operation.

4 DVDs vs. 8 DVDs.

A point of confusion may be whether there are only 4 DVDs, as appears to be the case, and was the original idea in the kickstarter. Thus the 8-DVD set would NOT include 8 different DVDs, but rather two sets of the same 4-DVD set.

Erik Weaver wrote:4 DVDs vs. 8 DVDs.

A point of confusion may be whether there are only 4 DVDs, as appears to be the case, and was the original idea in the kickstarter. Thus the 8-DVD set would NOT include 8 different DVDs, but rather two sets of the same 4-DVD set.

From the kickstarter page:

DVD 1: COB STYLE

If a person was going to get just one DVD, this would be the one. A cob style rocket mass heater is "the old reliable". We have two projects to demonstrate this technique. One in a log home and one in a tipi. We put one in a tipi as part of an experiment to test how warm a person can be with a rocket mass heater and zero insulation. We interview the couple that stayed in the tipi for the first winter, with a strong focus on how comfortable they were when it was 26 degrees below zero.

DVD 2: PEBBLE STYLE

We will show the construction of three pebble style rocket mass heaters.  The difference with these is that the mass is usually a wood bench filled with pebbles and rocks. A different aesthetic. These designs are (relative to cob style) easy to move and modify. They also tend to be lighter, thus, better for installing in places that have a wood floor.

DVD 3: SHIPPABLE CORE

The kickstarter from two years ago showed an early prototype. We were certain that by the time the video came out, people could buy a shippable core and plug it in. In the time that has passed, that didn't happen. We ended up releasing a variety of information on how to make your own - and now, in this video, we supply the "how to" video for a variety of techniques.

DVD 4: INNOVATORS EVENT

Last fall we put on an event where Ernie and Erica invited several rocket mass heater innovators that they thought were the best in the world. Each innovator was provided with the materials to create whatever they wanted. The results were: "the ring of fire" - a rocket mass heater shaped in a circle with glass to show the burn; an outdoor rocket mass heater/cooker/smoker; A "batch box style" rocket mass heater with measured output cleaner than anything we have ever encountered; An indoor rocket stove, griddle and water heater.

DVD 5 - Fire Science: This one shows the many interesting ways heat works. Essential for understanding how a rocket mass heater works.

DVD 6 - Sneaky Heat: The theory behind the rocket mass heater, plus the build of a rocket mass heater.

DVD 7 - Boom Squish: Pressurized hot water - with a strong emphasis of the dangers of pressurized hot water mixed with rocket stoves.

DVD 8 - Hot Rocket: Pocket rockets, rocket stoves, a race between a propane turkey cooker and a rocket stove, a poor man's forge, tools, etc.

DVDs 5 through 8 were videoed in october of 2012 and make up the 4-DVD series "Wood Burning Stoves 2.0"  

DVDs 1 through 4 were videoed october 2013 through june of 2016 and have not been released yet.

Thanks for the offer to upgrade Paul!

I have all your DVD's already, that is why I took the 70 route. Almost worth it to see the preview, but I've got a grub steak to build.

Good luck and glad to hear you are able to move around again. I don't think giants are supposed to be cooped up too long

Jason

I might be the most stupid person in the world but I don't understand where to post a question about the kickstarter thingy and got an update email about i that I didn't understan either.
It says that I donated 40 dollar and that is correct, and I thougt that was the amount that rended me 4 DVD:s... but now I am not so sure and I can't afford to donate or order and pay anthing more at the moment.
Does this mean that I do not get the 4dvs:s . Did I mis understand the whole deal from the begining?

confused swedich woman :-}

Ylva

Ylva Arvidsson wrote:I might be the most stupid person in the world but I don't understand where to post a question about the kickstarter thingy and got an update email about i that I didn't understan either.
It says that I donated 40 dollar and that is correct, and I thougt that was the amount that rended me 4 DVD:s... but now I am not so sure and I can't afford to donate or order and pay anthing more at the moment.
Does this mean that I do not get the 4dvs:s . Did I mis understand the whole deal from the begining?

We are close to the finish line.  We are giving the kickstarter folks a chance to upgrade.

HI,
Im totally new to using forums.  I donated to this Kick starter (for rocket stove plans) almost 3 years ago now.  Each winter has come & gone & Ive kept hopeful to have a warm house with a rocket stove!
Well this latest email says they're almost ready, which is wonderful!  Ive a ruin of a house, which Im trying hard to get a roof on before autumn/winter & want to build a rocket stove to keep me warm in it.   This could be the warmest winter yet?!
My query is with the payment I made.  When I ordered/paid for the kick starter I was sure I had paid the required about to receive the physical disc's sent to me in Europe.  I remember, seeing it was extra for actual disc's & then more for postage to europe.  Now I receive an email asking for another $10 dollars to upgrade to physical disc's, sent to Europe... I had done this... so I thought.  Can you re-check your records please & get back to me.
I would of preferred to have sent an email direct, but the last email said to come here & ask a question.  Not sure if Ive done it right?
Thanks,
Ka

Karen,

Three years ago we shipped out the DVDs for "Wood Burning Stoves 2.0".  Are you saying that you supported that kickstarter and never received your product?

I searched for your name and can find no "Karen Pur" that has supported any of my kickstarters.  Can you give me more details to work with?

Hi...I guess I'm not the only person who is confused by the recent email...I received on Jul 15, 2016....I can not find the project listed in my kickstater account, is this normal?  I see others that I have contributed too.  

I already have the orignal DVD's "Wood Burning Stoves 2.0, and wanted to get the most recent version of the information on a downloaded version...I contributed $40 for the newest version....do I now need to pay more for all of the new information (in the downloaded version?

Sorry...I do see that the project is listed on my kickstarter account...I was looking at  my Indigogo account when I said I didn't see the project in my list of projects I've contributed too...

You do not need to pay anything more.  This is merely an opportunity to upgrade.

Speaking of Boom Squish:

I'm happy to say I made my pre order of the 4 video digital download yesterday and can't wait to see what you have for us Paul.

HI,
Karen here again.
Yes, thats what Im saying, Ive never received anything since paying for the kick starter (which I think is about 3 years ago now).
My name is Karen Purdy & I lived in the Dordogne in France.  My address has recently changed, but Id refer to email it to you personally, then put it up on here, if thats ok?
My email is kazzarouge@hotmail.fr

Thanks,
Karen

paul wheaton wrote:

edith zahn wrote:I'm confused by the project update #26 email I just received.  It is offering the opportunity to upgrade my original kickstarter level.  I am confused because I wanted 4 physical dvd's and that's what I pledged my amount for.

The email says:  "4 DVD download and/or streaming and/or physical $70 (add $20 for shipping outside the US)", which equals $90. for 4 physical dvds.

I pledged $60. for 4 of the new physical dvd's.  Here is a copy and paste from that email from Kickstarter:

Amount pledged
$60.00 USD
Reward
4DVD: 4-DVD set as physical DVDs + everything in GLORY.

Am I misunderstanding the email?  Can somebody please clarify? - Thank you.

You will be getting the 4 physical DVDs.   That is what you already paid for.  

One of the kickstarter rewards was for $70 where you can get the 4 physical DVDs and/or the digital download and/or HD streaming.

If you want ONLY the physical DVDs, and ONLY 4, then you should do nothing.  You are all set.  

Me too, I pledged 60, want only the 4 new physical DVDs,

I'm hoping I'm all set as well.  Congratulations and thanks for haning in there Paul with what turned into such a long process!

Karen Pur wrote:
My name is Karen Purdy & I lived in the Dordogne in France.  My address has recently changed,

Karen, I found your account.  You supported our 2015 kickstarter.  You asked for the physical DVDs.  

You MUST update your address at kickstarter.  That is the address we will be using.

A couple of tiny updates ...

First, the single DVD is  going to be called "Building a Cob Style Rocket Mass Heater"

The new 4-DVD is going to be called "Better Wood Heat: DIY Rocket Mass Heaters"

I was going to create a product that was an 8-DVD set that includes the new DVDs and the old DVDs, but instead, I think I'm going to keep them as separate products for now.  So people that bought the 8-dvd set will get two 4-DVD sets.

This is the rough draft of the cover and back of the 4-DVD set box.

The single box front and back cover - rough draft

Anna sent this hilarious spoof of the cover.  The sexy / naked stuff in this has stirred up some controversy elsewhere on the internet.  So I gotta point out that this is a creation of four women - no men.

paul wheaton wrote:This is the rough draft of the cover and back of the 4-DVD set box.

I notice it says "Pepple style" on there, and I think "Pebble" was meant.

Thanks for that Bill - I don't think this one made it to my inbox yet, but I'm going to go ahead and send the designers an email with a few little mistakes (good eye!)

pretty promo image ...

paul wheaton wrote:Anna sent this hilarious spoof of the cover.

Now if it was Paul stomach down with his hair combed just so, I'd vote for that cover. Feel like being permie beefcake?

Deb Rebel wrote:

paul wheaton wrote:Anna sent this hilarious spoof of the cover.

Now if it was Paul stomach down with his hair combed just so, I'd vote for that cover. Feel like being permie beefcake?

This has been a very popular request!  

Many lady Permies have cried out for a sexy man ad for something - perhaps some glamour shots of some of our permaculture handsomes are in order!

Destiny Hagest wrote:

Deb Rebel wrote:

paul wheaton wrote:Anna sent this hilarious spoof of the cover.

Now if it was Paul stomach down with his hair combed just so, I'd vote for that cover. Feel like being permie beefcake?

This has been a very popular request!  

Many lady Permies have cried out for a sexy man ad for something - perhaps some glamour shots of some of our permaculture handsomes are in order!

I can sense a premies 2017 calendar idea coming along, we'd be more than happy to design it!!  

paul wheaton wrote:here is the current DVD status:

DVD1:  70% complete
DVD2:  96% complete
DVD3:  100% complete
DVD4:  96% complete

It looks like we are on track for finishing at the end of the month.  But we are currently saying that we predict completion on August 10th.  

Daniel decided that rather than stay here and finish, he would take five days to drive back to LA and finish in LA.

At this time the status is

DVD1 part 1:  90% complete
DVD1 part 2: 99% complete
DVD1 opening and closing credits and stuff:  60% complete
DVD2:  99% complete
DVD3:  100% complete
DVD4:  99% complete

Daniel sent me a version of DVD part 1 yesterday morning and I sent him back a list of edits yesterday afternoon.  I am hopeful that what he sends me today will be really close to done.  But either way, we are right down to the wire.   Getting it all done by the end of the day on the 10th is possible - but at this point, I would say it is unlikely.

I think he said that finishing the opening and closing credits for DVD1 would take about half a day.  

....  as I am writing this he sent me an email.   He says that he will definitely not have this done on the tenth.   I'm going to change the date stuff to say "the 12th" for now.  

Will we still be honoring the preorder price for the DVD set until the 12th when the set is available?

We will honor the pre-order price until the product is available.

Last night I watched DVD1 as one big chunk ....   it was missing a small piece.  

Unfortunately, I made two pages of notes of things that needed to be changed/mended and then we need to look again.  So it might still be another day or two.

paul wheaton wrote:Last night I watched DVD1 as one big chunk ....   it was missing a small piece.  

Unfortunately, I made two pages of notes of things that needed to be changed/mended and then we need to look again.  So it might still be another day or two.

I for one, am glad you are going through them again, as a finished presentation, looking for errors and omissions. We've waited this long, a little while longer to help ensure completeness and quality is well worth it!

paul wheaton wrote:Last night I watched DVD1 as one big chunk ....   it was missing a small piece.  

Unfortunately, I made two pages of notes of things that needed to be changed/mended and then we need to look again.  So it might still be another day or two.

I'm happy too, you're doing a last proofread. It'll be ready when it's ready, and whenever it's ready, I'll be waiting for my copies. Thank you Paul.

I agree with Eric and Deb.  And I hope it gives you a sense of satisfaction as well.

So is today the day to plug in the long extension cord and start downloading?