Michael Brant

I totally get your explanation Mary James and it makes perfect sense. You have an actual need to keep a consistant handle. I too have a 'handle' that I use all over the Internet, but since I'm really just a lurker, it doesn't bother me to use my real name on this one site.

One thing I don't understand is why people wouldn't use their real names. Can someone please explain to me why it is so important to fight this simple request by the management? My real name is Michael Brant and I have no problem having it out there. Are people afraid of identity theft?

Here are a few products offered by Lee Valley. I use the copper blocker and it works great and is easily reusable.

Lee Valley also offers a copper tape that I haven't tried but looks effective. I'd probably use this on pots or other containers that this tape would easily adhere to.

I don't often get envious but this is different. I'm in Ontario where you never see cedar like that. I would salvage every last scrap for a building project before I'd burn it. Good going scoring that! The 600 year old burl sounds incredible. Cheers.

Yes! This is a fantastic idea. I've been looking for a magic bullet blender for my wife for quite some time now. I can't wait to get home and try it out. Thanks.

Thank you for that, Erica!

Michael

I use old tools all the time. I usually find them at auction sales or antique markets at reasonable prices. The quality of some of the older tools can meet or surpass those of new ones. It depends on what you are using it for. To peel bark, a used drawknife given a reasonable sharpening will work just fine.

This is my second post...the first one I screwed up!

Anyway...I'm really glad I found this place and the RMH.

1. I would like to ask them about some of the different clay materials they've used over the years and how some clays measure up against others and what to look for in the materials used for making cob, fire cement etc? Are all clays created equal? I sure have lots of it here where I am.

2. Are there any refractory concrete mixes that they've used successfully? I've been thinking about pouring a small pad of refractory concrete, over perlite, to build the stove upon......or.....

3. Can an exisiting concrete floor serve as the floor of the burn tunnel? My intuiton tells me that it too would be subjected to too much thermal shock but I'll ask anyway...

4. Is there a better burn tunnel design? ie - Square or rectangular? I was planning a 6 x 6 burn tunnel in 7" system.

Thanks!