T. K. O'Brien

These classes are to be held on the next four Wednesdays (Feb. 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd) at FHTC in Emporia, Ks. Classes run from 6pm to 8pm. The cost is $25 per class or $79 for all four. I know this is short notice but, I just found out about it this evening. I'm attempting to enroll but, their web site isn't working properly.

This may be beneath most of you here but, i'm new to Permaculture so, this is exactly what I need.

It's a shame the project manager wasn't more receptive to your input. And you are absolutely correct about the negative effect buildings such as this one can have. About three months ago I fell in love with cob construction and it's seemingly infinite, beautiful, potential. However, I quickly started to shy away from this technique as I was shown several poor cob examples such as this one. Being new to the entire concept, I didn't have an understanding of what was actually going on or why (and I barely do now). My experience makes me wonder if this project could be used to show the effects of poor design or construction while supporting the reasoning behind the currently acceptable techniques. I also believe deconstruction of a structure has the potential to reveal opportunities for improvements in design, materials and construction even if the original builder adhered to the conventional wisdom.

I hope you consider a video chronicle of the rebuild. A detailed article with lots of photographs would also be nice.

Personally, my wife and I started this journey about three months ago after accidentally clicking on a link to a Jack Spirko podcast. Jack was interviewing Paul Wheaton. That's how I heard about permies.com.

Anyway, after listening to a couple Survival Podcast episodes, we decided to commit. I sold my beloved $30k, 4 door, 4wd pick-up. I had enough equity in it to pay off the loan and pay cash for a mini van. We cut the cable, land line telephone and cell phone data plans. I sold just about everything I owned that had any value and we used the money to pay off debt. As of right now, we have paid off over $20k in debt and have $1500 in an emergency fund. We will be debt free (excluding mortgage) by next spring. By that time, provided neither of looses our job, we will have about $2k left over each month to put toward the house and savings.

We're seriously considering selling this house and starting a small homestead.

I love the thought that I won't have to work at a job I hate for 15 or 20 more years. This whole process is liberating to say the least.

I'd like to know how long the exhaust tube could or should be when run through a thermal mass.

How much effect does exhaust tube diameter have on tube length?

Could the exhaust tube be lengthened if one were to taper the exhaust tube? Example: If the optimal exhaust through a thermal mass is a 20' length of 6" diameter tubing, could that 20' run be extended by tapering the tubing up or down after the 20' mark?

Perhaps a strategically placed venturi would help pull gasses down a longer exhaust path.

All this stuff is brand new to me and i am frantically educating myself through the use of web sites, blogs, pod casts and forums. I am also ordering books as often as finances allow. So, if these are stupid questions or topics that have already been discussed, please, accept my humble apology.

P.S. I also just finished reading your RMH article which really stoked my fire...

Hey all,
I'm new to permaculture, gardening, homesteading and everything else discussed in these forums and I'm looking to get my feet wet. When I say I'm new, I mean I'd never heard of permaculture three month ago. And, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I'm also new to the concepts of green living, land stewardship and sustainability. I am embracing these ideologies but, I have to confess an immense lack of knowledge. So, please be patient.

Thank you for you time, consideration and understanding.