Jay Angler

David C Paul wrote:Besides wood, what other fuel has anyone else used with success in rocket stoves or mass heaters?

It would help to give us some idea of your ecosystem.

What are the plentiful natural resources, or human resources that might be available.

We heat with traditional wood stoves, and I burn all my chicken bones, but they need a really hot fire, so wood goes in with them.

We are near a light industrial area, so still wood, but damaged packing skids are free for picking up. They would work OK in a RMH, but the nails would be a PITA (pain in the ass). A regular wood stove is easier to shovel out, and then I use a magnet and sieve arrangement to get the nails out.

r ransom wrote:I didn't know it was compatible with engines made after the 1970s.  But i can't remember what technology was that made it more difficult.

Due long term restrictions on selling to Cuba, one might be surprised how old many of their cars are. They have strong motivations to keep old cars operational, and being an Island, air pollution probably mostly blows away.

When one considers the pollution involved in manufacturing new cars (shipping, mining, ore refining etc.), the amount of pollution caused by running older cars may not be as detrimental as one would think. In LA, USA with its weather patterns and mountains, the human cost would be bad, but in areas where the pollution blows away, it's much harder to compare the pros and cons.

paul wheaton wrote: And if a decent human has a question or would like help, I think our community thoroughly enjoys the conversation that results.  Spoons for all!

I can still remember when a relatively new member posted a question about how to repair something effectively but inexpensively. A bunch of permies put their creative hats on, and made somewhere between 6 and 10 effective, viable options. (this was at least 10 years ago, so I can't remember precisely)

The lady said in response (approximately) - I couldn't figure out a single way to solve this problem and I can't believe that now I'm going to have to choose between so many different solutions. I have more than one to repair, I might just repair each one using a different idea!

Every time I think of that, I gain spoons!

To me, that is what permies is all about.

Burra Maluca wrote: You think that funny square one would look good by this?

Yes, I think it would look great!

What metal is the square one?

Burra, I actually like the square one best of all! However, I was thinking of an outdoor light beside the garage door. The current light there is a Charlie Brown Special and the pull chain promptly crapped out... I *think* if I take it apart, I can buy replacement parts, but for the moment, I just plug it in the odd time I need it!

John Weiland wrote:... Good tutorial on tin can rocket stove:  
Won't use up many, but one could provide instructions and cans to those wanting to educate or be educated.  Good luck!

Yes, I tried making one once - the tutorial lady used a cut-off disc in a Dremel! That would have made it much easier for me to build.  

I had too much air leakage, and not dry enough wood. Someday I should have another go at lighting it, but be more organized. I was also told I could us perlite as the insulation, then read later it wasn't recommended.

John's link shows a much better ledge. The lady does good work!

Pearl Sutton wrote: I looked them up. This is what they are used for ...

Yes - that's the intended purpose, but getting downspouts to mesh is what got Hubby interested when I told him what I'd seen.

One of my frustrations with upcycling tin cans is finding a way to crimp them so that same sized cans can be fit together like old fashioned tent poles. The other day, I was directed to an interesting video about small biochar production. The fellow was using a simple, but effective hand operated crimping tool. I might not want to do a hundred cans this way, but it would definitely increase my tendency to upcycle the cans in more ways.

I've started the vid just before he shows the tool:



Even Hubby had never seen such a tool, and he's a bit of a tool hoarder...

John Weiland wrote:...we're at the 'creative ramp' phase of animal shuttling and hope we can get her to walk up the ramp into the back of the SUV.  Seriously considering a used, low-cost mini-van as a replacement for such purposes.  As they say, aging ain't for the faint of heart...  :-/

A friend bought a second hand wheelchair lift designed to fit on a hitch socket. It might be cheaper than running a second vehicle.

Dorothy Pohorelow wrote: What happens if I fall again?  What are you solutions for the possible need to reach outside help when alone and unable to reach a phone or other communication device....

A bit over a year ago a friend my age, but in much worse shape, fell and broke her lower leg in 3 places. Her recovery has been long and painful, and  a strong reminder that step 1 is prevention! So tripping hazards need to be quarantined. In this instance, dog training to keep a certain distance from standing humans.

The contact options are highly dependent on A) one's location, B) one's budget, and C) one's diligence.

Like Thekla, I try to keep my phone on me, but it's a larger one, and I'm more reliable when going outside, than in the house, and I don't take it to the bedroom at night.  We still have a land line with multiple handsets which include an intercom button. Again, that may not help if you're injured badly enough that you can't reach it. That is a good reason to put them on low tables.

My friend had one of the 'emergency call necklaces", but the one time she needed it, it was still on the dresser as she was doing her morning routine. She fell backwards and jammed herself in the bath tub. She was in a semi-independent retirement home, so she was at least found before too much time went by. She wasn't actually hurt - just stuck!

Ultimately, an element of luck is involved. My farm pants have a lanyard with my keys and pocket knife, but recently, I added a whistle as a cougar had been seen in the area. I have no idea if the neighbors will hear it if I'm outside, and even less likely if I was in the house. There is a downside to living far from the maddening crowd - we're not even all that far!