Dylan Planter

I was curious if the currently popular AI tools know what a RMH is - and it turns out they do! I used the following prompt:

   'what is the most efficient and cost-effective way to burn wood for home heating? I would prefer to build it myself and use natural materials, if possible.'

and this is what I got back from ChatGPT:

   'The most efficient and cost-effective way to burn wood for home heating, particularly if you want to build something yourself and use natural materials, is to construct a rocket mass heater. This design offers high efficiency, low
   emissions, and the ability to use natural materials for both construction and insulation. Here’s a breakdown of how you can proceed...'

and from https://claude.ai/:

   'I'll help you understand efficient wood heating options with a focus on DIY and natural materials. Let me outline a highly efficient and cost-effective approach:
   The most efficient DIY option would be a rocket mass heater (RMH), which combines principles of efficient combustion with thermal mass storage. Here's how it works...'


I attached a couple screenshots. Also, both tools called out the RMH permies forum, Erica and Ernie Wisner, etc. as sources for learning more.

Should Paul do a KickStarter for a (solar powered?) LLM server indexed materials related to RMHs and other permies topics? It could enable people interested to be 'talked through' the process of implementing permaculture solutions.

PS

For those who want an idea of the possible utility of AI for assisting homesteading and permies people, just type the following into the prompt into https://claude.ai/ and ask it more in-depth questions - quite impressive:

'I want to grow trees on my property in YOUR LOCATION HERE that will be good for using for firewood to heat my home. To choose the best tree species I want a model that takes into account three main properties of a given species: BTUs, hardness, and how fast they grow. The best species will be a combination of higher BTUs, lower hardness, and faster growing.

Can you create a 'Suitability Index' that calculates a number based on these three factors and plot out the top five tree species.'

Hi!

I am looking for tips on how to approach a 35 acre property that is in zone 4a, with a mostly southern exposure, and - here's the fun part - was harvested by a timber company (previous owners) last year. I mention that last bit because in the process of harvesting, the timber company has altered the landscape in some interesting ways: LOTS of tree slash of different sizes, stumps, sporadic 1-4 foot ruts  where their giant tree chopper was driving, and also clearings where this machine drove. I've already started to make brush piles for wildlife habitat with the slash and many of the ruts formed decent sized puddles back in the Spring. It's about 95% maples with some birch patches, and a handful of both Eastern White Pine and pretty young White Oak. The back of property is about 80 ft. higher than the front and there's a good driveway (quality-wise not placement) already in place. Also lots of stones and few big boulders and outcroppings. No water features though. I attached some pictures.

I mostly want to start figuring out water and creating some plant diversity and wildlife habitat. I would love to hear any tips on planting guilds amongst the forest that will play well with the generally pretty rocky soil (technically, cobbly silt loam).

I am thinking next year we will start building a hugelkultur mounds or two and grow some food. Will post some of our future projects but I wanted to post this to see if I could get some tips specific to a Maple forest.

Looks like a great product! Looking forward to getting one!

Great recommendations! Slip on and steel toed sounds quite luxurious, I am going to try some of those.

Hey All,
I've been wearing some not so comfortable steel toed boots that I found at a bargain basement price a couple years ago. They are about done for so I wondered what I should get next, this time I can spend a bit more - i'm thinking not more than $150. Any recommendations would be appreciated!

Heard good things about the hoe. Might have to buy one if I don't win!