Cam Mitchell

This thread is so incredibly timely. I've been wondering the same thing.
After spending my Sunday splitting wood by hand, as well as many previous Sundays cutting from the woods as well, I'm growing more and more frustrated with heat procurement.
I thought about a more efficient splitter, and I really like the inertial splitters. But they're too expensive and though I'm into DIY, I don't need another project.
I also think those huge firewood processors are cool and would be way faster but overkill and entirely too expensive.

I agree with your pellet stove assessment, though I've not looked at hard numbers.
Roughly, I can buy pellets for $250 a ton or less, which should last me all winter.
I don't like that I have to go buy pellets, and that I can't easily make them on my own.
Yes, I know there are projects out there to do just that, but again, I don't need another project.

Is it worth the time lost that could be spent on other projects?
For me, the answer is looking more and more to be NO.
So I will be looking into buying a pellet stove this spring or summer, hoping to get a sale.

P.S. I would love to put in a RMH, but the poor house design to radiant heating , uncertain insurance problems, and required foundation improvements are making the cost too high for me at the present time.

Thekla McDaniels wrote:One brand has "galvanized" interior, one has "glass filled nylon".  Most don't happen to mention what they are made of.

Can anyone tell me how to find this kind of information?


Thanks

I would go with stainless steel. I think this would be more food grade than plastic (nylon) or galvanized.
If possible, pick better grades of stainless steel that are know to be food grade: 304, 316, 430
The 200 series stainless steels are cheaper, and are considered food grade but won't last as long (not as corrosion resistant).
You may have to call the manufacturer directly and ask a product engineer (not salesperson) what it's made of.

P.S. Are you going to the Palisade Cider festival this weekend? Looks to be fun!

Nick Watkins wrote:The original recipe also called to dip the tip of a toothpick in olive oil and swirl it in the mixture. I don't understand the need for the addition of less than a drop of olive oil, so if someone else does, please educate me!

At a guess, I'd say it's for yeast nutrient.
Usually the yeast need nitrogen for growing, especially when making mead.
Though that shouldn't be a problem with apple juice.

John Hurst wrote:we cut out bad spots, but yes, the whole thing goes in, no need to worry about seeds, the grinder doesn't chop them.

I usually just buy fresh pressed juice from a local apple yard.
Though I wanted to, I never made cider this way because I was worried about the disposal grinding up the pips and releasing cyanide into my cider.
Now that I know that doesn't happen...I see more cider in my future.
Thanks!  

My thought on this is like with hybrid veggies: use them for what they are intended.
Hybridized veggies can grow bigger, faster, and have have better disease resistance, with the caveat that saving seed to replant is like a box of chocolates. I'm sure you can finish the quote.

I have chosen to rethink my stance on hybrid veggies from being unaware, to totally against, to ok in some circumstances.
Obviously, you don't want it interbreeding with your heirloom landrace veggies.
Or do you...hmm. Perhaps a discussion for another time.

dirk maes wrote:Roots are eaten out of hand. Young leaves can be mixed in salads. With cooked leaves you can make a delicious 'stoemp', meaning puree ( with potato's)

The Irish (Americans) have a dish called colcannon that is white potatoes and kale. Yummy with thick meat gravy.

...when you figure out that leafcutter bees are putting large round holes in your shrub/tree leaves and think, "I should plant more trees for them."
Pollinators for the win!

Janet Branson wrote:When you have a bucket of food scraps and can't decide if it should be added into your hugel or used to heat your hot water.

Yes! Or black soldier flies, or chickens, or Ruth Stout style garden composting, or greenhouse heating, or...

...when you automatically redesign (in your head) highway medians and unused spaces for food and medicine production, better erosion control and water harvesting. "Swale here, pond there, self-irrigating and fertilizing. Ha!"
...when you say "hey, don't toss that out, I can use it for...something." Of course, this may be my packrat-ism coming out too.

Yep, my kids know to feed the ducks the grasshoppers they catch.

Thekla McDaniels wrote:sorry to hear that Cam. The information should have come to you with the machine. do you still have it?

Oh no, lost it in the divorce, thank God.

You know, I've been thinking about this. Vacuum cleaners, that is.
I've come to the conclusion that, for me, I'd rather not have one.
I don't like the noise, dust, plastic construction, or power usage.
I'd really rather have wood floors (with rugs) and sweep them.
Just need a sawmill so I can afford to make my own.