Homemade railings

[glenn kangiser]

The stairs are cob.  We had trouble with the edges breaking so wet them to soften them a couple times before the repair, then slip - liquid clay - brushed on...

For the repair we reinforced it with burlap slightly under the surface- some straw is helpful in the mud - just sized as needed plus enough to lap well back onto the firm part of the step.  It was necessary to stay off the repaired part a day or two.  Cover the burlap with mud and it will disappear but will hold like rebar in concrete.

A couple coats of linseed oil really increased durability and stopped dust from normal wear.  It also waterproofs it pretty well.

Are those outside? Looks like they're holding up really well...

Our heated cob bench has several inches of cantilever off the seat, and I'm impressed by how strong it is. We reinforced it with long straw, and it has taken all kinds of abuse. From objects falling down from the loft and hitting the edge, to kids practicing their diving form and jumping on it..

I wish we had used chopped straw in the walls, seeing as how much strength it adds..

They have had some water on them when the greenhouse glass needs resealed or watering plants but they are under the greenhouse.  Just a bit of water in freezing wieather will break them up but if dry they will hold up great.  The linseed is good for occasional water though as well as adding  Concrete Cure and seal if no dust as for furniture is desired without darkening the clay.

They have not needed repair in a year or more as I recall, and it looks like they won't.

Going through 8 inche of cob with straw for a chimney - 20 minutes with a hammer and chisel and 10 or so with a rotohammer and chisel for a 6 inch  hole. 

Yup -it's tuff.

[OldDog]

I have cut tenons on round stock with a dado set on the table saw.

Works ok on reasonably round material.

[lonelytree]

I am wanting to build my own rails etc so I bought a log wizard today....$239.95

http://www.logwizard.com/

The guy showed me his tenon machine. It was a steel 6" square metal frame with a router on top and a guide inside. I was thinking about building one until I saw the price...$149.00. I may just order one. I have to see if I can rough them out fast enough before buying.

http://www.treelineusa.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=256-1000

I was in a log cabin store near where I am building today. It is very nice and let me get an idea of the finished size. It was 20X24 with a 1/2 loft and 12' sides. The roof "looked" to be 8/12 or so. It has very nice rough sawn wood stairs, rails and beams.

Sorry, no pics this trip.

Mike

P.S. ETB (Andrew) It seems that you have learned to be a master at what you do at an early age. Be proud. You will rarely have to look for work. It will find you.

[Ernest T. Bass]

P.S. ETB (Andrew) It seems that you have learned to be a master at what you do at an early age. Be proud. You will rarely have to look for work. It will find you.

Thanks for the compliments, but my family gets the credit. I've been given a head-start by my parents who planted me in a great environment for hands-on learning. They let me go at my own pace rather than shoving me into the "box" of public school. I have to be careful not to take all these blessings for granted... To whom much is given, much will be expected, you know.... Kinda scares me sometimes.

[glenn kangiser]

The expected much manifests itself  in your work, Andrew. 

[Ernest T. Bass]

Well, thank you.

Ugh, quit giving me compliments! I feel like a jerk if I ignore them.

Not only that, but I'll pop if I get any more full of myself...

[glenn kangiser]

I'll quit patting you on the back for this one --- show us something else --- still waiting for the new movie.

[Ernest T. Bass]

Ah, yes... Actually, I'm editing the trailer right now.

[glenn kangiser]

[Whitlock]

Glenn- Spike is not going to like your new pet

At lest it is finally raining

[glenn kangiser]

The dog (Suzy)came in wet -- the first olive branch from outside the cave....

Spike has been sitting in my lap twice tonight..sleeping


Guess I better go look -- smells wet.  Won't have to wash the vehicles for another year.