Cob (Fwd) Re: Solar Chimneys

[Will Firstbrook WCB of BC]

Hi Pat,

Your floor idea sounds logical. I have no direct experience but I have
read in a few books, Cobbers Companion & The strawbale book, that 9
coats of boiled linseed oil on a earthen floor is guaranteed for life.
They recommend thinning the later coats of boiled linseed oil with pine
turpentine. Once that is all dry, then mix 2.5 parts linseed oil to 1
part bees wax for the finish coat this waterproofs and beautifies the
floor. 

I wonder why the 1st coats of the linseed oil is not diluted so it can
penetrate into the earth even farther then a coat at full strength.

Good luck,
Will


>-----Original Message-----
>From:	goshawk at gnat.net [SMTP:goshawk at gnat.net]
>Sent:	Thursday, September 25, 1997 1:45 PM
>To:	coblist at deatech.com
>Subject:	Cob (Fwd) Re: Solar Chimneys
>
>
>Yea - got another vault done yesterday. That leaves one more vault, 
>top off the room, plaster and put in a floor. Ta Da , I'll have a 
>room done!) (OK it takes a bit more time then Ta Da)
>
>Speaking of the floor I am thinking of using a combination of some 
>kind  of brick or terra cotta tile with an earthen floor. I figure 
>the wax and linseed oil would seal the brick or terra cotta tiles as 
>well as the earthen floor. One reason I was thinking of this is 
>becuase we have such high humidity (less in winter).  Plus if I used 
>the brick or  terra cotta tiles on the paths that folks normally walk 
>it would reduce wear and tear on the earthen floor in the house..  
>Sounds logical? Experiences anyone?
>
>Pat.
>