Cob Southern Style???

[Barnes]

Pat,
Thanx for the reply to my question and no you didnt miss any replies. In
fact the only other responses I received from anyone on CobList were:

1. one in which someone was trying to tell me what straw was and that I
needed to contact my local county agent.  I do appreciate their trying
to help, but I already know what straw is and how to go about finding
it.

2. another two replies inviting us to workshops, which we appreciate and
are checking into futher.

The problem as I stated in the original is that it is not easy to get
around here and yes I have check with sources like the county agent and
others before.  My query about using the pine straw is one of curiosity
because I havent heard of it being used before ( surely I am not the
first to think of it) and in this area it is plentiful and very cheap(
as in go grab a rake and get all you want for FREE). None of the books
or web sources I have been able to get a hold of say anything about
alternatives types of straw. They just say add straw into the mix. ( it
might be interesting to see which straw, ie. oat, rice, pine,etc.,
proves to be the best "rebar" in cob mixing. Or for that matter of fact
if it matters at all what kinda straw is used.)

Anyhow, I am in the process of making some test bricks using pine straw
and I will post the results if anybody is interested.

Again thanx for replying and have a GREAT WEEK!!

Brett 

 

Patrick Newberry wrote:
> 
> Hi Brett & Shell
> I've been out of town a bit lately and may have missed any replies to
> this one, but IMHO, straw is nice but not necessary.
> 
> So while pine straw would give much in the way of insulation, I think
> it would work fine otherwise.
> 
> other opinions?
> Pat
> http://www.gnat.net/~goshawk
> 
> 
> 
> 
> >
> > The soil in this area is almost pure red clay or a mixture of red clay
> > and river sand.  I have made a few test balls just from clumps dug and
> > have had great success with very little cracking.  The best seems to
> > be the ones that have more of the clay and little sand. The hardness
> > is like rock when dried and can be thrown on concrete without
> > breaking.
> >
> > I have yet to add any straw to the mixture and that is where my first
> > question comes in.  Straw is not easily found in this area. Hay is
> > plentiful, but actual straw is not.  One thing that is very readily
> > availiable and free is pine straw.  I was wondering if anyone has ever
> > used it in cob construction and if so did it work?
> >
> > The second part of my query is if anyone knows of cob construction
> > that has been done in my area in the past. I have yet to find out
> > about any and would surely want to talk with someone who has built
> > with it here if possible.
> >
> > Any other info that any of you may have that would help in our journey
> > into this would be greatly appreciated.  I must tell you that so far
> > everyone we have broached the subject with locally, which is mainly
> > friends and family, is very skeptical about the feasibility of this
> > type of construction here. In fact one very close relative compared me
> > and this whole idea to a famous literary fiqure by the name of Don Q
> > who fought windmills.LOL...not the first tyme I have run into that
> > attitude...LOL.
> >
> > Thanx in advance for any and all info ya'll can provide and have a
> > wonderful weekend!!!
> >
> > Brett & Shell
> >