Cob: Re: Cob, straw, other such ramblings

[goshawk at gnat.net]

> UHHHH if you are gonna do this, why not just build with straw bale ??? 
> :Linda Lloyd

Good reply Linda!

anyway, I've been able to get some cobing in even though it's 
January. I've been experimenting with various amounts of straw. I 
began this project with the idea of using less straw but as time as 
passed, I've grown fond of using more straw. 

Just curious on other's thoughts on the amount of straw other folks 
use. I've gotten to the point where it is still cob, but not too far from 
being clay coated straw. Quite strong as it dries, and less 
tendency to slump. I'm definitely getting better / faster. By myself, I 
can make it around the building cobbing up about 6 to 8 inches at 
a time in one day for the circumference of the building. The 
circumference around the building is about a 140 feet. There are 
about 22 fixed windows that surround the building and once I get to 
that height (window) it should be a bit easier as the windows will be 
area that don't have to be cobbed. I will build cob arches over each 
window  rather use headers/ lintels (sp?). Of course you can't build 
the curve in the arch up  too much each day. Once I get above the 
window arches, I'll put vents in above the windows.  

And one last thought, has anyone calculated the weight of / 
amount earth in a cob building based on it's dimension? I'm really 
bad about keeping track of such things and have thought of 
weighting a cubic foot of cob, then calculating the volume of the 
building, converting into cubic feet and then dividing figure  by the 
weight of the cubic foot to get the approx weight of the building. 
Hey, just something to do when it's too cold to cob.

Pat



Pat Newberry
http://www.gnat.net/~goshawk