[Cob] Dome Roof + Cob Planter ?

[Joe Skeesick]

Glad I could help.

Yes I do have experience thatching. Considering that not so long ago most
thatched properties were thatched by their owners I'd say it's certainly
doable by a home owner/builder. I would suggest doing a smaller structure
first, even a doghouse. The pitch needed for a thatched roof is significant.
It would be best if you had some practical knowledge before you were hanging
off a 45-degree roof. The process itself is not a difficult one. It just
takes practice. The worst-case scenario is that you'll have to do it all
again if you thatch too loose and get early water damage. There is a handy
site on thatch here...

 http://www.thatch.org/

with a nice DIY book for sale on small structure thatching...

http://www.thatch.org/diy.htm

Thatching is a very protected trade in the UK and it's hard to get good
information out of them sometimes. (I had to go a rather odd route to get my
training, and then sworn not to try and practice in the UK ... something I
never had in mind) This book stresses small structure partly because of that
protectionism and partly because it doesn't cover things like dormers, and
other roof variations. It's still a good book though. There are of course
other books as well. I had the advantage of learning directly which means I
haven't then read all the books. Sorry I can't point you to more sources.

J





-----Original Message-----
From: coblist-bounces at deatech.com [mailto:coblist-bounces at deatech.com]On
Behalf Of Schluenderfritz
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 3:53 PM
To: coblist at deatech.com
Subject: Re: [Cob] Dome Roof + Cob Planter ?


On Apr 16, 2004, at 8:47 AM, Joe Skeesick wrote:
...working steam thresher operations in the US that
> have specifically grown wheat they use to for displays of their
> equipment.
> These machines didn't fold or mutilate the straw during their
> operations and
> they were made to use on long straw varieties, so you might see if you
> could
> track one of those groups down. No idea how many are in operation
> there.
> Otherwise check with your local Ag College and see if they know of
> anyone
> still growing long straw wheat. As for how much wheat you'd need for
> that
> size house, I'd say in the range of 1/2 to 2/3 of an acre would do it
> depending on depth of coverage.

and Amanda wrote about growing the wheat for bread...


Thanks for your replies,
I've been to several threshing shows in both Minnesota and in
Pennsylvania... I suppose with a 1/2 acre it also wouldn't be too much
of a stretch to think of mowing it with a scythe? Currently I am an
armchair natural builder and wheat-for-bread-baking farmer, but the
thatched roof and the homemade/grown bread are very very appealing to
me.

Joe, do you have experience in thatching and how likely do you think it
would be for someone to do this onesself, without paying for a
professional?

I'm still waiting for http://www.deatech.com/natural/thatch/ this page
to be finished. ;-)


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