[Cob] Earth floors

[Raduazo at aol.com]

In a message dated 12/9/2004 1:30:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
ap615 at hotmail.com writes:
I've run it through the--half-inch--screen as dry as possible--not very, 
given that the clay pile is outside--which means that we basically extruded 
bits through the screen, letting the easy stuff go on down (into a garbage 
can) and sometimes putting the bigger pieces away for later consideration

But I'm using galvanized wire mesh, the kind you use for rabbit cages. 
    That is what I am using too. I am wondering if I am being a little too 
fussy. When I did earth plasters one or two little stones in the mix were a real 
pain as they always rolled to the surface and made getting a smooth finish 
impossible, but this floor layer is going on 1/2 inch thick minimum so maybe 1/2 
inch stones would not be as great a problem. Anyway I screened enough clay 
yesterday to do 4 batches.
    I have found that the best way to force the tapiocas through the screen 
without damaging it is by using a bottle as a rolling pin. The tapiocas and 
stone than do not go through are very dry so I mixed 1/2 bucket of the dry stuff 
with 1 bucket of water using my drywall mixer in an electric drill and found 
that the rocks settle right out and can be scooped out of the bottom. I am 
letting the clay settle out to pour off the water tomorrow. When I do Chris's 
floor we will have plenty of clay to work with so I will throw tapioca rock/mix 
away. 
    I may also decide to quit at the 1/4 inch screen stage. If the finish is 
1/2 inch thick the 1/4 inch rocks should not be a problem. At least that is a 
theory.
Ed