Cob: plasters/chopping straw

[Steve Lewis]

Besides the mulchers, Sears leafwhacker, which is still an investment, I
have heard about circular saws, grinders with wire wheels,  even a mulching
lawn mower (mow your bales?)  and a weedeater in a trash can.   I'll try the
circ saw on the edge of a bale first.

On plaster, I have been checking out perlite for an insulating plaster.  A
great material, similar to vermiculite.  It is commonly appreciated as a
plaster made by USG called "Structolite"   Has great insulation properities.
It's popped rock!   Do a search to learn more.  There are even specialized
grades made for concrete and plaster.

Then I noticed papercrete again, and it's a lot cheaper for a big job, so I
think we will play with that first...

steve

> Oh- very good timing on this question, just last
> weekend I was becoming very irritated tring to chop
> straw with a big pair of shears and I know something
> better must be out there, please let me know if you
> get any ideas.
>
> Also, I have been wanting to add some vermiculite to
> the outside plaster mix in hopes of increasing
> insulation value -have you ever heard of anything like
> this?
> I'm not sure I'm too keen on the idea of using my
> house as a long-term test subject!
> THANKS -
> Rebekah in NC
>
> --- Steve Lewis <seaweedsteve at newmexico.com> wrote:
> > I am doing several adobe (call it cob for this
> > crew!) plasters this fall ( on two adobe houses and
> > a straw-bale)  On one (or both) adobe houses we need
> > some chopped straw.   Does anyone have a good
> > technique for chopping?  A chain saw on the edge of
> > a bale, did not, surprisingly, yield much fine
> > straw.
> >
> > I know a mulcher will work, but no, we are not
> > buying one!
> >
> > Also, any special comments you might want to throw
> > in on earth plasters (especially for exterior) are
> > welcome.  Two of the jobs are exterior.
> >
> > I think we will try linseed stabilizing on the
> > exterior for one of the adobes.  The other is a
> > budget job and may just see a lime stabilized (10%?)
> > fine finish coat.....
> >
> > steve
> >
>
>
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