Cob: Good Foundation?

[puppetman at ix.netcom.com]

Hi all:

I am a newbie to this list and to the possibilities of earth construction. I am very excited about trying out some projects, and I have ordered a few books and am impatiently waiting their arrival. To pass the time I have a few questions that I don't think will be covered in the reading material though I don't doubt they are the same questions every newbie has. I beg your indulgence.

Does anyone have a cinva-type ram in or near Michigan I could buy-rent-or borrow? Has anybody tried incorporating a hydraulic car jack into the design? Did it work? Did it give you better blocks?

I have been to Africa and helped to build some garden walls. I am considering this as my first project here. If I used a thick cement plaster at the base would this be sufficient for the good "boot" earth walls require? Can I incorporate stone elements into the wall or would there be a problem with shrinkage vs. non-shrinkage? How does a garden wall without a foundation fail? Does it just suddenly fall over or does it crack where you can repair it by pounding in mud and replaster? 

I am considering a small 200 sq. ft. outbuilding. Can I use concrete stabiized earth block for the foundation (foundations are 4' deep in Michigan) or will I have to buy cinderblock? 

As you can see, I am at the very beginning of my research, so any info or experiences that you might have to share are greatly appreciated. Oh, and is there any way to stop folks from looking at you like you're crazy for wanting to build with dirt?

Thanx in advance;
Michael Fitzgerald
Anthropologist/Woodcarver/Puppetmaker