Book Review: Kiln Construction

Kiln Construction

Book Review: Kiln Construction
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Kiln Construction can be a daunting prospect, with the potential for numerous missteps along the way.

This book aims to give confidence to those who seek to build their own kilns. Kiln Construction is a user-friendly guide that offers a thorough grounding in the basics of construction and also in-depth examinations of three kiln types—gas, oil, and woodfired—with diagrams and photos showing every step in the process.

These designs have been thoroughly tried and tested and are in regular use by well-known potters. Comprehensive information on methods, materials, fuels, and kiln furniture is provided as well.

Emphasizing practicality at every step in the process, this book will aid potters who are ready to build their own kilns and wish to gain both a greater understanding of kilns and more control and flexibility in their work. This approach will help readers navigate the difficult but rewarding process of kiln building.

I have some clay in a bank on my land, I found it while working on developing a spring, and at some point I plan on using this book in my own personal kiln construction, of course I need a round tuit, and a cabin out their first.

Tool Roll and Pack Review

Gear Review: Tool Roll and Pack
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Gear Review: Tool Roll and Pack
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Today I am going to talk about my solution for equipment organization.  I use a tool pack and organize my tools into specific a tool roll for each type of tool

When trying to build a farm that is over an hour away from your home, being able to quickly grab the tools you need so that nothing gets misplaced or left behind is pretty important.

I bought an old service truck to help with ensuring that when I got to the land and started working I had everything I needed.  However, as much help as the truck is, it is still hard to grab and go with a basic set of tools.

I need tools for working in the home, in the shop, and on the tractor.

I bought a $50 tool bag with a rubber bottom from Lowe’s and found that I could fit three tool rolls – I keep a roll of screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches in the bag.  I have other rolls for files and chisels that I keep in the truck – along with a much larger roll for auger bits.

I wrote the specific name of the tool roll on the handles, and used colored electrician’s tape to code them so I can easily grab what I need.

I keep often used tools in the front pocket of the backpack, keep basic survival gear like a lighter, flashlight, and bug spray in the side pocket, and still have one pocket left over for other items.

I can keep the big stuff like hammers in the truck and easily grab the bag to work on whatever I just broke.

All in all, I think it is a pretty good system, and Lord knows I need a system to keep everything organized.

Gear Review: CAT Tourniquet Review

 

Gear Review: CAT Tourniquet Review and Contest
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I Just took an Active Shooter course that recommend CAT Tourniquets.  Right after I get the chance to not only review one.  Its funny how that works

This CAT tourniquet is a proven design that allows someone to apply it to themselves using only one hand.  However, it is not the original.

It is under $20, and sturdy enough for the use it was designed for.

I am going to put one in my tool bag (where I am most likely hurt myself), as well as put one in my range bag.

I certainly cannot recommend having one enough.

Finally, If you are interested in first aid, I have a lot of items in that field both articles and in PDF downloads.

Keysmart Review

Gear Review: Keysmart
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I have been watching the keysmart system for a few months, having on my list of things to buy, but never actually spending the money.  When I was contacted and offered the chance to review this device I jumped on it.

It is amazingly simple, but done with style.  It turns bulky keys into a sleek jackknife.

It holds both keys and tools, and I recently noticed that it also can carry a 64 gig flash drive.

Putting it together is also simple, simply add the keys over the posts, use the included spacers if you have an odd number of keys, and then sandwich the top plat and screw it together.

I like this device a lot, and when I saw that they have an adapter to attach thumb drives I had to try that out.  I was shocked at the price though and had to find a cheaper DIY solution to set up a thumb drive on my Key-smart Key chain.

I also found a cheaper alternative that uses a leather band.  I carry my keys on that now as it is a little simpler to use – if not as modern and sleek looking.

Either way, the key holders that reduce the imprint of my keys are things I like to have around.  Both types are worth the money.

Makeshift Workshop Skills

Book Review: Makeshift Workshop Skills
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In today’s high-tech society, even the most advanced devices and systems are not failsafe. Tools can break or wear out, batteries can go dead, and all sorts of malfunctions can render the modern conveniences we rely on totally useless. If quick replacements of failed items are not readily available, the ability to improvise and adapt in the workshop suddenly becomes very practical.

James Ballou, author of the best-selling Long-Term Survival in the Coming Dark Age, dramatically expands on the popular home workshop material in his first book to present a “makeshifter’s” way of building and repairing things with only a pile of raw or salvaged materials, your hands and your mind. In this fascinating new book, he presents a wide range of unconventional, remarkably creative home workshop skills, including:

• HOMEMADE TOOLS—Make your own hammers, drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, saws, files, chisels, vises, clamps . . .

• EXPEDIENT REPAIRS—Perform sturdy repairs with ordinary glue, tape, cord, wire, dowels, nuts and bolts . .

• MAKESHIFT CONSTRUCTION—Construct all sorts of functional items out of coat hangers, old car parts, 2 x 4s, wooden dowels, nails, rebar, coffee cans . . .

• USEFUL PROJECTS—Build a homemade forge out of an old barbeque; handle simple soldering jobs with a road flare; perform quick weld repairs with car batteries, jumper cables, and a pair of pliers . . .

Ballou also gives extensive instruction in makeshift metalworking, practical calculating skills, resourceful salvaging, plus dozens of practical tips for the craftsman or handyman who might need this information in an emergency or who simply enjoys learning about alternative ways to handle home workshop projects.  Makeshift Workshop Skills is a great book.