Re: SB: No-Pin System/Bale Orientation Refresher

[Athena and Bill Steen <absteen@dakotacom.net>]

Jacob and Mary,
Perhaps we can save you a little time and a little money out of your pocket
book for the moment by not having to purchase anything just yet.  I think
that one can sit down and begin listing out the advantages and disadvantages
of bales this way or that way, pinning, external pinning, etc., but in the
long run all this info may not help you.  I would say that it most of all
will depend upon the building you are thinking about putting together.
First of all, you can start with the floor plan and general layout, take a
look at the number of openings you have when it comes to doors and windows.
Is it one storey or two?  How much space do you have to build on.  What kind
of bales are you working with. Etc. ETc.

Once you have gone that far, you can take a look at what materials are
easily available where you are.  Then ask who is doing the building, is it
you or someone else.  What kind of skills do they have.

Once you have started to answer those questions, it "can" be the case that
the type of structure that is sensible and practical for the building you
are considering may begin to reveal itself.  Along with that may come the
answer about whether or not you want to pin inside, outside or not at all.

This may seem somewhat vague, but I personally have come to the perspective
that most of these questions are irrelevant until you come down to the
building itself and it's particulars.  For example, if it appears that a
certain structural approach is what you want and what you need, it may prove
to be totally impractical to even consider putting the bales on edge as you
will not be able to notch into them as the strings will interfere.  On the
other hand if the frame is to the inside and away from the bales it may not
matter.  Etc. Etc.  You might find that the planned height of the frame or
ceiling conforms exactly to a certain number of bales on edge rather than
flat.  Or that the interface with the beam requires a certain type and
dimension of notch that works with the bales one way or the other.

So in short, I would say, go back to your design and all the basic
considerations, get together with someone who has built before or bring it
back to the list and go from there.

Hope that helps rather than confuses.

Bill

> From: Ben Polley <info@harvesthomes.ca>
> Reply-To: info@harvesthomes.ca
> Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 00:20:19 -0000
> To: Jacob and Mary <smallfrog@peoplepc.com>, strawbale@crest.org
> Subject: Re: SB: No-Pin System/Bale Orientation Refresher
> 
> Jacob and Mary <smallfrog@peoplepc.com> said:
> 
> SNIP>I have heard numerous references now to walls being laid up without any
> pinning structure, but have not found details on these systems.  Can anyone
> elaborate? <ENDSNIP
> 
> Try Chris Magwood and Peter Mack's book "Straw Bale Building" which describes
> different options (available through www.dirtcheapbooks.com ...hmmm..or is it
> www.dirtcheapbuilder.com  - Sorry Charmaine, will get it right next time).
> If she has them in yet, Chris also has a new publication called "Straw Bale
> Details" which includes many plan, cross section and elevation views of
> various bale building options including standard post and beam, load bearing
> and a box-beam style hybrid.  If this book is not in full print yet, you can
> probably get one from Chris at cmagwood@kos.net
> 
> SNIP> On-edge pros: better insulative qualities due to strand orientation,
> fewer bales needed; Cons: difficult to modify, particularly to shorten
> vertically to meet with second-story tracks or other horizontal plane framing
> interruptions, harder to earthen plaster w/o wire mesh (can it be done
> anyway?)<ENDSNIP
> 
> Our Canajun two string bales cut quite cleanly and quickly across the top
> (when laid on edge) with a sharp gas chainsaw (it won't be quite so sharp
> after 40 or 50).  Be sure to tie an additional string around the middle of
> the bale first in case you strike an existing one with the saw.
> 
> 
> SNIP> Finally, I'm throwing out another call for a lead on bale sources in NE
> US/ SW Que. <ENDSNIP
> 
> Feel free to put out a call on the Bulletion Board section of our website
> (see below). It is geared to Canadian bale builders and while there are
> presently no Quebec suppliers listed (can list for sale or wanted) that
> should change as the building season nears.
> 
> Good luck,
> Ben Polley
> -- 
> Harvest Homes - Creating People and Planet Friendly Places
> 
> Toll Free 1-866-231-1100
> 
> Buy/sell straw; advertise/seek volunteer opportunities; post questions, all
> at www.harvesthomes.ca
> ---
> 
> 
> 
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