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I appreciate the offer. If only I didn't live a 1000 miles away?!? /forums/images/icons/frown.gif

OkieG

The soil here varies from very sandy to clay. Our garden happens to be mostly clay. I've done a few things to make it more hospitible, but it is basically not plant friendly.

Last year was the...

Yes, I believe bloodmeal is also high in Nitrogen.

OkieG

Rodale Press has an informative book on composting. A bag of processed Steer Manure is not too expensive and is high in nitrogen, even human urine will help the nitrogen content.
My choice, though,...

I know what you mean. I've taken buckets of warm water outside for one thing or another when cold water wouldn't do.

Inspector,

Will you still wash your brushes into the sump once the French drain is in place? How does the ground look outside where the sump drains? Does it seem like paint brush rinsing might...

GSS,

You know, my first thought (I'm not an expert) is that it is probably not a good idea. My almost immediate second thought is that the paint from rinsing a brush is very dilute and will...

Hmmm. You have given me some food for thought. I can see this turning into a longterm project trying to create the "perfect" fireplace grate. /forums/images/icons/smile.gif A new model every year...

LazyJ

I like the steel mesh idea for the grate bed. Does that hold the embers pretty well while you scoop out the ashes? With my very open grate bed, the embers and ashes are all mixed and I...

Hi Phil,

Thanks for the link. There's plenty of good information there.

OkieG

danusr,

Gary, Boondox and CJDave all recommend some mentoring. I agree. I took the VoTech basic welding course twice in a row and am tempted to take it again. You learn so much more, and faster...

Great story, Paul. I don't feel sorry for myself anymore. My little septic encounter is nothing compared to yours.

OkieG

<font color="blue">After considering the possible reasons for the "inflow" pipe getting clogged - and fairly regularly I might add, I've come to he conclusion that it has either been squashed or...

RobS,

I know what you mean about time and trouble. It's a good thing I enjoy that kind of "trouble", though it helps to be in the mood. Repair reduces the scrap pile, yet validates it's...

Hi Gary,

re beenthere: I would think that 35 degrees difference in ambient temp would make no difference when you consider the weld site is heated to thousands (?) of degrees.

OkieG

I've always wondered about the 'honey" in honey truck. As an unrelated side note: "Agua dulce" (sweet water) in Spanish is the term used to describe fresh (drinkable) water as opposed to salt...

One good day of burning and the ashes are over the grate anyway. That's about as high as I let them get. After a good day of burning, I'm cleaning out the ashes the next morning before lighting up...

The grate I "fixed" came with the FP insert, and of course, fits nicely in the firebox. The perimeter is really in pretty good shape and I was looking for an excuse to fire up the welder. Repairing...

A bit of rebar helped put new life into my dying grate. I don't know if grates are made out of special steel. Will rebar hold up well in the fireplace?

OkieG

This week, one of the metal bars in my fireplace grate finally burned through. Other parts were some the worse for wear, too. The front rail and outside crossbars were still in pretty good shape.

<font color="blue">In your septic tank, you will probably find very few sugars.</font color>

Robert,

I think you're right. But, there are probably more sugars in our septic tanks than we...

My Dad was a career plumber. Unfortunately, his son didn't pick up too much when he had the chance years ago. /forums/images/icons/frown.gif

He also suggests the garden hose down the cleanout...

I don't know too much about yeast, but I believe it devours sugars. Though Lager yeasts may work in cooler temps, would it really help keep a septic system clean? If so, is a DIY beer/wine supply...

Just finished having our septic tank pumped and the drain pipes snaked for a blockage.
Other than being careful about what we flush, what are some good ways to keep the septic bacteria healthy and...

I have access to some "good" soil down the block that I have been mixing into the clay with my middle buster. I have not yet tried gypsum, but the soil seems to be helping soften things up.
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