Woodstove people, what's your technique for a cold start?
Alisande
last year
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glenda_al
last yearRelated Discussions
Tell me about your cameras and photo techniques, please
Comments (22)I'm a bit puzzled as to why this 2 1/2 year old thread has popped up again, but I do appreciate all the photography expertise that everyone has shared. PM2, there's a second thread that came after this one if you'd like more info, linked below. I ended up getting a Nikon Coolpix P600 which has a 60x zoom (a bit longer than the 50x Cannon which I also checked out) which I like for long shots of critters in the field. I followed Jane's advice to go and hold a bunch of cameras and try them out, and found both the Canon and the Nikon comfortable, though the Nikon is a bit larger. The Nikon is also slower processing images to get ready for another shot than the Cannon, I think. I am still just beginning to learn to use it, largely using it on the standard landscape setting, though I have started checking out the different options and menus. I most often use it to take photos of critters and scenes we've spotted when we were inside since that's where it's easily available, though I also take it with me when I am going outside specifically to take photos. As Steve said above, "I also use my iPhone a lot because it's in my pocket, and it is often said that the best camera is the one you have with you." It doesn't do a great job on distance or small birds, but it has good color and is great to keep in my pocket to catch some of the surprises I see in the garden. I also use it for many of my landscape shots since it's with me and available when I'm working outside. The few times I've taken the Nikon out while I work in the garden, I've either lost track of where I've set it down, or found it in the way, so I usually just stuff the phone in my pocket when I am doing more than wandering around taking photos. In the birds and mobile features #12 thread, I've posted photos taken with both cameras: Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 9:05 - iPhone Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 9:19 - Nikon Dec 3, 14 at 18:04 - Nikon Thu, Dec 4, 14 at 7:59 - Nikon In the summer, more of the photos were phone photos since I was more likely to be out working during warm weather. Here is a link that might be useful: the second camera question thread...See MoreStarting a diesel engine in cold weather...
Comments (19)Diesels need three elements to operate:fuel, air, and compression. Make sure that your fuel is clean, the filter is not clogged/dirty, and that it isn't too old-after two months, it's old. Make sure your air filter is clean and there are no obstructions in the mainifold/hose. Compression is a matter of the engine-if the valves are timed properly to the position if the pistons, you will have compression. One thing you might do is bleed the fuel lines. I don't know the brand of your tractor, but I work on 4-6 cyl john deere engines. They are typically bled at the electric fuel pump, the filter and the injectors. With a manual you can see where these points are and bleeding is a simple job....See MoreAlmost ready to start and getting cold feet!
Comments (19)Is it "normal" to get a sinking feeling every time you think about building a home? Of course not. It's normal to feel nervous about the project's enormity, the expense, the logistics. But a sinking feeling means this is not what you want. You might like parts of the house, but that is probably not enough. The fact is, you will have to put a huge amount of effort, money, commitment into a project that will end up with you living where you don't want to live, in a house and "yard" too much for you to deal with. And at an age when your health and energy are not likely to be trending upward. You will continue to resent his not following up on his commitments. He's getting his dream and you're gonna pick up the loose ends. No WONDER you have a sinking feeling. Just for a moment, and just to yourself, think about whether or not you can back out now. And how you would do it. I think you may already be too deep into this to back out now--for whatever reasons you've agreed to it. What would happen to your relationship with DH if you called a halt to it right now? (I'm not suggesting you answer any of this here; just to yourself.) If you can't see a way out of this, then what would it take to make it go better for you? I think you could assert your right to not have to work to age 70. If he's willing to handle it by himself, it's his dream--let him work for it. Or, let that be a real good reason to scale down the house. Just say you're not willing to work past 62 or whatever. He can run the numbers to see how to scale back the house accordingly. That will get you 2 big things you want: a smaller, more easily managed house and an earlier retirement. While you're having that discussion also tell him that the project has to be scaled back because you're not willing to be annoyed all the time, and scared by living in the midst of undergrowth, and you will need a bigger monthly budget to hire things done. (What was his plan for while he's away for 3 months?) I don't think he's been realistic about that and you haven't confronted him about it. Does he know how much you resent picking up the pieces for him and waiting for him to get around to things? Or, focus on how he's too busy working to consistently get the maintenance done and should plan on letting YOU hire it done; so in his free time he can play country squire or whatever he dreams of. Did you just agree to all this because you can live in a really nice house? Because other than that I don't hear you wanting any part of this. Until you come clean with him about ALL of your reservations, he will have no motivation to start planning realistically so that YOU will also be happy living his dream. (Or as happy as you are capable of, given that you basically don't want this.) This isn't just a house; it's your entire life. Especially since you work at home. That sinking feeling you have is a warning signal. I really hope you'll tell him now, while he has some motivation to make concessions and provisions and to scale things back. If you don't tell him now, he will have zero motivation later. And all you will have is the sad consolation of being right about the fact that he would disappoint you--again....See MoreSize of a Woodstove - what's too big?
Comments (6)Hippity you mention that this is going into a fireplace. If that is the case then you might want to look at fireplace inserts in addition to wood stoves. I would agree with Chris that you shouldn't be married to VC as the only game out there. For a small area like you are suggesting there are many other good stoves such as the Tribute and Craftsbury made by Hearthstone or the Vista by Pacific Energy. Englander is a stove manufacturer in Virginia who makes steel stoves, (not the prettiest) which sell in Lowe's and Home Depot that are efficient and affordable, the 12FPP is one of theirs which would fit the square footage you outlined. If it is an interior chimney then with 30 feet of draft I don't think insulation would be required but it can help.An exterior chimney might necessitate some insulation. $2K+ seems like a lot though. The local dealer here quoted me a price of $1,195 for a 20' flex liner with a block-off plate, no insulation. Look around and see what else is out there, if you are going to spend the money get one which fits your space heating, decorative, and lifestyle needs. I wouldn't go for the oversize stove and start cutting holes in your floor for vents. If you had a fire it would spread quickly through one of those. Good luck....See MoreAlisande
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