Energy Matters Forums

[lad]

it's an interesting discussion.

Agreed Nifty, 15 years ago, if it would burn, I would burn it, that was the way to dispose of it, 10 years ago, I sold up everything, purchased a bush block and set about an environmental build with a view to produce (food) what I can, manage my waste collect my water and produce my power. Build is complete, now to get on with production.

I believe I have seen the light and want to perform as best I can and assist those that lean this way, others can do what they like, that's their choice. I suspect that they will eventually become "dinosaurs" or follow the pack.

I happily discuss my experiences with those interested and hope that this makes any journey that take easier.

I love this forum (and recommend it to those that show interest) because there is a large community of others sharing their experiences, knowledge and skills. The sponsor, to my experience, has not censored discussion for commercial advantage, demonstrating integrity and leadership so I feel comfortable and justified in pointing those entering the market here as a reference point.

I have no affiliation with the company and I purchased my system before I knew these guys existed.

[Nifty]

lad, we have relatives in NZ living a similar life and we just love the way they do things. Mud floor, cupboards from reclaimed fence posts, macrocarpa slab walls, and a freezer full of game.

Smurf, I have a mate with a steamboat and I reckon he needs coal to make more smoke and look more authentic! (He burns timber and briquettes at the moment). Don't suppose you're in Eastern Victoria by any chance?

[Smurf1976]

Smurf, I have a mate with a steamboat and I reckon he needs coal to make more smoke and look more authentic! (He burns timber and briquettes at the moment). Don't suppose you're in Eastern Victoria by any chance?

I'm in Tasmania so a bit far away.

I'm not sure where the coal came from, but it was different to the local stuff. The coal mine in Tas is a fairly small operation - they mine as much in a year as Vic does in literally 3 days. It's used for boiler fuel in the paper mill and to fire the kilns in the cement works but that's about it apart from the odd steam train ride and a vegetable processing factory or two that uses it to boil water.

The good bit though is that if you ask nicely then they let you have (free) as much of the poorer quality "reject" coal as you want. Apparently it's no good for the cement works or the mill, but it worked fine in the old pot belly stove when I used it. Being quite some distance from Hobart it's not economic to drive there to get it, but I was going past anyway and came home with half a tonne (!) in the car boot. I'm not sure if they still do this or not, this was years ago, but they used to.