With the arrival of the latest and greatest magazine Timber Framing I was reminded of my brush with lime. My experiment failed quite well, so well I am going to try it again. I most likely did not fire the shells long enough. My sample of 5 gallons of shells went into a brush pile late in the day with rain due any moment. As dark descended I raked the shell and ash into a pile. As the drops of rain started I spread out the pile and screened it while still some what hot. This is where things went wrong, I believe. It's my guess the shells weren't fired long enough. For the next day I tried some with water and nothing happened, just washed, crispy clam shells. Now I have to fire some more and for a longer time, let the fire cool all on its own.

And isn't this issue full of great stuff. Apprenticeships, Snap-Line Square Rule, Safe Work Practice, foreign lands with intrigue, lime, fore bay barns and more from TTRAG, tranquil adds and a picture on the back which has me wondering. What more could you want? A fellow to due the drywall on my latest project would be nice, if thats not asking to much. Tim

Which magazine are you referring to? Not Scantlings? I'm not familiar with one called Timber Framing. Where can I find it? Is there a website?

Timber Framing is the fine quarterly produced by the TFG.

It is a member benefit, or you may subscribe.

A sample issue is available on-line.

www.tfguild.org

I am a member. I've only been for about 6 months or so. Maybe I do get it. I remember scantlings, but maybe it's because I probably one got one so far? So memebers should be getting both publications, eh? Sorry for diverting this topic a little.. back on track.

Off Topic

But that's OK, everyone on the forum should also get Timber Framing via the guild. Maybe your wife miss placed it. I just lent it out to my mother-in-law, I should get it back tomorrow. It was Italy which caught attention....back on track.

With caution I am skipping the shells, for now, and looking at hydrated lime as a start. I have to do some work with bricks. Tim

Well, I couldn't help it. I and the kids built a small kiln from salvaged brick with a clay and sand mortar. This way they should clean up easy when the test is done and I am happy with the results. I have read that the shells need to reach 900 degrees for a few hours. I am guessing this is with gas as a fuel. I am using wood and it takes a few days as the temp is a bit lower and there are some other benefits with wood. I went out to feed the kiln this evening and was happy to see the shells a cherry red which means they are releasing carbon dioxide and on their way to quicklime.

Happy summer everyone. Tim

I tried this earlier this summer and had odd results. I am at it again. The small kiln is next to my shop all I have to do is go around the building to load the wood into the kiln. I need to keep a good fire going for about 3 days. I have not slacked any large amount yet, that is next. My wheel barrow has a hole in which needs mending. Here is a photo of the kiln. The shells are from cohogs. Tim
[img]http://[IMG]http://i349.photobucket.com/albums/q393/timber500/100_1837.jpg[/img][/img]

How did the second try work out, Tim?

It fired better, I use more resolve. I cooked them till they were almost a power. As I mentioned my wheel barrow had small holes in it. I still have not tried to rehydrate the results, I am waiting for warner weather. I have a couple of 5 gallon buckets waiting and hope they have not taken on too much moisture. I should of slaked the results last fall. The procrastinator in me strikes again. I have all the ingredients, I just have to put it all together. With one exception, the right time.

Tim

Hi Tim,

Please make sure that you wear protective goggles when you add water to the lime powder. The reaction is very exothermic and you will need to remove any splashes from the skin PDQ.

The resultant mortar can be stored in your 5G pails under water for months and it will improve during this curing process.

Regards

Ken Hume