tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post4962687159642423399..comments2023-08-15T06:33:53.114-07:00Comments on Bison Prepper: finances for collapse book 2James M Dakinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-34578251871229587922016-12-07T14:23:16.856-08:002016-12-07T14:23:16.856-08:00You don't need more nickel and copper to rebui...You don't need more nickel and copper to rebuild a battery?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-4091782852668972852016-12-07T14:01:41.645-08:002016-12-07T14:01:41.645-08:00Edison batteries have multi decade lifespans, as d...Edison batteries have multi decade lifespans, as do the smaller spread out watertight LEDs. LEDs are cheap enough to stock up on as well, and Edison batteries, like any other battery, can be rebuilt at small town workshop level with little in the way of outside resources needed (other than energy inputs of course). JJGreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06708302086326564665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-77636888293573965882016-12-05T08:47:09.272-08:002016-12-05T08:47:09.272-08:00With the defense of undesired (aka junk) land, AND...With the defense of undesired (aka junk) land, AND the defense of a homestead, trust, llc, or other legal protection, you can make it much harder to take your land. Trusts, homestead exemptions, etc, have been around centuries with little enough change that you can expect them to last well past anyone alive nows life, after all it is using the same tool the weathy use to protect their assets. The annual costs are variable dependt on location any services needed and you can always just drop the services and protection in most cases if it grows too expensive, or shop for a cheaper alternative. <br />Do the research yourself for your area, especially looking at how local farmers and ranchers keep their farm lands in the family for multiple generations... JJGreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06708302086326564665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-33551863320646088972016-12-04T15:18:03.991-08:002016-12-04T15:18:03.991-08:00Correct me if I'm wrong, but even a homemade b...Correct me if I'm wrong, but even a homemade battery has a finite life as the metals dissolve ( or whatever they do, degrading ). LED's last a long time but are fragile and not water proof. Whatever you do, you need trade. And without petroleum you can't mine too many areas anymore, globally. What about sea trade? Needs a monopoly of force. In a contraction, trade localizes. The US will NOT survive as a nation state. How do we trade?James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-35026890128772583852016-12-04T12:20:05.729-08:002016-12-04T12:20:05.729-08:00An overshoot paddlewheel mill for grinding grain a...An overshoot paddlewheel mill for grinding grain allowed for more population in an area. Add power take-off and generate some power for LED's or battery charging, or electrolytic plating/stripping metals. We are not going to move back to a metal free hunter-gatherer economy , just an import-free and liquid fuel shortage economy where the US Dollar will be just another banana republic fiat currency to buy with in the market. Savings will be pm's and land, labor will be cheap (in pm's, compared to now), and gardens will be better than ever. After a couple of years of "disorder", natch'. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-14238516536157570212016-12-04T09:04:57.677-08:002016-12-04T09:04:57.677-08:00Both great ideas. I had thought of the screen, my...Both great ideas. I had thought of the screen, myself, but of course went off on other tangents as per usual.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-84930058131940448222016-12-04T08:31:40.183-08:002016-12-04T08:31:40.183-08:00One precaution to take would be to place a heavy s...One precaution to take would be to place a heavy screen protector over the exterior of the windows (Think in terms of the heavy screen protectors over the headlamps of off road vehicles and ATV's). This will at least protect them from being broken from outside interferences such as rocks, kids balls, etc. <br /><br />The Lexan sheets that the poster above mentioned are durable. Place one on a window on the north side of your structure and out of the sunlight to avoid direct UV exposure, and it should last a lifetime. I'd also keep on hand some other cheaper and easier to store alternatives such as waxed paper or plastic sheeting. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-55233073095957642662016-12-04T07:14:05.146-08:002016-12-04T07:14:05.146-08:00The sci-fi stories where "if we know it, they...The sci-fi stories where "if we know it, they will come" are right up there with unlimited energy fantasies. The ancients knew enough but had resource bottlenecks. Same with the future. Charcoal could only do so much before coal and only oil does certain things. Without them you once again hit a ceiling in energy output. James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-41670819855364752462016-12-04T07:08:54.521-08:002016-12-04T07:08:54.521-08:00If I saw it correctly, cutting glass is just a sma...If I saw it correctly, cutting glass is just a small tool and a certain stone to polish the edge. That would be a good investment anyway, for salvage.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-28822910359145499412016-12-03T17:42:29.293-08:002016-12-03T17:42:29.293-08:00Perhaps you should only buy the "off" gl...Perhaps you should only buy the "off" glass that you can get two of the exact same size for the one framed opening. That way you can keep one in reserve and replace your destroyed windows after you believe your homestead has just been attacked for the last time (resource wars ya know) and just hope it doesn't happen again. If you can't duplicate the discount glass/window purchase, you can always get sheet vinyl from the sewing/crafts department at your local China-Mart. The sheet vinyl lasts a lot longer (not sure how much longer) under UV rays than regular plastic sheeting. Then you just need quality duct tape to attach it and be prepared to replace it every year or two.<br />Peace outAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-23362604956617942592016-12-03T16:46:45.517-08:002016-12-03T16:46:45.517-08:00For overview of how expensive, inferior and rare g...For overview of how expensive, inferior and rare glass was just 150 years ago, look at archives of PPG (Philadelphia Plate Glass co). We built caves of stone and wood, and damaged our lungs with fire for light before glass. The workaround was thin sheets of mica or stretched greased skins that let in some light on a bright day (when you could just open a hatch and put bug netting in). The combination of Edison electric lights (with Edison wet cell batteries) and inexpensive large glass panes must have been an amazing upgrade for our tough ancestors. We have mere incremental upgrade to LED and Lexan, which are both made of magic not to be easily duplicated with cave man manufacturing, afaict. Betcha Edison tech will come back quickly, if knowledge that it's possible and examples exist. The Soviets were greatly encouraged in A-bomb building by knowing for-sure that it was possible (and having all of the plans from spies). <br /><br />pdxr13Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-55124867480394965792016-12-03T13:47:16.659-08:002016-12-03T13:47:16.659-08:00A good alternative without earth is to double insu...A good alternative without earth is to double insulate by having two walls with alternating studs, with fiberglass. Place rigid board inbetween. A 8x8 lumber cube is $300. Add insulation to the one wall is an additional $200. $500 total. Double walls lumber cost $150. Double the fiberglass, add $200. Insert rigidboard for $300 ( varies according to thickness ). Total cost $1100. A bit more than double the construction cost but heating costs go down exponentially.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-36632407774678633252016-12-03T08:43:50.507-08:002016-12-03T08:43:50.507-08:00“I still think a dug-out is preferable.”
Yes, so...“I still think a dug-out is preferable.”<br /><br /><br />Yes, so do I James, it was just a possible alternative, though a less desirable one. The real way to go about it is too make the full on Earth sheltered structure with the standard 4' of Earth covering. A compromise is the dugout as you've mentioned. I'd go with perhaps a variation of the Storey's root cellar, particularly for building the roof structure, since someone had to have determined the load capability. I sent you a copy some time back, so dig it up when you get chance and have a look at it. I like the idea of a layer of straw flakes, then cover with Earth to keep the weight down, but the insulating properties up. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-19054625938128497442016-12-03T08:02:50.440-08:002016-12-03T08:02:50.440-08:00No, I haven't. I love this state, better than...No, I haven't. I love this state, better than most, but I have zero trust in the gov-they will screw me at will and using their own laws can't help. Their more expensive lawyer can make the law say what they want it to, compared to my, if any, lawyer. I learned about justice in the divorce laws a long time ago and have zero faith.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-8707386469981789072016-12-03T07:59:48.315-08:002016-12-03T07:59:48.315-08:00Not a bad point about irreplaceable glass, but I l...Not a bad point about irreplaceable glass, but I like that glass can last multiple decades rather than one. I think if I buy "off" pieces from a glass shop and stockpile extras, plus use a relatively small piece, that would be better. James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-75080689266994780312016-12-03T07:57:22.066-08:002016-12-03T07:57:22.066-08:00Well, to be honest, I way a way with SOME words. ...Well, to be honest, I way a way with SOME words. You usually have to slog through thousands before you get to a few really good ones :)James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-56388198396598567322016-12-03T07:56:05.223-08:002016-12-03T07:56:05.223-08:00I still think a dug-out is preferable. It isn'...I still think a dug-out is preferable. It isn't underground, so it has most of the good with few of the bad. Just sink down two or four feet, then have a slopping roof all away around except over the door or window, with plastic sheeting and an inch of dirt. Save on roofing and siding costs to pay for the extra lumber.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-34699242030233330182016-12-03T07:49:08.104-08:002016-12-03T07:49:08.104-08:00I liked the Druid's book and will probably buy...I liked the Druid's book and will probably buy a copy to keep a good writer supported. I think I have all his other collapse themed books. A little disappointed it came out so soon after the blog as I won't be ready to re-read for a year or two.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-13849352432963223492016-12-02T21:34:42.309-08:002016-12-02T21:34:42.309-08:00Jim we are spoiled but this reminds me of the Drui...Jim we are spoiled but this reminds me of the Druids' Lakeland republic. Every thing we use/do has a simpler lower cost alternative. Car /bike is your favorite example then solar vs. grid . As a brain exercise imagine an 1850 homesteader out fitting his isolated farm with a choice of old and modern items. Gary in Bamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00095999376990912465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-88715578155671782472016-12-02T19:13:40.595-08:002016-12-02T19:13:40.595-08:00You could always give it a go James, but the “vaca...You could always give it a go James, but the “vacation property” angle might be a tough sell when it comes to junk land.<br /> <br /><br />While no where as good as Earth sheltered, I do have an idea on an above ground building for cold weather. This would not be my first choice, but it's a possible consideration.<br /><br />The building would probably not be your main living quarters due to its diminutive size, but somewhere where you would retreat to in very cold temperatures. <br /><br />Small, around 8'x8'.<br /> <br />In addition to the walls, an insulated roof and floor.<br /><br />Walls framed with 2'x6's for thicker insulation. If not, frame with 2'x4's and additionally add exterior insulation which would add another layer of siding over the insulation. You could do both together if your budget permitted.<br /> <br />Large, south facing window, triple paned, with shudders to close off at night.<br /> <br />Very small woodstove or free standing fireplace for heat, possibly custom made due to its smaller than conventional size. You would also want a small porch or overhang to keep your wood out of the weather. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-29861486087752963762016-12-02T17:59:44.024-08:002016-12-02T17:59:44.024-08:00For getting used to living like our ancestors, I h...For getting used to living like our ancestors, I highly encourage reading the book, "Surviving Off-Off Grid" by Michael Bunker. I think the only solar powered item in his house is a ceiling fan for air circulation. Great book, very encouraging. I don't fully agree with some aspects of his religious persuasion, but that can be overlooked.<br /><br />In yesterdays comments you mentioned adding glass to the BPOD for solar heat gain. Have you considered Lexan Twinwall sheet that's used for greenhouses? A wall of it would probably be cheaper than one sliding glass door (new). It'd probably last about 10 years and would be mostly immune from earthquake damage, hail, and thrown rocks. You could plug holes with caulking if it became damaged, but it's difficult to see clearly through if that's an issue. Also, you could store a couple sheets out of the sun for replacement which would be a lot more convenient than figuring out a repair or replacement for irreplaceable glass.<br />Peace out<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-61934196704265739732016-12-02T17:57:35.561-08:002016-12-02T17:57:35.561-08:00Have you considered protecting your residence usin...Have you considered protecting your residence using Nevada's Homestead Law? http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/assessor/services/pages/Homestead.aspx (I realize that the link is for Clark County, and you're in Elko County, but it references overall Nevada state law.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-16675369306850540182016-12-02T17:51:33.424-08:002016-12-02T17:51:33.424-08:00"Using money ONCE, or using petroleum product..."Using money ONCE, or using petroleum products ONCE, that is an investment. Needing money every two weeks is a DEPENDENCY."<br /><br />That is perhaps the most precise and concise summary of preparedness that I have ever read. You truly have a way with words, LB.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-28421196704796898372016-12-02T14:14:00.801-08:002016-12-02T14:14:00.801-08:00Thanks, I have my more glorious days at the keyboa...Thanks, I have my more glorious days at the keyboard.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2686829448547770092.post-22377094984400886332016-12-02T14:12:29.865-08:002016-12-02T14:12:29.865-08:00The only issue I see is that they can, at will, ch...The only issue I see is that they can, at will, change any law. So in the meantime you are out $250 a year, instead of just $25 property tax. For us low income folk, that is a hard sell.James M Dakinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01382139289994087931noreply@blogger.com