[GSBN] re tying half bales

[David Arkin, AIA]

Hi All:

Having hosted two bale-raisings in the past two months, we've tied a  
number half bales lately.  The method described is the one we use,  
though sometimes I'll just use a single loop knot.

I've found the key to my own stamina and that of others is to mix up  
the jobs, for both myself and all participants, so no one is doing any  
particular activity for an extended period of time.  A long potluck  
lunch is also good for recovery.

And, as always, I am reminded that designs that minimize the need for  
half and custom bales are prudent.

Cheers,

David

On Oct 29, 2009, at 6:52 AM, Rikki Nitzkin wrote:

> I am in agreement with  chug. The method you use is the one I have  
> used for years and I have had no problems, nor people unable to do  
> it well. I think you must have a tendonitis or something similar  
> which makes it difficult.
>
> Maybe you could try compressing the bale with a trucker's strap so  
> that when you re-tie you don't have to compress, just make the knot.  
> It is much slower, but should work if your arm doesn't!
>
> take care,
> Rikki
>
>
> El 29/10/2009, a las 12:19, Chug escribió:
>
>> Hi Carol,
>>
>> I've been tying and teaching custom bale making that way for years  
>> and have
>> never had any problems, or in teaching SB have I encountered anyone  
>> else who
>> has.
>> Maybe you have some localised old injury that is agravated by this  
>> sort of
>> movement?
>>
>>
>> bale on
>> Chug
>> Chug at strawbale-building.co.uk
>> http://www.strawbale-building.co.uk
>> .
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <Carolatkn at aol.com>
>> To: <GSBN at greenbuilder.com>
>> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 10:32 AM
>> Subject: Re: [GSBN] re tying half bales
>>
>>
>> Hi
>> I'd really appreciate your thoughts on re tying bales. I did a  
>> straw bale
>> workshop 3 weeks ago and my left arm is still throbbing from making  
>> half
>> bales.  It is very painful. I've noticed this for a few days  
>> before, but it
>> is
>> definatley much worse this time. It could have been exacerbated by  
>> the fact
>> that  they only had the really thick baler twine which is very  
>> difficult to
>> pull  through.
>> We call our knot the "truckers hitch" although I don't think that is
>> strictly correct - a loop on the end, a loop a hand width away,  
>> threaded
>> through
>> and pulled in as tightly as possible and tied off. So my questions  
>> are
>>
>> Is this just me or has anyone else experienced something similar? I  
>> don't
>> want to be demonstrating this technique if I could be injuring some  
>> one.
>> Is there a better way to do it or a tool perhaps that could take the
>> strain? I've seen someone use a pallet strapper but the best  
>> tension is
>> achieved
>> with a metal buckle - could those buckles be a condensation point  
>> in the
>> wall?  I've also heard of farmers making half size bales but  
>> inevitably some
>> adjustment  will be needed so customising will always be needed.
>>
>> best wishes
>> Carol Atkinson
>> _www.strawcottage.co.uk_ (http://www.strawcottage.co.uk)
>>
>


*  *  *  *  *
Arkin Tilt Architects
Ecological Planning & Design

David Arkin, AIA, Architect
LEED Accredited Professional
CA #C22459/NV #5030

1101 8th St. #180, Berkeley, CA  94710
510/528-9830
www.arkintilt.com

"There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."
— A. J. Muste






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