Organikmechanic

Thanks for the suggestion. I have, when the mood has taken me read a book whilst doing the laundry, but to obtain a successful wash our machine usually only takes about 100 revolutions of the drum which takes between 3 to 5 minutes, hardly enough time to get to the end of the chapter! On the other hand heavily soiled garments deserve the 'Lord of Rings' or 'War and Peace' treatment. Best Wishes and thanks for reading my Instructable and commenting, I really appreciate it, Andy.

Obrigado por suas amáveis palavras, eles são apreciados. Saudações calorosas da Normandia, França. Andy.

Grapenut, I've had a look at the configuration of stackable washer and drier machines, quite impressive. Whirlpool brand is very common over here too. In fact the model I used for this project is Whirlpool. As to this dilemma with Metric/Imperial, I agree that it is a real difficult challenge. Interestingly from time to time I have had the same problem as yourself, but the other way round, i.e. trying to repair an old British food mincer requiring Imperial thread fittings in a country where Metric has reigned for decades. In the end I got my brother to post some over to me from the UK. But here in France the computer monitor and television screens are advertised as having sizes of 'X' inches (puces). I'm glad that my education took me through the whole gamut of different systems foot. pou…

Grapenut, I've had a look at the configuration of stackable washer and drier machines, quite impressive. Whirlpool brand is very common over here too. In fact the model I used for this project is Whirlpool. As to this dilemma with Metric/Imperial, I agree that it is a real difficult challenge. Interestingly from time to time I have had the same problem as yourself, but the other way round, i.e. trying to repair an old British food mincer requiring Imperial thread fittings in a country where Metric has reigned for decades. In the end I got my brother to post some over to me from the UK. But here in France the computer monitor and television screens are advertised as having sizes of 'X' inches (puces). I'm glad that my education took me through the whole gamut of different systems foot. pounds, gallons to metres kilograms litres via centimetre grammes etc. At least I can cope with the old and the new!!Thanks for commenting once again. Cheers, Andy.

Hi there and thanks for your kind comments. I really like the type of top loader I am using here because the drum shaft is supported both sides in bearings. Mechanically I find this is much more robust than the other, common alternative we have, that is the front loader type which has only one.You have a good point regarding fixed wheel and one's foot slipping off the pedal, perhaps go for a pair of toe-clip cages on the pedals? I think that I will go for a braking system anyway, just for safety's sake, but I do like your idea of the 'stop/start' motion to redistribute the drum contents. I'll try and rig something up in the next few days. The machine type you're describing as commonplace Stateside I am slightly familiar with in that my Mother had that kind of machine years ago but no spi…

Hi there and thanks for your kind comments. I really like the type of top loader I am using here because the drum shaft is supported both sides in bearings. Mechanically I find this is much more robust than the other, common alternative we have, that is the front loader type which has only one.You have a good point regarding fixed wheel and one's foot slipping off the pedal, perhaps go for a pair of toe-clip cages on the pedals? I think that I will go for a braking system anyway, just for safety's sake, but I do like your idea of the 'stop/start' motion to redistribute the drum contents. I'll try and rig something up in the next few days. The machine type you're describing as commonplace Stateside I am slightly familiar with in that my Mother had that kind of machine years ago but no spin facility, just a powered wringer running from the same motor. As I recall, the electric motor on this was vertical axis also, but I have seen this configuration with a horizontal axis motor which would be ideal for a bicycle. Just leave the rear wheel in place and run a drive belt from the tyreless wheel.Thanks for reminding me we are living the dream. Yeah we opted out 21 years ago and frankly have enjoyed the challenge of adapting to a new country/language etc. It certainly is much more peaceful here and we can always get down to the beach for long walks and in the Summer the chance of a swim. Although it is a very popular vacation spot for the Parisians many of whom have second homes here we are still able to find room on the sands.Once again I really appreciate your suggestions and will carry on with developments.Kind regards from a slightly frosty Normandie, Andy.

Hi there not sure what you mean by Blogger Buzz? So what must have happened is that when I linked those posts I was signed into my own blog and unfortunately the html I picked up was to my edit page on each, so you wouldn't be able to get in. Thus when I tested the links worked before I published, I could get in and everything seemed OK. That is an honest mistake and it happens, unfortunately but thanks for pointing it out so I can redo it and I now have. If you still can't get in then this is a problem with instructables linking, so please do let me know and I will get some aid from the support team. Cheers Andy

Hi there - actually my sister-in-law wanted me to call my film 'not peloton', it just means 'the pack' in English but it might have ruffled some feathers. The business idea is how we found out about it in the first place! We were living in the UK, over 20 years ago and we heard a radio broadcast on a guy in Wales who had a pedal-powered laundry going around the camp sites and washing the holiday-makers clothes. If I remember rightly he even got them to do some of the pedaling because it was such fun! From our experience of having guests, the first thing they want to do, after seeing all the poultry, is to do some washing and this in particular applies to kids. It is also a great build to share with children as it is a real hands-on, big learning curve project. Check out the two images b…

Hi there - actually my sister-in-law wanted me to call my film 'not peloton', it just means 'the pack' in English but it might have ruffled some feathers. The business idea is how we found out about it in the first place! We were living in the UK, over 20 years ago and we heard a radio broadcast on a guy in Wales who had a pedal-powered laundry going around the camp sites and washing the holiday-makers clothes. If I remember rightly he even got them to do some of the pedaling because it was such fun! From our experience of having guests, the first thing they want to do, after seeing all the poultry, is to do some washing and this in particular applies to kids. It is also a great build to share with children as it is a real hands-on, big learning curve project. Check out the two images below for great ideas and inventiveness for pedal-powered businesses. The first was in Vogue during WW2 reporting that in Paris they still had a salon with hair dryers: 'Gervais...he has rigged his dryers to stove pipes which pass through a furnace heated by rubble. The air is sent by fans turned by relay teams of boys riding a stationary tandem bicycle in the basement'. The other is a leaflet I picked up when we were back visiting family a couple of years ago. All the very best from Normandy, Andy

Hi there I am just this minute fixing it - I realised because of the comment below yours that I had put the links in when I was signed into my blog and it was thus connected to my edit page. I've just corrected the first link and that works. Of course when I checked the links before publishing I could get in because I was signed in but didn't notice I was in edit - sorry about that!!! Cheers and I'll now get on and do the rest, Andy

Hi there, sorry to be late in replying but my computer has died on me so only have town library computer to use on rare occasions! There is no voting any more - I checked with Admin - it is all done by judges. Thanks for thinking of me though!! Cheers Andy

I'd like to see the cutting of the marble too, it would be great if you could show how you did it. I cut a marble piece for a vanitory unit and it was very difficult to maintain a curve but I was using 115mm diameter stone cutting disc. It would also depend on the quality of marble you are using, I'm guessing yours is high quality statuary although that will wear more if it's used for a risseu but it looks fantastic - you did a beautiful job.All the very best from Normandy, Andy

Hi Mikael,Thanks - always good to know. Have a great time! Cheers,Andy

Hi John,I just got the answer back - apparently they stopped the voting option sometime ago but they did keep the button up for the fun of voting but apparently this caused a lot of confusion, so now they have taken it off altogether. All the contests now go straight to be judged by a panel.All the very best and thanks for your support,Andy

Hi there John,You are so welcome! No I don't see the links to vote either. I'll check out with admin and get back to you.All the very best from France,Andy

Hi there Erwin,I'd either try a local builders merchant, he may give you a better price on quality limes such as Saint Astier and also be able to supply a local sand you can buy in bulk, so you just load up as little or much as you want. Tell them what you want to use it for and they will advise on the most appropriate and often the best priced.I have also found that Brico Depot (you have several in your area) do good quality lime including brands such as Calcia but I see they have a 5 star review on one called Eqiom.If you want to insulate with natural lime 'enduits', it is better to use materials like chopped linen for example, or hemp not from dedicated builders merchants as eco materials are pricey but you can get organic hemp (in bulk) from horticultural suppliers (used for mulch - …

Hi there Erwin,I'd either try a local builders merchant, he may give you a better price on quality limes such as Saint Astier and also be able to supply a local sand you can buy in bulk, so you just load up as little or much as you want. Tell them what you want to use it for and they will advise on the most appropriate and often the best priced.I have also found that Brico Depot (you have several in your area) do good quality lime including brands such as Calcia but I see they have a 5 star review on one called Eqiom.If you want to insulate with natural lime 'enduits', it is better to use materials like chopped linen for example, or hemp not from dedicated builders merchants as eco materials are pricey but you can get organic hemp (in bulk) from horticultural suppliers (used for mulch - paillage) for less than half the price of that designated 'building materials. Similarly with chopped linen - this can be bought from general feed/horticultural suppliers as Linabox (used for stables where the horse is allergic to straw) again this is a much cheaper way of buying it.Good Luck with your projects and Best Wishes from Basse Normandie, Andy

Hi Mikael,Glad you enjoyed the article and thanks for the link - it's always useful to get recommendations for raw materials. I've never used NHL 2. How did you get on with it?Cheers from Normandy,Andy

Thanks so much....hope you get to make some, they're tasty! All the very best from Normandy, Andy

Hi there Charles and thanks for your kind comment and for the greats tips - much appreciated. We do get feed bags but they are paper and we can reuse them for other jobs, however the idea of reusing is a really good option to get the cost down to around zero and I know with my greenhouses, the option would be to use plastic from bedding/mattress stores which will give you yards of the stuff, which otherwise they have to dump.With regards to wrapping the tarp around the laths, this is a good idea and one I've used on my greenhouses, unfortunately because the greenhouses are a closed environment, condensation can and does collect around the lath, finally resulting in the lath rotting (we live in a climate that can be very wet during the middle of Summer so ideal for rot). However, for an op…

Hi there Charles and thanks for your kind comment and for the greats tips - much appreciated. We do get feed bags but they are paper and we can reuse them for other jobs, however the idea of reusing is a really good option to get the cost down to around zero and I know with my greenhouses, the option would be to use plastic from bedding/mattress stores which will give you yards of the stuff, which otherwise they have to dump.With regards to wrapping the tarp around the laths, this is a good idea and one I've used on my greenhouses, unfortunately because the greenhouses are a closed environment, condensation can and does collect around the lath, finally resulting in the lath rotting (we live in a climate that can be very wet during the middle of Summer so ideal for rot). However, for an open sided structure like the run, this would be a great improvement and also on the coop roof if you have the right climate. Thanks again for these excellent suggestions.Cheers from Normandy, Andy

Sure, no problem, I meant to do it when I uploaded the Instructable but as I explained to Thomas below, we have had severe storms with flooding here and apart from all the extra work that entails (we have a mini farm here). As usual we get internet disruption when that happens - go figure because they put all the cabling underground here about 10 years ago!However, I will try to get that loaded up asap and I will send you a copy anyway. iIt is a great fun coop to build and the chickens really love it too. The friend who has it moved recently - so the coop went with them and that gave the hens a home base ready-made. The move was to deepest rurality from a seaside town - so the chicks were a bit overwhelmed but they are actually better organised in their coop than our friend is in her new …

Sure, no problem, I meant to do it when I uploaded the Instructable but as I explained to Thomas below, we have had severe storms with flooding here and apart from all the extra work that entails (we have a mini farm here). As usual we get internet disruption when that happens - go figure because they put all the cabling underground here about 10 years ago!However, I will try to get that loaded up asap and I will send you a copy anyway. iIt is a great fun coop to build and the chickens really love it too. The friend who has it moved recently - so the coop went with them and that gave the hens a home base ready-made. The move was to deepest rurality from a seaside town - so the chicks were a bit overwhelmed but they are actually better organised in their coop than our friend is in her new house. She is still surrounded by crates and boxes, whereas they have their whole home, just as it was and several hectares to explore.All the very best from Normandie, AndyP.S I've included a couple of pictures of our birds you and your daughter might like to see

Awww that is such a great comment - what about baby new potatoes (steamed first)? All the very best from rainy Normandy, Andy

Hi there Thomas, I do have a hard copy of the plan of the coop (you can see it in the film) but it is in metric units so I'll have to translate it into inches if that is what you need - I'll do it anyway. The materials length can be calculated from the amount of pallets, as is in the 'Materials' list. They are sized and the amount of each type is given but if you are using lumber then you will need to know the actual amount of planks in the structure of each pallet - I can work that out for you approximately. You'll have to give me a couple of days, we have severe flooding here!! All the very best Andy

Hi there thank you so much for letting me know and for the photo - I've also used the same design to make a tool shed and also a storage unit in one of the out buildings for a load of junk! I actually also have a larger version of a chicken coop and I'm planning to use that to make a tiny house. The only limit is our imagination! Wishing you all the very best from rainy France, Andy

see above for answer

This is a great recipe. The medicinal value is excellent because you have the healing power of coconut oil and also the vitamin D within the sheep lanolin, which will go into your pup through the skin - so that will give a real tonic in the months when you don't get enough UVB from the sun. Nala's a great model too, those eyes alone ought to get you in the prizes! Good luck and all the very best from Normandy, Andy

Hi there and thanks so much for your comments - appreciated. There are some really interesting and good quality pallet wood planks to be found - though not always on the same pallet. Gathering them up took a little time but it was worth it and we collect pallets for heating, cooking and carpentry, so all the rejects were useful! Cheers, Andy

Nice job, it's a great idea to photograph the layout before you start as you did 'cos I've found how easily you can forget how the components were arranged when you come to re-assemble. Cheers, Andy.

Hi, nice job. I'd never thought of reinforcing the old tyre with that from a butchered mountain bike tyre. I guess I'll have to look in the trees round here for one for my wheelbarrow. Cheers from Normandie, Andy.

Nice troubleshooting and a good $9 worth of repair. Hope you get a load more use out of the machine. Cheers, Andy.

Brilliant! Your comment really made me laugh. Yep, when I think of what we were content with in the not too distant past you realise how rapidly times have changed. Progress sucks? Thanks for your comment, really appreciated. Cheers from Normandie, Andy.

Thanks for your comment, appreciated. This vacuum cleaner is 4 years old and I don't think my friend had ever cleaned the filter, hence the problem. The sales started the day before she gave me the vacuum cleaner to repair and she went out and bought a new one, so we ended up with it! As we have really high oak beamed ceilings, we can now take the Hand Unit up the ladder for easy cleaning! I believe sadly that is the leitmotif for the 20th and 21st centuries - the old adage - when the ashtrays are full, buy a new car. This makes the 'Fix It' Contest so important, as it pushes back against that sort of thinking. Cheers Andy

Hi there and thanks! We live in a 300 year old Celtic longhouse, so this bread looks right at home on our table. We've sliced it up and frozen it but we kept the bit back with the mouse and band on and cooked that on a very low heat for another 6 hours, so when I've made a frame we will have it up on the wall in perpetuity! All the very best from France, Andy

Hi there - sorry to be late in replying but some how I never get notification of comments and yours which is a very good one, is something I had been thinking of with respect to hand-sawing wood. I think the main problem would be to be able to set any laser source on the tool with a high degree of precision. My experience to-date with power tools fitted with 'laser guides', is that I have found that they are never well-aligned with the tool, nor does there appear anyway to adjust them. Seems like there is a gap in the market there and well-worth thinking about! If you come up with something let me know and I'll do the same. All the very best from Normandy, Andy

Thank you so much! It has made my life a lot easier! One other thing, you can actually use anything that has a laser line installed in it. I did try it with a jg saw clamped to the bench but the level was basically too short for most jobs and also the point laser had ceased working - so this gave it a second chance to be useful! All the very best, Andy

The traditional pastry for Cornish Pasty is normally shortcrust, hot water pastry crust is used for hand raised pies, where the dough has to stand up on its own, without the support of the filling, such as pork or game pies for example. I actually prefer potato pastry although I do mix up a gluten-free flour myself but I don't like shop-bought gluten free-organic flours as over here they have additives like xanthan gum, All the very best and happy baking! Andy

Hi Jeannie! The way we worked it was to systematically replace all electrical/electronic appliances with hand or bicycle-power alternatives. So when they broke down, which they inevitably did, we could do the conversions. The main ones to start with are those which produce any form of heat because they really eat up the electricity, so washing-machines, where most are now cold-fill, are incredibly power-thirsty and make a huge difference to your utilities bills. However I would also consider water consumption too because here in France we pay for water and flushing toilets are incredibly expensive and wasteful of a precious resource i.e. drinkable water. If you are interested I have all kinds of ideas including step-by-step detailed written articles on The Green Lever or films on YouTube …

Hi Jeannie! The way we worked it was to systematically replace all electrical/electronic appliances with hand or bicycle-power alternatives. So when they broke down, which they inevitably did, we could do the conversions. The main ones to start with are those which produce any form of heat because they really eat up the electricity, so washing-machines, where most are now cold-fill, are incredibly power-thirsty and make a huge difference to your utilities bills. However I would also consider water consumption too because here in France we pay for water and flushing toilets are incredibly expensive and wasteful of a precious resource i.e. drinkable water. If you are interested I have all kinds of ideas including step-by-step detailed written articles on The Green Lever or films on YouTube Organikmechanic All the very best, Andy

Hi there, I don't see why crab apples wouldn't work as long as they were ripe. Most of the ones we use are cider apples. Perhaps with crab apples you might put a few eating apples in there to up the sugars but I really don't know if that is necessary. Have you heard of crab apple jelly and crab apple fruit leather? These are both really delicious and full of good nutrients. You should also take a look at crab apple verjus which is an ancient but rediscovered and now very fashionable ingredient and condiment - we have an explanation here if you are interested: https://simplyorganicrecipes.blogspot.com/2014/11/traditional-cider-syllabub-simple.html#.X32v13cv6V4 There is also a crab apple wine, which is very easy to make. It is only over the last century that we lost the idea of using crab …

Hi there, I don't see why crab apples wouldn't work as long as they were ripe. Most of the ones we use are cider apples. Perhaps with crab apples you might put a few eating apples in there to up the sugars but I really don't know if that is necessary. Have you heard of crab apple jelly and crab apple fruit leather? These are both really delicious and full of good nutrients. You should also take a look at crab apple verjus which is an ancient but rediscovered and now very fashionable ingredient and condiment - we have an explanation here if you are interested: https://simplyorganicrecipes.blogspot.com/2014/11/traditional-cider-syllabub-simple.html#.X32v13cv6V4 There is also a crab apple wine, which is very easy to make. It is only over the last century that we lost the idea of using crab apples as food and made them into a purely 'ornamental' trees. This is the same with medlars (no pun intended) and mulberries, we have a long hedge of the former out in the lane in front of our house and the whole neighbourhood eats or cooks with them. When we lived in the UK we had a really small garden but the manor house near us was open to the public and we used to go and eat their mulberries straight off the trees, no one minded because otherwise they just went to waste but we have our own trees now! All the very best and happy vinegar making, Andy

Yes you're right, it's the same principle by using the natural yeast, one on the apples and one in the air. I've made sourdough and it's amazing how well the bread rises, even if we freeze the starter-dough and restart it which shows how robust the natural yeast is. The vinegar is so useful and versatile - I actually use it as a deodorant! We also use it as a rescue remedy/electrolyte for our birds if they are in shock (predator attack, cold/heat stress),All the very best from Normandy, Andy

So pretty. It looks like a beautiful tea shop for the Munchkins, just follow the yellow brick road.... Happy Birthday for January! Hugs Andy xxxx