BuildCult Ep.1, Seashell Lime Burn in "The Pet", Primitive Straw Kiln

[@Biokemist-o3k]

Lime is awesome!!!... Almost 15 years ago I needed Calcium Oxide for some synthetic work I was doing and to order it from a chemical company was over $50 a pound or more. I found a Quarry out near Penn State and I was able to go and purchase a hundred pounds or more for about the same price. I bought so much that I still have a lot left...Thanks for this great video. I didn't realize it was 8 years ago....

[@HoldtheWalnuts]

Your right. That was cool. And cool to watch. And cool. And it certainly looked fun. And cool

[@LolitasGarden]

I'm not even two minutes in and you just did an entire month of middle school science. Bravo.

[@AutomationDnD]

Right!! ?? great video (I was thinking of MY OWN High school chem teacher while watching this) back then, as kids we didn't givaDamn about this stuff NOW? it's utterly Fascinating to us

[@micahwoodcock7429]

I dumped a one gallon bucket of 2-3" mussel shells into my woodstove once there was a good bed of coals, and they were white and chalky in about an hour. I put their remains in a pot and covered them with boiling water, which didn't elicit much of a reaction, so I put the pot on the stove and that got the mix bubbling pretty good in short order. Successful test batch! Now to gather more and cook enough to soak a hide...

[@SkillCult]

+Mickey Awesome dude, thanks for reporting back. I've put a few in the woodstove before. That might be a good way for some people to make a small ammount. Next time, if you have very few shells, try to minimize the water at first and possible crush them down a little right before slaking. Insulation could help too. Usually once it gets going, it will go ff pretty good as long as it stays warm. Lately I've been dumping on a large quantity of hot water and letting it go to town, but I'm doing a larger quantity of shells

[@tepsan]

Came from Primitive Technology, will sub!

[@SkillCult]

:)

[@EnriqueGuerreroO]

@Memarthio That's why Aztecs use it, nixtamalized tortillas are an excellent calcium source and burned tortillas also used to make a paste for cleaning teeth and burned tortillas for stomach problems as it works as activated carbon!

[@ytrew9717]

me too, you explained the chemistry incredibly well! Thanks

[@tammyjohnson6763]

This is the stuff they don't teach us on purpose because we could build our own amazing stuff without the middle man. Nice video!!!

[@gabrielnavarro8721]

Man... I swear I believed "Oh he's going to cook some bread !" when I first saw the "trailer" ! The expending lime stone really looks like hot bread cracking ! I discovered your work and your videos 2 days ago, thanks to Essential Craftsman, and I swear I couldn't be more happy about a "let's take a look, why not" youtube click. Instantly became one of my very favorites channels, really. Great worker, great values, great teacher, great humor, great lifestyle, man you are inspiring people.

[@SkillCult]

Thank you Gabriel. I'm on a mission!

[@davidthegood]

You're closing on on that 1,000 subscriber mark. With how great your videos are, I know your channel is going to keep going straight up. I must've shared a half-dozen so far.

[@SkillCult]

+David The Good Only 26 to go! Thank you!!!

[@phale83]

+David The Good you got a reddit hug this morning, congrats! on a side note - dude, this is an awesome channel please keep making videos!

[@sheridanlefanu3353]

Dude, can you do a how to video about the everyday uses of your homemade lime?

[@AutomationDnD]

*WoW "8 Years Ago"?? !!!* [Feb2023, I Just Now_ found your channel] ... I think this was _The Best_ "making Lime" instructional I've seen yet. Great Kiln Super practical & no BS . AND you've hinted at a LOT of what else can be done with Lime I knew Lime was important to "basics" but I had no clue. I actually started looking into the "Fireless" food-warmers (& when I found out they used Lime to heat the food) ..... well, "Here" I am

[@pocket83]

This was a great video. It kept giving me those moments that make things 'click.' Thanks a bunch.

[@SkillCult]

Cool. Thanks.

[@anonimofiorentino5948]

Just seen a TEDxLucca talk about lime. Fantastic, the speaker thanks you tubers at the end. The material that immortalized mankind.

[@freshimpactco.8698]

regardless of the kiln I came for the lime and you made it very clear and easy to follow. Thumbs up

[@trouts4]

The slaking of the limestone was one of the coolest things I've seen in a while.

[@295walk]

imagine it in year 100 or before.

[@thirdeyevision11]

Just found your channel from David The Good. Learned a ton in the last 20 mins. Thanks!

[@SkillCult]

Cool, welcome. David is cool.

[@295walk]

well put i agree

[@looseele]

There's something about this process that I am fascinated with...i even like the word "slaked"

[@johnchapman2361]

I've seen this made on other videos, but no explanation. Love the science lessons and history info too. Great channel...

[@SkillCult]

Thanks :) that's pretty much my M.O.

[@samhamilton1392]

The presentation is impressive. I would like to build a home in the tropics using sea shells instead of cement. Great job. Sam Hamilton

[@SkillCult]

That would be so fun!

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

Very cool. I use hydrated lime to make whitewash for the interior of my chicken coop\brooder house. It's antimicrobial and helps preserve the wood and keep the building clean.

[@SkillCult]

I know about that, but I've never done it. Thanks.

[@somatder]

I have good news, Steven. Just copied your method today and made this kiln from clay from the subsoil here which is very clayey and dry grasses from last season. The materials seemed to work quite well and managed to built a nice kiln - and as you promised it was really great fun to built. There is just something very satisfying saturating the grass in the clay and putting it together. However, the clay suspension was by far the most challenging step. I don't have a paint mixer so had to use whatever garden tools i had lyuing around. I managed, but gave up on suspending all clay aggregates, but I figure that it should matter. I lit a fire inside - actually from the top - which worked out well. I think the secret ingredient in lighting from the top is woodshavings added in layers along with kindling. Anyways, I added limestone along the way and kept adding firewood for a while. The lime was decent, but many pieces don't seems to slake to well. Perhaps, the temperatur was not hot enough because they fell to the bottom? Anyways, really cool project and not too difficult especially with your clear and knowledgable instructions. Looking forward to produce charcoal in the near future - that should only require som minor modification - shutting the ventilation holes in the bottom when the fire is going well and closing the top by putting sticks across and the grass+clay on top.

[@SkillCult]

I think most of them I built we probably squished the clay up by hand, but left lots of lumps, which is fine. Paint mixer saves a llot of time and energy and makes the clay go further. Two important factors are dwell time and heat. It has to get hot enough and it has to stay hot enough. On a small scale, the lime has to be small, I'd say probably not more than two inches in largest dimension and preferably smaller. Use plenty of wood on the bottom and use both enough wood and large enough wood. Some decent sized pieces are required to keep the heat up and not just have a flash fire. Once the lime falls way to the bottom, wood additions don't help that lime on the bottom much usually. Try those ideas out on the next burn and see if you get any better percentage. Thanks for reporting back. It really is a fun project to do.

[@fredrodriguez3913]

Man, you have a very refreshing, to the point presentation and production style. Best video on this subject I’ve run across - and I think I’ve seen them all.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks. I try.

[@mattb5417]

thank you, I needed a break down like this. especially with sea shells. Subscribed. Cheers from Costa Rica.

[@SkillCult]

Cool, if you do it, let us know how it goes.

[@PrairieStormPaintbal]

Oh that video was SO COOL! My eyes popped when the limestone grew. This video put so many questions in my mind. I might just buy that book, (through your link)!

[@SkillCult]

It's amazing how fast that limestone will slake out! Building with lime has a lot about using lime and technical stuff. I'm still more of a lime maker than a lime user at this point, at least for building. I made quite a bit this winter though. I probably have over 30 gallons of putty from this little pet kiln. If you add 3 parts sand, that's 120 gallons of plaster or mortar. I talk a little more about the lime cycle in my recent video on using lime for tanning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHOWqmmfj7V2sLs

[@PrairieStormPaintbal]

I think it would be very cool to see some videos of lime put to use in other ways. It is one of those wonderfully simple ingredients that changed civilization yet we have lost the basic knowledge of how to make it now. I would have just bought it from a store if I needed it. And in a post economic collapse situation, that would not be possible.

[@SkillCult]

Also, the lime from the store is inferior bag lime. It's pretty hard to get lime putty and very expensive.

[@jackjoedoug]

Oh man I just stumbled into something craaazy good. Subscribed

[@bugsarecool8483]

I have been binging your videos like crazy the past few days! how do you not have more subscribers?? I don't understand at all. science! cool! using everything you have! you are amazing man! thanks a lot for the condensed wisdom and knowledge you provide!

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, you and me both lol. People have been asking that since years ago when this video was made. I have some idea, but it's still something of a mystery. Maybe this will be the year I make it happen. Thanks for the nice comment.

[@beardyalhand]

You actually got me excited about lime... Now I have to find some shells

[@SkillCult]

It is pretty exciting actually ha ha. Go get 'em!

[@LindaB651]

Came here from Townsends & sons- this is the best lime video I've ever seen (and I HAVE seen a few!) Have subscribed!

[@SkillCult]

Did they do a lime video?

[@SkillCult]

That's a cool channel!

[@LindaB651]

@@SkillCult Townsends?-no not specifically, although he has addressed the various uses of lime and limewater in the past. During this livestream q&a kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIukpKSQoLh-oKs , there was a question about lime, and he put up the link to your video.

[@sethwarner2540]

your description of the mix reminds me of the material used to make mass heaters for rocket stoves!

[@KrisHarbour]

Really nice video. very informative.

[@VashStarwind]

This video is packed with very good information, thank you for posting it

[@criticalnurse-ready8705]

I wish I had someone out here in Zanzibar with your knowledge and skill. So many seashells tossed aside to the wayside. Im eventually going to create a lime business out here. Good job. Let me know if you'd like to come out here. Also, this island is on limestone. Plenty of it here.

[@SkillCult]

Zanzibar looks amazing. If you have a lot of wood and shells, you can make lime. You would probably want to look into more efficient kiln designs though. There is an interesting one called the rumford kiln that is continuos feed. YOu can find pictures and plans online.

[@criticalnurse-ready8705]

@@SkillCult Hey!! Tickled you replied!! Thank you for the suggestion.. I will definitely do some research on that👍🏽

[@henrymerino6038]

We been using lime to cook corn make really good tortillas 👍👍

[@SkillCult]

I do that too sometimes. they are so good!

[@SeanWMODonnell]

Late to the game....but the game goes on. I have clay just like yours in my yard, seashells galore from the beaches nearby, a new stove I just built. Making super concrete and also a source of natural gas as a backup.

[@SkillCult]

Sounds like the ingredients for a good time. For geeks like us anyway ha ha. Happy burning.

[@xD3adKl0wnx]

Little late to the comments on this video, but wanted to say that it was pretty great! I learned a lot from it and it was very well done. Thanks!

[@SkillCult]

+Kris Brockerville thanks!

[@vice6996]

that reaction is crazy. crazy AWESOME!

[@SkillCult]

Totally :)

[@wildedibles819]

Very cool stuff... Thanks for creating this play list...

[@SkillCult]

You're welcome :)

[@danmorgan3685]

This stuff is the most dangerous form of lime. [HOLD BIG HUNK OF QUICK LIME WITH BARE HANDS.] You, sir, have earned a subscriber.

[@SkillCult]

Ha, it's only dangerous if you get it in your eyes. It can create a lot of heat too if water gets on it at the wrong time. Holding dry pieces is no biggie.

[@joshuacourtney3916]

Man I love your channel dood. Such an inspiration to do a bunch of shit I never knew I needed. You should consider teaching the young whipper snappers round them parts.

[@SkillCult]

It's hard to take the time to teach individuals, but I may start taking apprentices this next year. some cool kids are staying here building a cabin and I'm helping them with axe stuff when I can.

[@joshuacourtney3916]

@@SkillCult sounds like a good time. I slowly started to get into homesteading up on the Washington coast these past few years, but we decided to relocate to the Appalachians in the near future to continue the lifestyle. I've gained a lot of knowledge on here and from Mr Chickadee's channel as well. So much useful stuff that is most important to carry on the torch. Thanks for the reply. Keep on keeping on.

[@ganeshji6870]

Super good process

[@woodyrascel]

THANK YOU for one of the most amazing videos i have seen in a while!!!!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks!

[@miramal9538]

Thank you for this video, I encountered limestone powder from my grandma when I was little she used to chew on betel leaf and nuts with limestone powder, & I came to find out when I went to Banawe rice terraces in Philippines that they were also made by the locals who also chew “paan” or “nganga” and make their own calcium carbonate from the shells of snails which they collected from their rice terraces. They burned the clean empty shells and they turned into “Apog” or white limestone powder, it’s a primitive process but it’s important source for those people who live in mountain provinces. Thanks for sharing, it’s very informative.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks for sharing :) Yes, lime is used to potentiate some plant alkaloids. Coca leaves are also chewed with lime. There are still places where small amounts of limestone are burned for use in processing corn into tortillas. It's easy enough and limestone or shells are very common.

[@peterchan1741]

man, i just can't believe this is the process limestone needs to go through when thinking of how much lime is needed to plaster the exterior of a house!! makes me really think it's not worth using lime exterior plasters, but i've read so much that if you live in a wet area, lime plaster is the way to go. anyway, totally cool to know how its done to make lime for cooking corn, and processing hides, and whatever else you said we can use it for?

[@SkillCult]

Where materials are abundant and people burn large kilns, it's not that huge of a deal. Remember that plaster is mostly sand, so figure only 1/4 to 1/3rd of it is lime.

[@davedrewett2196]

Very cool useful information for me. I’ve been playing around with growing some corn and making tortillas in Australia where it’s hard to get lime putty or calcium oxide or any information on nixtamalising corn because nobody does it much here. Plus I bark tan road kill kangaroos skins and bark tan. So far I’ve been using wood ash for both.

[@SkillCult]

If you can get shells, you are set. It doesn't really take a huge amount to do tanning and food processing. I think my ex girlfriend figured out that a cup of lime putty could process 60 cups of corn. Limestone is more dicey, because you can't know the composition. It may have a lot of other minerals or mostly magnesium. But it's still worth a try. Shells are very fat, almost all calcium.

[@mattb5417]

Also, great format, precise, concise and interesting to watch.

[@bradleyphillips7730]

My Pacific Islander friends use lime paste when chewing beetel nut. They put it on the beetel nut with pepper leaf and a little tobacco and chew it.

[@SkillCult]

+bradley phillips That's interesting. I've heard that is part of the kit for those plants, like you carry a little lime container or something.

[@bradleyphillips7730]

Exactly. Some of them have a paste, while others use a powder, I had a paste in my kit that dried up. I ground it to powder, and used it. The effect was the same.

[@In_the_shed]

I had to teach someone about nixtamalization the other day and it blew their mind

[@stanleyjaxen8759]

great thanks for sharing i was building mind with clay mud stacked up but it takes a long time drying and stacking and reinforcing, think i might wet it back down and use your method instead really awesome thanks for sharing youre a good human

[@Gryphon018]

Very informative and entertaining! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@SkillCult]

Thank you :)

[@cristinatrujillo6246]

i really enjoy and appreciated the sharing of your skills and knowledge

[@SkillCult]

:)

[@huckfinn4260]

What an awesome video. I need to figure out how to get some shells.

[@SkillCult]

Or limestone. Many areas have limestone, though the quality varies. You can sometimes find old mineral maps online that might show where a quarry was, or even a potential quarry surveyed by someone.

[@rivervalleysurvivalandbush8126]

That kiln is just sweet! You have inspired me!

[@minnaroseahlers2758]

These days we use Personal Protective Equipment. In days of yore the novice or apprentice did as the Master bid or he was "down the road" and his chances of learning a craft would be somewhat curtailed. This is by far the most credible exposition I've seen. just a note though limestone and oyster shells react differently in the kiln because the calcium carbonate they contain has different morphology ie Calcite, Aragonite and Vaterite phases.

[@SkillCult]

I hadn't noticed them acting a lot different in the kiln, but they sure do in slaking. Thanks for the tip. I understood is was something about structure, but I'm mostly interested in the practical part and what I have to do to make it work.

[@truthinhistory6585]

One of the coolest videos I've seen in a while ! Thank you

[@SkillCult]

:)

[@freshimpactco.8698]

Definitely one of the best videos I have seen, not only that, but you also look cool on video too lol... Saved you video for future use.......

[@SkillCult]

Cool! thanks :)

[@didanz100]

Very good informative presentation. Thanks

[@Nilafila76]

absolutely love it!!! thanks for the demo

[@adddude7524]

That is fascinating! Just found your channel via AvE I think. Looking into tanning rabbit fur (not sure if you call it tanning if the hair stays on). My little brother butchered one cause he's a big meat fan and convinced you should at least kill your food once to earn the right to eat meat. He has another bunny that we'll eat in January. It's just such a waste to throw away the hide. Fingers crossed you have a video on that. You are a natural teacher and I am so thankful there is actual useful content on KZbin.

[@SkillCult]

Hi, Thanks! I don't have any fur tanning videos. It's low prioirty for me, because I don't do it a lot and there are other tanning vids that I think are more important to make first. There should be some videos on braintanning furs, but I haven't previewed any of them.

[@timothyschwartz9767]

You're the man!

[@larss337]

Good video, thank you for all the tips. I want that book.

[@SkillCult]

Super cool book!

[@ElGatoLoco698]

I made some lime putty with limestone in my backyard. Very easy to do. Now I have a bucket full of slaked lime and have nothing to use it on. Thinking of mixing it with clay and perlite to make some refractory bricks for a kiln.

[@SkillCult]

Sounds awesome. Let me know how it goes. After seeing the clay in the kiln melted into slag I'm definitely interested in the idea of firing clay with lime. My friend Kiko Denzer was telling me that the light firebricks are made by using wood flour as the aggregate which burns out leaving super light firebrick. I want to try that.

[@RobertLock1978]

Fascinating

[@Novokuv]

Love these videos

[@SkillCult]

+空を変更します! Thanks!

[@corindoyle]

Not bad, could be more efficient with the fuel though. Pack it tighter and and slow the burn down. You use the gases as much as the fire. Check out Michael Wingate's Small-scale lime-burning. Hot lime by Nigel Copsey is excellent too and will explain how you can use the lime immediately without slaking. Hot mix.

[@luthmhor]

Hydraulic lime is made from limestones with impurities like clay. Hydraulic lime is generally easier to use as it is similar to cement and sets via water rather than air. Lime putty needs much more maintenance after being used to keep it dry.

[@GFD472]

Another great video! Looking forward to seeing how you use the lime Steven. Can you explain how the lime improves with age...?

[@SkillCult]

+GFD472 I don't recall the details, but I think it has to do with whether the lime is thoroughly hydrated or not. It doesn't actually matter for everything, but in some arts and in plastering it can matter apparently. There is actually a technique using fresh, hot lime as mortar taking advantage of the fact that the mortar is still expanding and can fill the spaces in the wall. Way cool. But if that happens on your fresco or finished plaster wall, that's not so good. For most applications, it probably doesn't matter, but I don't know. I've made a lot more lime than I've used at this point. Still saving up enough to plaster some walls and stuff.

[@alexwang982]

Carbonation

[@moniquedelatour3502]

Awesome video!! Im in the lowcountry sc . Im going to try this.

[@rooster002]

thanks. cool video and useful info.

[@morningcoffee1111]

Awesome video. Definite sub!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks! Just reminded me, I get to have my coffee now :D !

[@tkjazzer]

Heard on a different channel that steam is used to make hydrate. Do a video on hotlime mix. Keep the spirit if lime (steam / heat) inside sand layer

[@aidancameron7972]

Such a good video! I hope to try this in the future. Can you chuck underburned shells back in to another burn?

[@SkillCult]

I've never tried that. Let me know if you try it.

[@niranjanpalukoor5509]

Thankyou. Very good information

[@chrissturgeon1571]

I just emailed my local oyster bar to see if I can arrange a weekly pick-up of their waste shells. Thank you for this video. I am so inspired! A question: I live where it gets below -40 in the Winter. Can stored lime putty freeze/thaw or will it damage it for building with?

[@SkillCult]

Hey, that's great, hope it works out. I would offer to provide them with containers too. they can get pretty funky, so make sure that's not a problem for them. Where I get them, is on an oyster bay, so they just toss them out by the water mostly. I can't remember, but I think maybe you don't want it to freeze. I think you'll be able to find that information online, or in the book I recommended. traditionally it was often stored in pits in the ground, which would keep if from freezing in most places, but probably not where you are.

[@blmeflmm66]

That WAS cool and fun. And amazing! You're like Mr. Wizard of the stone age. Watching the pot boil on its own and the limestone chunk react was mesmerizing. What gasses are given off in the reaction? Keep up the great work.

[@SkillCult]

You know I don't recall. Nothing dangerous is produced, there is only calcium oxide and water involved, so steam, maybe hydrogen? It's a fascinating process.

[@alexwang982]

Can you put pottery in the pet kiln during the lime fire to fire the pottery?

[@SkillCult]

The lime is a flux, so it could cause slag to form from clay and sand. I find a lot of slag in the kilns from interaciton of the lime lowering the melting temp of elements in the clay. So, probably not a good bet. You might be able to use some lime in glazes though i would think

[@alexwang982]

@@SkillCult Could you take out the lime first then put in the pottery.

[@mieszkogulinski168]

Also in medieval Europe, for a long time, straw and clay was used for building walls.

[@keepitsimple5573]

Good stuff

[@Antonio-MadTexMex]

could you speed up the aging by warming up the lime water over a few days instead of letting sit a month? Outstanding video

[@SkillCult]

I wouldn't know. If I had to guess though, I'd say slaking is probably faster in warm conditions. Lime however is more soluble in cold water than warm, an unusual property.

[@justiceforall2393]

Hello very informative video can oyester shells power be use to stabilize Adobe brick and how

[@SkillCult]

not oyster shell powder, but lime from shells or limestone burned like this could. There must be some information out there on that subject. You could use the lime putty like I make here. You can also do what is called dry slaking or hydrating that forms a powder. It uses a small amount of water to partially hydrate the lime and cause it to fall into a powder, like the rock I did in the video. I would just make lime putty though. You could also buy bagged lime, called builder's lime or type S and use that. Better do some research for proportions, but it should work. The romans used lime to stabilized road surfaces.

[@ahmetkarakartal9563]

that's amazing

[@lvoss2534]

Really great information as always. I’ve searched for methods of finding areas of clay base soils, and at least in my location (north Florida) it tends to be down a couple feet just about everywhere for those of you looking for clay! I reviews the proposed text at Amazon and the reviews lament the info is focused on lime based plaster. Though this is interesting, I’d like to figure a path toward lime based cement-like material for construction. I’ll keep looking for that information. Cement has become very expensive, and not all things require that level of strength. As you proceed, I’d be interested in videos showing your use of this lime. Seems like in Florida I should be able to get shells (I cannot get stones or gravel!)

[@wilsonfineart]

That is fantastic. More please! What's that bit about it being "money in the bank?"

[@SkillCult]

Thank you! I busted my ass on that project lol. I just meant that once it's done it keeps forever and you can do all kinds of stuff with it. Artisans used to prepare the stuff and age it for certain kinds of work.

[@peterchan1741]

cool. is there a video with more info on 'aging'? I heard you say it will last forever under water...is this what aging means? it was fantastic learning the lime cycle, but there is a mystery...when i lived in guatemala for four months, when i went to the market in Momostenango, women sat on the side of the streets with hammers, chipping away at what i assumed was limestone. some time later when i was staying with a family, they put some of what looked like the same...white stone into the water with their corn, which they then boiled for a bit, and then left overnight (Can't remember if they poured off the water first or not). the next day, they took it to the local mill where it was turned into mash, as they put it through the mill with a trickle of water. one pass with the stone 'metate' and we were making corn tortillas. but they didn't burn the limestone, so how does this work for them?

[@jamaicanaturally]

this is awesome !! thank you

[@SkillCult]

You're welcome :)

[@Lucaeus]

hey man, thanks a lot for your work, I really appreciate the videos!

[@SkillCult]

You're welcome :)

[@julitoyranela7928]

Great video thanks

[@MichaelAshtons]

Great stuff.

[@eb282]

Quality video right there

[@axslaps]

Watch a Primitive Technology video referring more information from Corporal's Corner and this video. Already been subbed to CC and watched his video on Roman cement. Nice to see a video from a primitive base channel that actually explains the science to it in the video rather than just any sound that isn't talking. Also, grits means tortilla chips? I thought that was cornmeal that was cut and baked to make them. Grits, I know I had in the soupy version you could serve it in and I found it tastes similar to cream of wheat and did not like either.

[@SkillCult]

Most corn products like that are treated with lime. You might see "traces of lime" on a chip or tortilla bag. CC made a considerable error in that vid that really negated the experiment. I pointed it out on both of their vids. It's just a misunderstanding about the lime cycle and at what stage it is "lime" I guess. I hope some people really dig into the roman concrete thing and figure it out. It's pretty fascinating. Cheers.

[@ivan55599]

Chemical reaction looks amazing. l wonder if duck mussels have (enough) chalk to make this...

[@SkillCult]

Yeah, for sure. I have even used eggshells! You can do it on a very small scale, just make sure you use a very small amount of boiling water to start the reaction, not too much water and not cold.

[@ivan55599]

[Slaps into head] Eggshells! Why l didn't think that earlier? Those are more easier to get in my area. Thanks.

[@dighsx]

Great vid man. What you said about hazmat suits is really true. Seems we've replaced common sense with warning labels. hahaha ugh All the best, Jay

[@chrisanderson2735]

I wonder if this same building technique could be used to create an oven? I think i may try!

[@SkillCult]

Interesting idea. It would provide a small amount of insulation. You'd need a more durable interior though as this is constantly flaking on the inside. It might make a good core though between a thick harder interior and a protective exterior. For very temporary use it might be useful I guess though. Especially if clay is limited.

[@chrisanderson2735]

I have an abundant supply of clay I just lack the time to properly process it. At least process it they way videos on clay ovens suggest I do. Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.

[@SkillCult]

My friend Kiko Denzer has a great book on making earth ovens. Well worth the cost if you're going to build one.

[@chrisanderson2735]

I borrowed a copy from a friend about year ago. I need to get my own copy though. Thanks for the work you do creating these videos & blog postings and passing on these skills.

[@jabohabo3821]

Don't forget another use for slaked lime...you can preserve eggs for the winter.

[@SkillCult]

So Iv'e heard. Have you done it?

[@jabohabo3821]

I have. It works very well.

[@jabohabo3821]

@@SkillCult 1 ounce slaked lime to 1 qt of water. Last about 8 months, heard stories of them being used after 12 but I'd stick to 8.

[@maxkingery3755]

If the slurry dries in storage container can you rewet it back to paste?

[@SkillCult]

No, it is turned back into limestone, calcium carbonate. You would have to cook it again, which might be possible, but I would start with fresh stone or shells.

[@bennyboysketches6718]

can shell powder be partiall replaced by sand in house construcion ?

[@SkillCult]

I imagine so, but I'm not sure where it would be beneficial over sand, or easier to get.

[@lostsoul67livefreeordie74]

Is there a way to do it with out the kiln?

[@alainjean2974]

SkillCult would you think I can do this with a kiln made from stone ? Stone tends to conduct more heat than clay, so yielding a warmer temperature and longer one as well.

[@SkillCult]

Most old kilns are made of stone. They take a while to heat though. If burning larger limestone pieces, the kiln is burned longer, which probably allows the stone kiln to get very hot. With shells, that mass might work against you, but it would only reduce the percentage of fully burned shells some, it should still work.

[@northcountryrich9611]

Great info, your a great teacher , you should do a Skill cult book with a comprehencive list of skills , gardening , axing , diy, hunting , ext, ext, ext! No really you are a walking insparation of information with a life time of skills you could definitely become the encyclopedia go to for home steaders all over as most channels sellout and change there direction, think about it, if you need to learn stuff and when the shit hits the fan and it will your gonna need ta know stuff ! I think you got something here. Be well God Bless

[@SkillCult]

I have plans to develop a web/information architecture that would be more organized and accessible. Once I get a little more momentum I might be able to take on some help and get that going. It's a big project though.

[@samstokes6872]

Can the lime putty be used to water glass eggs?

[@SkillCult]

I'm not sure. If it calls for lime, probably. I've heard of that, but don't really know anything about it.

[@james3374]

Damn, wish you were my chemistry instructor!

[@SkillCult]

Ha, I actually don't know shit about chemistry, but who cares, class would have been a lot funner!

[@sereneforgeworks7324]

Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. . . is he the Avatar? Thanks for the info, remember folks lime is life, lime is love.

[@taraclarkson-seguin4208]

Thank you! I have watched this a couple times in a row! I didn't hear if you mentioned how long to kiln the shells - do you have a basic guideline for the amount of time it takes? Thanks!

[@SkillCult]

It doesn't really work that way. You just put in the right proportion of wood to shells and torch it. At least with this type of kiln. There are other types that you keep going for a while and they have to be fired long enough. But if you get the proportions right this should just be a matter of torching it off, adding layers occasionally, then letting it burn out.

[@taraclarkson-seguin4208]

Thanks!

[@robgorney]

this dude is legit