Homemade Polytunnel Looks Just Like A Real One!

The hoops I made on my homemade pipe-rolling machine came out well, and they looked great all lined up in the field, so I think this was a successful project - so far. The plan is to use this for drying all the timber that we cut down this year, so we'll have to see how that goes...
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this is Sandra's GoFundMe page - please throw in a few pennies to help her build a barn..
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here's our two online stores where you can see some of the craft things we make and sell..
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If you would like to help and encourage us then please do! It's easy and means such a lot..
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and here's our Patreon page where you can see more of our plans and dreams. (Remember even 5 dollars would make a BIG difference to us and we'd be very grateful.)
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Here's Sandra's Horse Therapy website.. www.hairyhenry...
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[@normconel2907]

This comment is here to boost your standing in the youtube algorithm.

[@martialme84]

Same.

[@CraigsWorkshop]

@@martialme84 I concur!

[@InezAllen]

i grew up in a desert, and every time I watch your videos the sheer amount of water around you is mind-blowing

[@pcka12]

That is the West of the British Isles for you (the Romans named them), however we do have the occasional drought when the leaves fall off the trees and dry crisp & green.

[@Convolutedtubules]

This is Ireland. When I see deserts I am amazed how it can be so dry and humidity so low. An average day is 88% relative humidity.

[@grantmcinnes1176]

😂. There are a few days a year it doesn't rain

[@artemiasalina1860]

Aside from the brilliant inventions on this channel, who wouldn't love to have stories narrated by Tim for their children to listen to?

[@JasminnnnnnE]

Was about to say his voice could be a character in the Magic Roundabout!

[@rodgerrodger7551]

Very handy having reverse on the drill

[@Theorimlig]

Don't all drills and electric screwdrivers have that? How else would you get screws out?

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

Dear Rodger R. 😱 Maaan, that was close! He almost would've had scrambled eggs. ;-) Best regards, luck and health.

[@samvalentine3206]

@@Theorimlig - Now they do. Years ago there was only one speed and one direction. 🤔

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

@@samvalentine3206 Even further back you had no other recourse but to do it manually. Imagine that.

[@samvalentine3206]

@@VanderlyndenJengold - I remember using the manual drills in wood class in school. We'd have a handle to crank or an auger to twist!

[@sixmagpies]

1. Level stuff with a ¼' id clear plastic water pipe. Accurate to about half a zillionth of a millimetre. ( and one doesn't even need to waste time with all the calculations necessary to compensate for the curvature of the Earth !) 2. Stack timber on old corrugated iron sheeting ... if you have some. Decreases drying time amazingly.

[@rjamsbury1]

Fantastic Tim - I'm sure you'll get plenty of use for the pipe roller. Maybe even offer it as a service locally?

[@jakesale6087]

That was quick, no hanging around, supper job chaps.

[@paddrivers]

Ooops there go the family jewels 🚑

[@What..a..shambles]

Haha I said the same

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

That's probably the only area I've managed to miss this year. Almost chopped my hand off already. That's going to leave a scar.

[@roycarter6235]

An absolute triumph of persistence, intelligence and skill................well done................again

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thanks very much, Roy

[@richardhill1682]

Oh the memories I spent weeks making polytunnels such as yours in Israel in the 90s the ones we made were 100 meters long we dug the end in and tightened the plastic carefully with a tractor the buried the sides great work

[@12ar34sw]

Nice! What a great idea for a solar wood kiln. I will admit, when the drill slipped I cringed. ;)

[@WayOutWestx2]

You and me both!

[@What..a..shambles]

40mm flat bar at head hight on the inside sides with tac screws and welded full length is a mighty job and a must for bigger tunnels, it wouldnt do any harm with yours either to weather the storms, good job as always 👍🏻

[@WayOutWestx2]

You're right, except what's to stop it buckling under compression? I think I'll use more thin pipe if it comes to it. Very cheap and can take compression too (well, some, anyway!)

[@What..a..shambles]

@@WayOutWestx2 it's what I've seen others doing and I did myself , especially on 30ft wide hoops , materials are expensive got,there is a man beside me that lost 6 out of ten mushroom houses with the beast from the east be thankful you don't get that much snow down there ,ever since I put my tunnel up there seems to be more gales every year🤔roll on spring , can't come quick enough

[@springwoodcottage4248]

The joy & delight of burning dry wood makes almost any effort to guarantee a supply worth it. Thanks for sharing!

[@WayOutWestx2]

Exactly. Dry wood is a pleasure - anything else is a disaster. But this is also for drying planks..

[@summerwood619]

I almost had a heart attack when you slipped the drill towards your thigh, this just shows everyday is a different day, love your vlogs

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yep, everyday is an adventure!

[@Convolutedtubules]

Accidents happen, fortunately he was wearing appropriate clothing and the de-burring bit did no damage. I have seen and even experienced worse incidents with heavier tools but thanks to my ppe I have only relatively minor scars to show for it.

[@pcka12]

The way that you talk about your poly tunnel is the way I often feel about plastic bottles, throughout much of human history these bottles would have been treasured for their amazing utility & robustness, we chuck them away after a single use!

[@excellentcat3878]

Good point. Also how light they can be for their capacity.

[@grantmcinnes1176]

See clay urn remains in ancient cultures. Discarded after one use. People never change

[@joannekucks4343]

Whew! I’m exhausted. That was a good day’s work! 🥰

[@angelkotilainen]

I wish I lived nearby, I've craved my own poly tunnel for years and would gladly pay for the pipe curving machine use! :)

[@NoreenHegarty]

Angle, why not put an advert in your local newsletter asking if someone has an old trampoline which they no longer need. You could use the metal for a poly tunnel.

[@markirish7599]

Beautiful video. Thanks and best wishes for the future 🇮🇪

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thank you. You too!

[@johnstephen7557]

Another triumph! Very well done boys!

[@thomasbingham2797]

I made a smaller one for a raised bed to protect my tropical plants last year and it worked great

[@white_truck3820]

Amazing! So cool to see this take shape. I would love to have something similar on my property.

[@davidh7613]

Possibly, some plastic on the floor? I did that in my cellar. What a difference! So much dryer. I only used old tarps and plastic sheet... Nice job!

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yes, for sure. I'm just using some silage plastic... Thanks.

[@BKLevi]

I've watched a lot of hoop building videos... yours is very well done.. good job on your building.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thanks so much : - )

[@zer0m0stel]

Tools are always worth making. you never know when you will need them again.

[@neatpleats11]

This was a wonderful video. I enjoyed watching your projects come together. I live so very far away from you and would never get to see this type of thing so thank you so much for making these video's. I always look forward to what you are coming up with next. I am sure people will want to buy those curved pipes from you so that machine was a great idea. I would still love to see more of the metal corrugated machine getting used as well. Those small curved shelters are great.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thank you Scott. I'm hoping to make new things with the corrugated iron machine soon, but there are many other things going on as always

[@ccl005jn]

Well done!! That was very satisfying to watch.

[@tropifiori]

Can’t wait to see it working as a kiln!

[@Falney]

I wish my tunnel was looked that good. Mines 8 years old now and needs some new clothes.

[@KevinKimmich44024]

I love it when a plan comes together. That's a great idea for drying lumber, or even firewood. Very inexpensive compared to many other options.

[@rubygray7749]

02:25 Tim, during my professional hospital career, I have known this technique to strip off more than a layer of clothing ...

[@WayOutWestx2]

Arghhh!

[@rubygray7749]

@@WayOutWestx2 Indeed!

[@Convolutedtubules]

Absolutely perfect time stamp!

[@pamelacourtney8998]

Aah beautiful. Thanks Tim. Gives me an idea for a miniature version. Blessings to all

[@jenhofmann]

Congratulations on a project well done and with such ingenuity! It must feel so satisfying to have it completed!

[@WayOutWestx2]

It really is!

[@ivrebeca10]

love your Channel. and your country! well Stay Safe and healthy sending love From phx Az

[@bristolveggiebeds5310]

Great Polly tunnel!

[@fionnsda33]

Great job. On a nice warm day you could re tension the poly.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Absolutely

[@samvalentine3206]

This is grand, Sandra and Tim! It looks like it will hold up nicely! Noom! Noom! (Happy eating sounds!) 👍

[@WayOutWestx2]

Oh yes! Nom Nom!

[@samvalentine3206]

@@WayOutWestx2 - Thank you for reminding me of the proper way to spell "Nom Nom!" 😆

[@helenp81]

Great job as always Tim 👍🏻

[@phyllismulkey3778]

awesome

[@slaplapdog]

Really lovely!

[@michaelfrazer1807]

Thank You

[@juliancripps1580]

If you make another tunnel. You might get longer life from the plastic with ptfe foam ( glazing ) tape stuck on the outer rim of the arches. This is supposed to isolate the plastic from the metal and slow ageing due to heating and abrasion. As you say the plastic is the most expensive material. I believe comercial tunnel systems do use isolation tapes, though I’m not sure what they use . Great work, the machines you make are brilliant and inspiring.

[@WayOutWestx2]

We've decided it's not really needed here - we just don't get such high temperatures. (Yet! I've put that on a few tunnels in my time, but we couldn't see any advantage over the years.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@WayOutWestx2]

Much appreciated

[@NicoSmets]

Great design. I love it.

[@sboo4441]

It is a real one! Great job 😊

[@sherry2836]

Great job!

[@saeedandalusi7579]

Plenty of things you could grow in there😉

[@icaremore]

Great job

[@ef477]

It looks great!

[@dodge7679]

Fair play....Great vlog,really wnjoyed

[@momtomtse]

I could sure use one of these! Well done!

[@ajdexter4195]

Looks better than bought

[@WayOutWestx2]

Aw, thanks!

[@duanewhite3184]

What a yachts

[@What..a..shambles]

I fancy making me one of them pipe benders😁 fill the place with caterpillar tunnels

[@gowersponger1]

Exelent job mate FairPlay.

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Hope it can cope with the snow and strong winds. Looks really quite nice 👁👁 🇬🇧

[@glaskie35]

So funny 🤣

[@WayneCarolan]

Love it

[@HHeirloomIA]

Very impressive!!

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thank you!

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

I hope it never snows there. I built mine with the ribs every three feet, and a little over a foot of snow crushed it.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Oh dear. Do you mean it broke the plastic or bent the pipes? In the fifteeen years we've been here the most we've had is 3" of snow. But it could happen.

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

@@WayOutWestx2 I got heavy duty greenhouse plastic which withstood nearly 2 feet of snow in some places, but that was so much weight, it completely crushed the PVC ribs. I used 1 1/4 PVC. We don't usually get THAT much snow. Yours is much stronger with steel pipe. I was surprised how much the snow stuck to the plastic. That was the real culprit. If I had put a heater in there for that snow storm, it would probably still be standing.

[@samgould9930]

Oh god that was close, 😲

[@Nighthawkinlight]

That's excellent! How many years have you found the plastic to last in your earlier tunnels?

[@johnstephen7557]

I grow commercially in polytunnels....big ones 28' x 80'...it's not uncommon to have plastic last for 18 to 20 years or longer.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thanks, Ben. The tunnel we made from scaffolding finally blew out last winter. I think that was 10 years old - and the lowest grade we could buy at the time (because it was an experiment). We shall see what happens to this one : - )

[@VanderlyndenJengold]

@@WayOutWestx2 As an accident prone DIYer I'm encouraged to see a man of your skills manage to drill your leg. I seem to do it every time I pick up a power tool though. So much so I have now invested in an array of safety clothing, some of which I remember to wear.

[@tonygrimes13]

@@johnstephen7557 Or Stephen Hoey?

[@tonygrimes13]

@@johnstephen7557 Yes Steven, how's things?

[@ohcrapwhatsnext]

lOVE YOUR WORK.... I HAVE A LARGE TUNNEL HOUSE..

[@thewunder-lusters9644]

Hand made, from go to woah! :D

[@seedslife]

amazing😍

[@jasonac]

Well done and quite fast! Can i suggest you look at investing in adhesive felt tape for the arches in future tunnels, you will increase the life of the plastic film.

[@WayOutWestx2]

We've used that before and find it's just not worth the trouble/expense. Maybe in hotter places?

[@normkirkland1999]

Tim, your comment about if the pipe-bender was worth the time invested: have you thought about bending pipe for curved sections of your rail track? I'm not sure if the transition from angle to pipe is practical but might be worth considering.

[@WayOutWestx2]

But you'd need special flanges on the wheels for a round track, surely?

[@normkirkland1999]

@@WayOutWestx2 Maybe, but it would depend on the wheel profile. If the flat part of the wheel was wide enough it might not need any changes. Anyway, it was just a thought I had.

[@andyobrien3612]

You should make and sell polytunnel framing kits Tim.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Well maybe. I'm not sure how I'd deliver them, though. Hen houses are difficult enough!

[@ronmartinmhg2804]

Regarding levels. Why not use the old fashioned water level? Before the days of laser levels. A length of 10mm plastic tube.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yes, I do that too sometimes. But a spirit level is good for checking uprights too

[@What..a..shambles]

Did you forget heat spot tape? I'm not sure if it adds life to the plastic but I think that's what it's for

[@WayOutWestx2]

We've decided it's not really needed here - we just don't get such high temperatures. (Yet!)

[@phrozenwun]

Could you use a draw string to create the end openings instead of framing? Might be a bit of a trick to get the length and shape of the end of the poly just right... great work all the same.

[@fermagradinabio]

Hello from Romania by Ferma Gradina Bio

[@kwhalord3311]

Hello! I am here to report that the bramble has been beaten as the largest carnivorous plant by the pisonia tree that stands 70-80 feet tall! It hunts mainly nesting sea birds by creating copious amounts of sap ridden seeds that glue the birds feathers together, stopping the birds from flying starving the poor things to death.

[@WayOutWestx2]

thank you. Yes, you're probably right, except that one's contentious too, because they make the seeds sticky so they're carried by the birds

[@kwhalord3311]

@@WayOutWestx2 So it would be on its way to be a full blown carnivorous plant, gotcha! Anyways thanks for responding, have a wonderful day!

[@CraigsWorkshop]

That machine has worked a treat. It's great to see the end result used in another project. Are you drying firewood or wood for woodworking? Thanks, Craig

[@WayOutWestx2]

Both!

[@jasperedwards3341]

Bolts sticking through polythene use inner tube

[@cezarymockao8970]

Hi, everything absolutely great, but please don't say that You live in cold climate ;-) in West Poland we have currently -7 Celsius degrees and next night propably down to -13 which isn't cold at all considering the continental part of Russia for example... You lucky people ;-) A little wind and rain every day isn't so bad at all... Just kidding... I try strongly to accept and respect everything that appears in life. Greetings from Poland Cesar

[@WayOutWestx2]

Ha! Well, yes, you may be colder, but I'm sure we're wetter. We were just thinking what it would be like trying to survive outside here in the winter, how difficult it is to make a water-proof structure using only natural materials. Basically, how lucky we all are these days.

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

"down just half an inch, no, less, a centimetre" - how to confuse the entire of America and mainland Europe at the same time.

[@tonygrimes13]

We Irish are ambidextrous when it comes to Metric & Imperial measurements!

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

@@tonygrimes13 as are we British, i often find myself mixing them too. we also seem to be the only ones to use stone to measure weight.

[@pcka12]

Quite right too!

[@silverchingi]

Really enjoyed the video (as always!), but I just can't help seeing the first log of timber with a bit of a twig sticking out going right through the plastic cover . . . Perhaps sections of pallets or similar protecting the first couple of feet of the side walls?

[@WayOutWestx2]

Or neat stacks of drying planks?

[@Convolutedtubules]

Outstanding work. How much did it set you back overall? Also, I really like your tube roller. Can I ask what county you are in?

[@WayOutWestx2]

thanks, we're in Ireland. €170 for the plastic and €120 for the pipes

[@Convolutedtubules]

@@WayOutWestx2 That's a good deal for such a solid construction! And my apologies but may I know in what county in Ireland you are building this little heaven on earth? I am curious if you aren't too far from myself in limerick/Co. Tipp. I always dreamed of such projects like some of yours and so it is very cool and inspirational for me to see this kind of stuff being done not too far from where I live.

[@blackwater4707]

That is a great looking polytunnel, and quite big really. Is all your heating done off of wood that you will need so much dried wood or are you drying wood for other uses too? Just as well you planted so many trees quiet a few years ago now.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Thanks. Yes we burn logs, but this is also for planks and chips. We plant trees every year and now we have plenty of wood.

[@blackwater4707]

@@WayOutWestx2 It's definitely a long game getting to the point of sustainability with trees, but well worth it.

[@jasperedwards3341]

Your supposed to put polythene on on a warm day so it will stretch further

[@tonygrimes13]

Most times waiting for a warm day in Ireland seems like eternity!

[@yeagerxp]

Excellent work 👍👍👍. Thanks for sharing. But what do you mean? " Homemade Polytunnel looks just like a real one!" Is it not a polytunnel. Oh I see . It does not have a brand name like ACME Inc.😯😯😯

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yes, that's what I meant. the ones you buy tend to have fancy details too. But ours is just as good, I think

[@yeagerxp]

@@WayOutWestx2 It is just as good, it was hand made. Once again Excellent work 👍👍👍

[@michalmitcheson6366]

Whats the plan for the floor? Around here (ohio, u.s.) I use old railroad ties to keep drying wood off the ground, but it doesn't stop the grass growing up around which can mess up some of the bottom layers. You could use old carpet on top of cardboard to keep the grass away from the lumber

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

dry grass won't do any harm surely?

[@WayOutWestx2]

I'm going to put some black plastic down. It's mostly to stop water being drawn up from the soil.

[@beansofproduction]

I wonder if a torch or heat gun would shrink the film down, and take some of the slack out.

[@johnstephen7557]

I've witnessed a friend try that....instead of patiently waiting for a warm day to stretch the plastic he put a heater inside hoping to warm things up. After only a few minutes the plastic directly above the heat became distorted....after that, no matter how much tension was applied there was forever more a big bulge on the top!

[@rastislavrakoci3225]

Hi Tim. Great build,nice and simple! What is the width of the tunnel using those 6 meter pipes? You should consider making these for sale.👍

[@WayOutWestx2]

3.8 metres (You could have worked that one out, Rastislav!)

[@jasperedwards3341]

I would put polytunnel on wheels or rails so you could move it on a hot day

[@jasperedwards3341]

Also use it while band saw in rain

[@tonygrimes13]

Then it would become a big kite!

[@machinist7230]

Out of curiosity, how far apart are the hoops? All the hoop house builds I see on KZbin that are in America seem to be much closer together - I'm guessing for snow load.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yes, these would be closer if we expected snow. About 8 feet apart (2.5m)

[@DIYdiacsnFarmstead]

How long is that Foil supposed to last until sun and wind will turn it into garbage? It looked quite rugged while you pulled on it...

[@WayOutWestx2]

About 10 years, we hope.

[@celticqaidbear]

Ouchie with drill.

[@raincoast9010]

Judging by the hoop spacing you don't get snow there?

[@WayOutWestx2]

Exactly. (Well, occasionally, but never very much.)

[@danielscullion3422]

Plastic would last longer if you put tape on the pipe as the metal will heat up in sunny weather and melt the plastic.

[@WayOutWestx2]

We've decided it's not really needed here - It just doesn't get that hot. (Yet!)

[@stubbenmonkeyfencingtractors]

What happen to the clock work doughnut machine?

[@WayOutWestx2]

It was too heavy and needs a complete remodel : - (

[@stubbenmonkeyfencingtractors]

@@WayOutWestx2 thats a shame i thought it was a brilliant idea.

[@stickyandsweetie]

Hey can you not get curved pipe? X

[@andersdoverud9046]

What kind of plastic is it?

[@WayOutWestx2]

UV resistant, designed for just this job

[@andersdoverud9046]

@@WayOutWestx2 Thank you, where can I buy it?

[@WayOutWestx2]

just google polytunnel covers/plastic

[@TheJenmiester]

1 year on how did it last??

[@WayOutWestx2]

3 years on now - and it's a bit saggy but otherwise fine

[@naturallivingentitywithin451]

Get quite a bit of weed in that polly tunnel...

[@steph3332]

No wonder You Tubers are losing views i have just realised i need to go to subscriptions now to see my subscriptions rather than realying on You Tube to forward them ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Yes, it's frustrating for everyone. For some reason you need to click the bell button as well as subscribing