We're FREEZING! Is This Barrel Our Off-Grid Solution?

[@christineherrmann205]

Just a comment to balance the anti-dog one: your dogs are obviously a huge part of your life, you've sacrificed a great deal for them, and arranged your lives around them, and I think they're lovely and I hope every video that they will have begun to get along so well that you can all sleep in the dome together eventually.

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

The dogs Are your kids😊

[@JamesCouch777]

How can anyone be antidog? They are loyal, loving companions.

[@springtree2184]

My 2 cents - Allow Crew to set the 'pack hierarchy' among the dogs, so that they can both be outside and get enrichment. I feel bad for Crew coz he seems to always be locked up inside. Let the dogs decide who's boss and they'' immediately get along.

[@joyevefarmandforge]

We’re on a rainwater catchment system and I’ve been surprised how much more grateful I am when it rains and how much more in tune with nature and weather I’ve become. It’s kind of cool!

[@nicholasgardiner9601]

A ductless mini-split(or even dual source) heat pump has many advantages. Clean, small, silent, elegant without the risks, hazards or pollution of combustion. Technology connections has many video clips extolling their ease, efficiency and installation. It's a win-win-win situation for you. You have solar power, solar electricity. High, high efficiency providing heating or cooling and just as much as you need and only whenever you need it. No wear and tear particularly when not in use. Far, far less work and no overshoot or undershoot. 🎆❤🤗🤗

[@CrookedHomestead]

It's so good to see Jess is feeling better 💓

[@medaily57]

Agreed. I was going to comment on how obvious it is that Jess is feeling better. Hope everything continues to improve.

[@KreatureKeeper]

Thanks for sharing your success and failures. People don't realize that having problems yet perseverance and trying new ideas until you come up with what works for you is all a part of homesteading. I bet the commenters who complained have never done anything like this.. your doing great!

[@kellieglass1722]

I can’t wait to see how Jess is going to paint / decorate the Rocket Mass Heater!! I’m chomping at the bit! 🐎

[@ElectricPoliville]

Remember hot air raises and trapped the cold air underneath, circulation is the key to heating mass.

[@dirt-yurt]

After our apartment is finished, Ken will be building a RMH to heat the warehouse. Good luck in the build

[@floriebrown2089]

I am excited you are building a rocket mass heater, here in the UK when I mention it to people they think I am mad, they have no idea what I am talking about. I had a Polish builder that took a bit of interest in it but sadly he passed away at the tender age of 51. so I will be watching you both very attentively. That tree was shocking with all those long thorns, have to be careful with things like that, don't cut the fingers Jessica only the branches. Thanks for the video.

[@kurtcurtis2730]

Florid - I’m also in the SW US region. We have a black locust tree- medieval thorns! 4-6 inches long ! Yikes!

[@jimmycupid2373]

I'm so glad jess is getting over her troubles it's nice to see...I just want to say both of you are doing an amazing job on your future home...its going to be so efficient and cosy when it's finished..you work together really well..its so nice to see...keep up the good work 👏 from Jimmy cupid from England..

[@KarlaHafdahl]

It's all coming along, stay warm, wear beanies and headbands, protect your hands and arms always, and eyes, looks very good, coming along very well, I cannot wait to see that heater when it's finished.

[@paull1954]

You are bang on with the mass of the house storing heat. Your on the right track I would suggest a dual purpose cooking and heating system... Your winters are so short and not that cold 🤣to endure. Get your you mass heated in the winter...Dont forget how much u like the summer temps inside... PLEASE PLEASE GET THE INSIDE OF THE DOME LIVABLE.

[@jacquelinejeffs4079]

I think you should put it downstairs because heat rises and warm the house better from the bottom up and it won’t take up all your room up there

[@kurtcurtis2730]

👍🏼

[@lauriesmith7517]

I was so disappointed, I was waiting for that same rain in southern NM. Not a drop, you guys got it all.

[@Givemeliberty777]

Glad Jess is doing better. You are getting things done maybe a little slow, but you both been through a lot. Love ❤️ your videos.

[@ourdesertwonderland]

There is nothing better than being surrounded by nature!! You guys are doing amazing 🙌🏽

[@NicoleHoltActress]

So excited to see a rocket heater installation

[@SimpleTek]

with the materials you have there I'd lean towards a compost pile for heating and a radiant floor... you have plants, manure, and some water - plus it's a set it and forget it type system you work a few days a year and that's it, heated floor all cold season... there's lots of ideas on how to do that on my channel... just a thought...

[@hubertwebb9869]

Jim when are you going to do something with that Geodesic dome? Those people took up their time and energy and brought that to you for free?❤❤❤❤

[@wytchwoodhomesteadandkenne5036]

No kidding?? Woooow, I'd sell my soul for one lol. I'd be putting that up! I missed that episode I guess

[@ourselfreliantlife]

We'll finish the house first.😉

[@hubertwebb9869]

@@ourselfreliantlife ❤❤❤❤

[@TerraFirmaX]

Awesome idea, caution though. I had the paint on a burn barrel catch on fire one time. Maybe season the barrel to get rid of the paint.

[@GINZO4849]

Good to see Cru again. He seems to have drawn the short straw lately.

[@stephenbeck6410]

I’ve been building a RMH to heat my greenhouse. The biggest challenge I’m facing with mine is the cold, humid weather, and the clay is taking forever to dry. And I discovered that propane heaters give off a lot of humidity. Good luck!

[@arjanvogel6444]

And they're going to use up all your oxygen and they giving af colmonocside and this is deadly

[@Feeoryne]

That is why you need a fan!

[@y0nd3r]

I don't know about RMH's, but from a pottery standpoint, you want the clay to dry slowly to keep it from cracking. A fan is probably a bad idea as it will dry certain areas faster than others and I'm thinking that will make it crack.

[@Feeoryne]

@@y0nd3r A fan to avoid humidity works great!!!

[@rasmuspoulsen3434]

Problem with a mass heater is that it would take up a lot of space, and be a very heavy construction. I would go with a modern convection wood stove. Then burn less wood than the traditional ovens, and they circulate the heat better. They take up much less space, and they are easier to install.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

The mass heater would be much more efficient

[@katherandefy]

Yeh. I don’t think some commenters know how rocket stoves work. They’re a stove within a stove and take so little wood, the burn is super clean emission-wise, and the radiate through the mass of the cob built to enclose and surround it with a thermal body to radiate through. It works very very differently.

[@NomadicNights90]

Hope you guys are doin good! It looks really peaceful out there. 👍

[@niknoks6387]

I hope Jess is feeling better? ❤🇬🇧

[@olderolderman4603]

He 😊 👩 can talk makes him 😊

[@Waif4444]

Exciting, looking forward to it. Jess you look like you got your spark back , glad to see you looking much better

[@slicgonochickhunt4722]

Jess your door looks fantastic I am surprised nobody else has mentioned your lovely door needs to be unhinged and painted underneath to stop it from rotting otherwise it will blister.👍

[@DesertDog8989]

Looks like you're feeling better, Jess, after your successful tooth extraction in Mexico. Yay!

[@cadcad4974]

Jess, I hope you are feeling better! 🙏

[@smwon1]

I'm exited for you guys! Really looking forward to seeing how you work out and build the rocket mass heater.

[@SimpleTek]

it doesn't look like there's a lot of wood around there... maybe pallets if you can get them cheap somewhere nearby? you'll need a trailer to haul them, not a huge trailer as they are light but with these gas prices the gas cost will go crazy without a trailer.... pallets tend to be hardwood....cheers from Canada where we know cold!

[@willardwilliams4676]

RMH is an interesting project idea for your earth bag home. I think its a great way to go.

[@jasontoolan3816]

Thank you. Moringa tree’s make for great regenerative firewood, in desert climates. Please Consider burning responsibly by making biochar with some minor adjustments to your new Rocket Stove.

[@gwlgurley532]

Jess your door looks beautiful so spiritual 💜💜💜💜 glad your feeling better too!!! 💜 you all 🐾 hugs

[@kevinh.w.crabbe8748]

You guys are one of our favourite KZbin channels for we love watching you through your videos that you two are doing out there I learning a lot from you Jim and Jess and enjoying each and every day we watch use

[@nyakundibose6972]

My good people, my tribe, my clan, my friends I hope you and the lady are doing well. From Nairobi Kenya we pray and wish you two nothing but healing. With love from Nairobi Kenya 🇰🇪.

[@tammywhitten6248]

I have all rescue dogs, Three, a boxer, a German pinscher and a Chihuahua, and just moved from a 4 bedroom house into a 25 foot RV. Some might say I am crazy, but I am trying desperately to start my own homestead in just a couple of months, and know I have to do it this way. I pray for all your tasks be good ones, and may any obstacle that comes up, just be a worn out speed hump, and you get over it. My husband and I are disabled, and our dogs have literally ripped up another of our dogs, back when we had 5, luckily we got it stopped in time, we didn't lose one, but have been able to have them run free (except when eating), since we moved into the RV, a month ago. Prayers for you guys, you rock with how you care for your animals 🙂

[@lisam4503]

I'd been running a big buddy heater for years in my 32 ft RV. This year I 've switched to a Vevor diesel heater. I am liking it a lot more than the Buddy heater. I watched a video where a guy is using one to heat his house. He came up with a really cool idea. He converted a hot water heater tank into a sand battery to store the exhaust heat. The diesel heater is mounted on the top of the tank. The tank is full of sand. The exhaust runs into the coils inside the tank and exits into some more exhaust pipe taking it out of the house. It was amazing how much the exhaust temp dropped before exiting tank. The sand heated up and the whole outside of the tank heats up radiating more heat into the room. Once the sand is heated up it will radiate heat for hours. The neat thing about diesel heaters is that you can duct them also. You could duct some heat to the basement and the the upper level. Diesel heaters are pretty inexpensive. I paid 128 for a portable 8kw one. I took it apart and installed it like a regular one where my RV furnace was. Here is a link to the video of the guy making it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmS5dXarrrd9p9k

[@coyotech55]

I heated with propane, and especially this year it was too expensive. But instead of making a heater, I just got a plain old wood stove. :-) Even with that, it was a pain finding all the parts for the chimney! I ended up fabricating the part for going through the roof. The price for ready-made was ridiculous.

[@TheLvablebird]

👋 Hi from southern New Mexico🌶️🌵...Jess hope you're feeling better. Sure had been real cold at night here and the 50's during the day. I hope you get all you need for your build but you need dry wood. Green wood will produce lots of smoke hardly any heat. You have to let it sit for months before you burn it. Love sent your way.😊

[@kathleenmead9259]

Beautiful door mama! Weird weather here too: began with shorts and tshirt and ended with 8" snow! Your neighbor in New Mexico:)

[@brandonlaird6876]

If you haven't looked across the world, Robert Murray-Smith (UK) did a series on homemade (and cheap) rocket stoves and some mass heaters a couple months ago. Should definitely check his channel out. Hope the idea works out for you, I loved it when I saw what his small one was doing.

[@ChrisBGramz4u]

back a few years ago we built a mass rocket water heater. it can both warm the home and your water. any how, that being a timely project. Ya may want to buy a couple old school hot water bottle's. I use one they'll stay warm for a few hrs. Or find/buy a couple lava rocks. i use one when i camp. stick it in the fire pit, to the side. heat it up, wrap it up. that rock will stay warm for over 5 hrs. put em at the end of the bed by ones tootsies

[@ingridhohmann3523]

Looooove that door ❤️ 💙 💜 💖

[@LoneRevD]

Glad to see you going with a Rocket heater, that's going to work nicely and they're so efficient with minimal wood. God Bless ya'll and keep you warm!

[@Andbygrace7024]

Love that kind of rain....

[@danielj1425]

The rocket mass heater sounds great but how bountiful is your fuel source? Thanks for sharing your adventure!

[@tradermunky1998]

Another thing to consider, is earth building has a very low R insulation value. .25 to 1 per inch which would put you at what, at like 8 best case scenario and more like 4-5? Spraying a couple of inches of closed cell foam will save you a lot of money over the long run and make your home much more comfortable. After looking into those heaters, I would personally never build one. What you want to achieve is heating the air and then capturing that with insulation. All the mass does is hold heat and disperse it over time. If you are not achieving an efficient burn then combustibles are still going out the vent pipe and you will be colder than with a modern efficient stove.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

This is the most efficient heat for an earthen build. Heating the air would be less so.

[@tradermunky1998]

@@ourselfreliantlife Alrighty, best of luck!

[@tradermunky1998]

@@ourselfreliantlife Also, the first law of thermodynamics says there is no difference between heating the air or the mass... It's what happens after that, or where it goes next. A super low R value like you have will bleed out the heat no matter where it comes from. You want to fix the insulation first to trap whatever heat you put in it. I'd advise you to talk to some building insulation pros, you might be doing a lot of work for no real benefits.

[@tradermunky1998]

@@ourselfreliantlife Think of it like this, if you build this and put your little buddy in it, do you think it will be warmer in there? Of course not. It will heat up the mass so it will be cold there longer, before heating up. And after turn off the heater, it will be warmer for longer. But it will be a wash temperature wise. You need to look at BTUs, your R values, and airspace. It doesn't matter if it's an earth building or a stick building, the science and math is the same.

[@rosaolbera8768]

Hello amazing young couple i really enjoy watching your video stay warm and safe outthere Rosa olbera from Texas

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

😎 Hope you can get it set-up soon! It's going to be real cold next week! Our son-in-law is about to burn through our whole wood pile this winter already, glad we don't need it. 🌞

[@jodi-bethfelton3696]

Your dog is such a good helper and makes you happy! So sweet! Impressive all you are accomplishing and love all the decorative touches too! So functional AND beautiful!

[@timskufca8039]

planning for the future (rocket-mass heater..... and wiring) is wise, but the priority should be to dry-in your structure. Standard construction process is that no wiring be done until the structure is "dried-in" which means the exterior weather protection needs to be completed. The exterior cob is quite vulnerable......in fact your dome is the only cob structure I've seen that didn't have deep overhangs that protected the cob from water issues. This means a very strong coating is necessary....but it will always be vulnerable as long as blowing rain can get to the surface.

[@danodynamo]

Love watching the videos, wondering why you have not finished the outside first, pretexting the building before doing anything inside?

[@deborahparnell8862]

Ya'll rock it!! Love the woodstove build ..show us please..ty..xoxo 🥰🖐👍✌🤟🤪

[@Blindhomesteader]

That rocket stove is going to be awesome!

[@kurtcurtis2730]

Loving a stove for you. Consider a bank of bricks below the base and behind the stove. Wood heat is very cozy, we are fans of hot water bottles in cold weather. Don’t push yourself Jess, recovering is task in itself. This is bread making weather and dreaming weather. Best wishes you continue healing

[@kurtcurtis2730]

Ooo I just saw the bricks! Of course you thought of it!

[@beautifulfaith9367]

I’ve said it before and I will keep on saying it, you two are remarkable 🎉 and your babies are beautiful. Best wishes for the heater and try to stay warm 😁!!!!!!! 🐾🐾 Texas 😎

[@ChrisBGramz4u]

best placement, and what/where do ya want the heat? ya have a lot of trees on your property? youll need a lot of wood. unless you plan to use a different fuel?

[@Hoggandlolows.]

When are guys going too finish those projects like the walls and floor

[@kurtcurtis2730]

There’s only 24 hours in a day

[@Earthmadegarden]

The snow falling just calmed me down like crazy. That was nice lol

[@waynekomprood7093]

Where are you going to get the firewood for the stove

[@ourselfreliantlife]

It's a rocket mass heater, not a stove

[@waynekomprood7093]

@@ourselfreliantlife whatever you still need fuel for it

[@ourselfreliantlife]

@waynekomprood7093 it's an important distinction. The rocket mass heater just uses stick fuel. We have plenty of sticks.

[@sandythrelkeld1435]

Thanks!

[@vickiwalker3486]

IMHO it’s good you’ve got a variety of input here. I’m a big fan. JTWYA. 🤙

[@bonniefrench9884]

I built a RMH and it was awesome. More heat, less wood. I kept a pot on it with beans, soup, chili, etc. and a kettle for tea or coffee !

[@paulehney4581]

Be sure to remove the paint before building the heater. You can use stove black after to protect the RMH.

[@saxon840]

Recent subscriber and first time commenting. My wife and I really love your channel. It’s my first time noticing a number of nay-sayers and anti-dog trolls. Your dogs are a big part of why we love your channel. It wouldn’t hurt our feelings if you did a compilation video that simply featured the dogs. We’ve even considered sending the dogs toys. We find what you guys are doing out there fascinating, and have no criticism. I mean, why would there be rules involved in what you are doing? We learn fascinating things watching. You guys have radically different personalities, and we appreciate both. We have watched Jess in her struggles in other videos with tears in our eyes. I 100% relate, because I have the same exact issues. I find the videos relaxing and kind of therapeutic. Anyway, keep going. You guys are doing great.

[@creinicke1000]

I like the multi day project overview.. we so much going on. Rocket stove sounds like a great idea.

[@edwardseth1230]

for any cold gas tank outside it will freeze...so make a box with thermal insulation inside the box and place the gas canister inside with enough space for a second bottle... also you can purchase some AC insulation ducting (foam pipe) to cover your gas bottle pipe to your heater.

[@smokingfoxx]

Thanks J&J I was shopping for a new door sweep!

[@KeepItSimpleSurvival]

ITS NOT A ROCKET SCIENCE TO STAY WARM....🤣🤣🤣🔥🤣🤣🤣

[@shelleybelly66]

Jess it looks like you're feeling much better. That makes me happy! Jim - I watched about 3 hours of RMH's one night - fascinating and I can't wait to see yours installed and being used. Hugs to Lluvia & Crewz - and of course to you two adorable kids too!

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you guys.watch out don't use aluminum pipe on a wood burner or it's going to melt.

[@GaryD35205]

Good to see Jess moving around.

[@fallbrkgrl]

I'm sure you already know, but thought I'd throw it out there, but My little homestead has built a bunch of RMH's. I would definitely reach out to them for ideas regarding placement and such (the last one I seen them re-do turned out beautiful). You can't beat the experience they have, and there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help and advice. I know they have been advising Tiny Shiny Homestead on the best way to finish off the walls of their stuff (they are trying to stop cracking on their finish coat, and they don't want to have to keep repairing the cob. Their solution probably is not something y'all are interested in, because it involves adding some concrete, but it's something to think about). ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎🐐

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Actually, our plaster job has worked well. No cracks on our walls.😀

[@fallbrkgrl]

@@ourselfreliantlife perfect!

[@tracycavallucci5367]

I love your dog clips❤️❤️

[@paulmeinke9461]

Wow, Arizona with snow... amazing... Stay warm n safe.

[@davidprins9401]

That burlap cover for the wood is pretty cool

[@carolynmoody9460]

Blessings ❤️

[@ItsMrMcCann2u]

I run the Big Buddy Heater to warm my 47ft 1980 m MASTER FAB houseboat i run it on a 7 gallon propane tank. I live in the San Joaquin Delta region of Northern California. It warms it up in about 20 minutes with both burners on. I have since installed a potbelly pellet stove. But i still run my big Buddy when i first come home from somewhere to get it up to temperature. I also run it when the Marina has no power to run the fans & feeder

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Everything is coming along great. Love your videos that show the rain you are getting and seeing the dogs is so much fun.

[@mjcreations169]

I want to know if you’re interested in a vintage cast iron free standing wood fireplace for your dome. It’s in perfect shape and the size is great. We got it and ended up not being able to use it. We’re in Tucson. We were going to sell it but would donate it to your cause. Let me know. Myra Hein

[@FS-pc6bu]

That is such a kind gesture, i hope they accept this beautiful offer. Many B1essings to you.

[@mjcreations169]

Thank you

[@Preview43]

I just scored a whole bunch of Ryobi goodies for Christmas. So far - excellent tools!

[@faelanuafintan4332]

Do you have a drawing of the rocket made heater plan?

[@ilzitek2419]

Thank you for sharing. You both are amazing people and take care of your homestead and doggies so well. Life is a process. One moment at a time. ☺️

[@jimh4167]

Great project

[@hombredeacero3131]

Great to see you feeling better. Rocket mass heater I must say it’s the first time I’ve ever heard about that.

[@joshuatinkham3703]

It's cool to cheap out on fireplace. But getting a good efficient wood stove is a better idea something used maybe

[@ashleyp5498]

Only bad thing is hard to keep warm. We run a small space heater on sunny days. We got down to single digits here in Missouri e ice n snow only way we kept warm was sleeping bag with an electric blanket inside it 36 degrees inside

[@426superbee4]

You have to feed it all night long. That what i like about the Large US CAST IRON STOVE. It stay warm up to 12 hours at the most. Normal about 6 to 8 > CAN SLEEP with out getting up all night long to feed it > The only thing bad about putting in the basement is? Getting firewood up and down into there. My system of firewood for inside is? 2 Gorilla carts one to put firewood in, and the other going out side and getting firewood to fill it up. Then i fill up the 2nd cart and park it next to the other cart. That gives me 4 days of firewood supplies ! This fireplace is like feeding a Monster I wish i didn't have it. I think its kinda silly to have a fireplace and a Cast Iron stove both inside> I LOVE THE CAST IRON STOVE

[@president2]

Love it keep it up ❣️

[@jimigragg8965]

I'm wondering if the below grade installation of the RMH is a good idea. Two issues - conductive heat loss to the ground, and potential for unhealthy air quality. Not saying they *are* issues for you, but I do believe they are concerns you should evaluate. Obviously we are just watching you "on TV" and aren't privy to anything you think or much of what you do. But I do hope the best for you guys, and am trying to be helpful and supportive. Cheers

[@michele6799]

Jess looking goodso do you Jim🤣😉

[@CrookedHomestead]

I was glad to see her feeling good too

[@richardross7219]

I think that the big stove may be too big. A small wood stove, in the basement will heat the entire building because hot air rises. Were are you going to get wood? Good Luck, Rick

[@catzcradle]

I have always wanted to know how to make a rocket stove. I'm so excited to see this 😉👍

[@dawnporter1171]

Love seeing the dogs

[@kurtcurtis2730]

🎵🎵

[@cinder7183]

A good pair of sharp lopping shears would help. Not the pneumatic nonsense of new ones. The old, straight ones good and sharp and oiled.

[@426superbee4]

Plus The US cast iron stove can make it a rocket stove. By opening the ash tray up a little bit I have it glowing red HOT 🔥🔥 Then i let it cool down slowly.. If you need to stay warm, get on the top loft! Heat moves up! Can turn on the ceiling fan, to bring the heat down

[@wyomiles6580]

Is there a set of RMH plans that you will be following?

[@tradermunky1998]

Question, you guys live in the desert. Is firewood cheap for your stove? I would think seasoned hardwood firewood might be even more expensive than gas or diesel for heating due to transportation costs. I'm hoping you ran cost per btu? I've also looked into the science of those mass heaters. They are really not all that more efficient when compared to a modern stove in regards to getting btu out of wood. In fact if built incorrectly they can be much more inefficient.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

This uses stick fuel instead of large chunks of wood. We have plenty of sticks.

[@tradermunky1998]

@@ourselfreliantlife you do realize sticks are used for kindling, and not heating, for a reason? They burn fast but have little BTU in them. You can't create energy where there is none, you two are smarter than this. You need seasoned dense wood or you will be sitting there constantly feeding in multiples of less dense organic matter that provides little heat.