When SHTF - The Modern Day Survival Forum - Projects http://www.whenshtf.com/ en Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:40:06 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.whenshtf.com/images/misc/rss.png When SHTF - The Modern Day Survival Forum - Projects http://www.whenshtf.com/ To much time on my hands! :) http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34241-To-much-time-on-my-hands!-)&goto=newpost Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:17:19 GMT With the boys back in school and business being slow.
I've had to find some thing to do with my hands.















Scorpion Pin





Butterfly's

]]> Projects karlsgunbunker http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34241-To-much-time-on-my-hands!-) Power box project http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34228-Power-box-project&goto=newpost Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:33:48 GMT This is a little thing I started throwing together yesterday, it is going to be a mobile power station basically consisting of solar, generator, and... This is a little thing I started throwing together yesterday, it is going to be a mobile power station basically consisting of solar, generator, and eventually wind.

Presently, it has the following:
-Knaack 4824 chest
-(2) Harbor Freight solar panel kits - know they aren't the best, but will do for now
-(2) Champion 900/1100watt 2 stroke generators - have gas cans and oil stored elsewhere for these
-(2) MAXX (Wal-Mart) 125 amp hour deep cycle batteries
-Cobra 2500/5000 watt inverter
-Misc cords and cables, plus 12v quick connects

Planning on adding:
-wind generator (when money allows)
-12v flood lights
-wheel kit, this thing is getting heavy
-another battery

Still a lot to do to make it operational, like run all the connecting wires/cables. With the 12v quick connects I will be able to hook up my truck to this box (have the quick connects on the front and rear of my truck for my winch). This is just the beginning, so any comments or ideas would be great.

Photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/smanion/PowerBox# ]]> Projects dogcar3 http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34228-Power-box-project Home made Ghillie cover for my pack http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34117-Home-made-Ghillie-cover-for-my-pack&goto=newpost Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:31:24 GMT Hi everybody I am doing a Ghillie cover for my pack , using a piece of tan netting twine and 550 cord to tie it to my pack , just started so any info... Hi everybody I am doing a Ghillie cover for my pack , using a piece of tan netting twine and 550 cord to tie it to my pack , just started so any info would be great , never made one before. thanks all ]]> Projects cdog http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34117-Home-made-Ghillie-cover-for-my-pack 550 cord bracelet http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34108-550-cord-bracelet&goto=newpost Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:36:34 GMT My wife made me a 550 cord bracelet pretty cool , 8) My wife made me a 550 cord bracelet pretty cool , 8) ]]> Projects cdog http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34108-550-cord-bracelet How to make vegetable oil? http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34099-How-to-make-vegetable-oil&goto=newpost Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:17:28 GMT Alright, for the moderators, i wasn't sure if this should go under food or this. It seemed more like a how question so thats why its here. Feel free to change it according to your liking.

So, my question is just that. I would be interested to know in case for cooking, fire, and whatever else since in a serious situation we would have our precious wally world to go to. I know you can get oil from the fat of animals but what about olives, vegetables, etc.? How do you obtain it from them? ]]> Projects learner http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34099-How-to-make-vegetable-oil portable heater for cars http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34078-portable-heater-for-cars&goto=newpost Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:23:42 GMT ok this has been used in this state for motorists on the move during heavy snowstorms,,(which isnt recommended to begin with) take a 3 lb coffee can... ok this has been used in this state for motorists on the move during heavy snowstorms,,(which isnt recommended to begin with)
take a 3 lb coffee can with a plastic lid and insert a 13 oz metal coffee can with a lid and insert it in the larger can..
pour enough pea gravel between the two to surround the smaller can..
thats your measurement for gravel needed
use an ice pick or what have you to pound holes in the smaller can for air flow
then reinsert the smaller can into the larger and replace the gravel..
drop a can of sterno or alcohol fuel used for chafing dishes or camping cooking into the smaller can..
If you are ever trapped in your vehicle during a snowstorm or blizzard.. God Forbid.!!!
you can use this to stay warm..
Keep children away from it and keep all combustibles away from the can...
roll down your windows slightly for ventilation and oxygen control...
make sure this is placed on a level surface in your vehicle
the gravel stores heat and radiates it out away from the burner
it works and could save your life..
keep on hand with extra fuel containers for refills..
make sure to not replace the plastic lid after fire is ignited..(yes there are those who have done it)
and only replace the lid after the metal cans have completely cooled after usage
I would suggest maybe using a piece of 1 x 8 as a platform to keep the can still or something of your choice..
do not place near windshields or windows.. keep away from upholstery or clothing and blankets..
Not responsible for accidents.. its just a suggestion.. use at your own risk..the flames remain low... ]]> Projects silvergramma http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34078-portable-heater-for-cars Safe Rooms? http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34041-Safe-Rooms&goto=newpost Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:56:10 GMT I was wondering how many of you have a safe room in your house?
and if you do and wouldn't mind posting a picture, or some specifications thinking about building one in ours... ]]> Projects docgold1987 http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34041-Safe-Rooms Can you fuse 5 gallon buckets together...End to End ? http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34020-Can-you-fuse-5-gallon-buckets-together...End-to-End&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:57:50 GMT I have been searching on the net on how to join the 2 ends together of the food grade 5 gallon buckets and have had no luck. I say fuse because... I have been searching on the net on how to join the 2 ends together of the food grade 5 gallon buckets and have had no luck.
I say fuse because nothing I am told wants to stick to the material as far as Glues go.

Wondering if I bought one of those plastic welders from Harbor Freight, if that might work, assuming I use the filler rod of the same material that the buckets are made from ( Probably just cut up another bucket into small strips to use for the rod).

I have never plastic welded before only Tig and Mig on Stainless and Mild steel.

This needs to be water tight when finished.

Thanks ]]> Projects Paranoid http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?34020-Can-you-fuse-5-gallon-buckets-together...End-to-End Homemade knives http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33983-Homemade-knives&goto=newpost Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:43:50 GMT Curiosity has gotten the better of me in this case. I want to obtain a long, fixed-blade knife like a machete. Would it be plausible to use this... Curiosity has gotten the better of me in this case. I want to obtain a long, fixed-blade knife like a machete. Would it be plausible to use this steel stock (or something similar), grind it into a full tang blade and then heat treat it for durability? The handle would be cord-wrapped or something similar. This would be a close-quarters SHTF weapon, on a budget. What do you think? ]]> Projects Dread http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33983-Homemade-knives Solar panel project for when SHTF? http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33917-Solar-panel-project-for-when-SHTF&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 21:43:22 GMT I recently scored a 64 watt solar panel with 12 volt charging circuit. I live in the desert and figure my first project should be a small swamp... I recently scored a 64 watt solar panel with 12 volt charging circuit. I live in the desert and figure my first project should be a small swamp cooler that I can use to cool my tent (if my power is out for the house). I have a 120v converter (@1200 watts max) as well that can be used for other equipment.

Question to you folks: Besides cooling, what else should I be thinking about using this new power for if shtf?

Water is not an issue.

Thanks in advance,

Mark in Maricopa, AZ ]]> Projects mfsteve http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33917-Solar-panel-project-for-when-SHTF Homemade mulch collector http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33886-Homemade-mulch-collector&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:12:25 GMT this is a funny little project I did. i use grass clippings extensively to mulch in the garden and orchard to keep down weeds and hold moisture... this is a funny little project I did.

i use grass clippings extensively to mulch in the garden and orchard to keep down weeds and hold moisture in. At our new retreat, I found a used riding mower cheap ($250) but it did not come with a grass collector.

I have about 6 acres to mow. this is what I wanted but could not afford (about $1,600 new):



so i built one:



I found this shredder / leaf vac on craigslist for $160 and got two carts @ harbor freight for about $100 each after coupons.



probably got about 400 - 500 into the monstrosity, but it works like a champ on my flat ground.

of course no good DIY project can be without duct tape:


and the bonus is that now I have a towable chipper to use for limbs with a nice collector wagon:



and finally this is what I do with the clippings



anyway, just a cheap scape playing with duct tape ]]> Projects explo72 http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33886-Homemade-mulch-collector A Tested and True Lye Soap Recipe http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33834-A-Tested-and-True-Lye-Soap-Recipe&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:45:56 GMT Hello, Back when i was a kid I had an old KY Nanny that cared for me while my parents worked. She taught me many survival things that i never... Hello,
Back when i was a kid I had an old KY Nanny that cared for me while my parents worked. She taught me many survival things that i never realized until later in life and having my own family, looking back over time.
Yeah weird. :scratch:
I guess growing up in the hills of KY "roughing it" most all her life, she knew more than i ever would.

Anywho.
I can remember growing up, every spring. We would boil down some sort of lye concoction and make enough lye soap for both families for a year.

Does anyone have a Tested and Trusted version of their OWN? ]]> Projects MidwestFriend http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33834-A-Tested-and-True-Lye-Soap-Recipe Used motor oil for heating and running diesels http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33772-Used-motor-oil-for-heating-and-running-diesels&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 08:41:49 GMT I was intrigued by this post by Christian for Israel: ---Quote--- multi-fuel diesels (and most standard mechanical diesel engines) can burn... I was intrigued by this post by Christian for Israel:

Quote:
multi-fuel diesels (and most standard mechanical diesel engines) can burn used motor oil, which can often be gotten for free at oil change places, stores for decades and can be pumped through the crankcase before being used as fuel. all you have to do is install the large storage tanks and you're all set.
here are some questions about the whole notion of used motor oil. Without sounding like a jerk, I really want answers from people who are doing it. I can google as good as you - so if all you are going to do is web searches and then answer these questions, I can (and have) already done that, so let's hear from those actually doing this shall we?

for example, the military is already doing this with a fuel blending system and here is a commercial version that I googled.
http://www.bluegrassfuel.net/page2.php

1. How easy is it to obtain? Is it true that places that change oil have to pay to have it hauled off ? How receptive did you find your source ? Are you getting it for free ? How do you take it from them - 5 gal fuel jugs or are you pumping it into a transfer tank ?

2. How do you filter it before use? Are you blending it with anything before use?

3. What diesel are you burning it in? any effect on injectors?

4. For those of you that heat with it - are you using standard oil heaters or a special used oil heater. ]]> Projects explo72 http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33772-Used-motor-oil-for-heating-and-running-diesels Backyard Chickens http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33719-Backyard-Chickens&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:23:07 GMT I posted this in the food thread also, so feel free to delete one or the other. The recent news about the egg recall prompted me to share my chicken... I posted this in the food thread also, so feel free to delete one or the other. The recent news about the egg recall prompted me to share my chicken raising experience with you guys. Here is my little coop:


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I have 10 chickens, which is really too many for this little coop although they are thriving. As you can see the coop is mobile (known as a "chicken tractor"). Every few days I move them to a new spot so they don't have to live in their own filth. They are black sex-linked hens which are a high production layer (brown eggs). They are about 5 months old now and I'm averaging 5 or 6 eggs per day. When they reach full maturity, they should average anywhere from 7-10 per day. I ordered the chicks through the mail and raised them from about 2 days old. It's been a pretty easy experiment so far. ]]> Projects PyroUSC http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33719-Backyard-Chickens Cooling in the desert? http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33690-Cooling-in-the-desert&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:11:14 GMT My brothers and sisters,

Do you live in the desert and have a strategy to keep cool in the summer?

If so, please share.

I'm working on a 12 volt deal w/solar panel that can power a swamp cooler to a small tent. Crazy but I got to have something if SHTF. ]]> Projects mfsteve http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?33690-Cooling-in-the-desert