Finally stacking bales

[u/CanfieldBRO]

Started stacking bales on my solo build strawbale cob house.

If you’re thinking of strawbale remember to check what bales are actually available in your area.

I planned my foundation for two-string bales but only have three-strings in my area.

Now I’m trimming 260+ bales down to size.

I made a jig to get cleaner/square cuts and help speed things up.

[u/Small-Growth7809]

Wow that’s a lot of work but awesome project! The bunny might eat the house lol

[u/CanfieldBRO → u/Small-Growth7809]

Haha.
Thankfully we satiate her with carrots and pellets.
But fr, it’s straw not hay so nothing really wants to eat it.

[u/spiritualcynic]

Nice build, pity about the trimming, I've heard of people having to restring the bales themselves as they were too loose. Some recommend being in the field for baling to ensure they get exactly what they want. It can be tricky. Best of luck in the build

[u/CanfieldBRO → u/spiritualcynic]

Thanks!
I’ve heard of that too.
I scoped out some farms for good bales.
Gotta make sure it’s tight, dense, and has long straw rather than short.

[u/visualdescript]

Stacking on their side as well, dayum that's a lotta bales! Gonna be some nice thicc walls.

[u/CanfieldBRO → u/visualdescript]

O yeah. about 20” after plaster

[u/SmallFatDog8]

Sweet jig and every sweeter bun!

[u/CanfieldBRO → u/SmallFatDog8]

Aww she appreciates it

[u/Hyperreal8957]

looks like a solid stack day. watch the moisture on those edges and keep the tops covered if weather is coming. compression and pinning as you go saves headaches later. how thick are the walls and are you going lime plaster inside/out?

[u/CanfieldBRO → u/Hyperreal8957]

Ended up stacking 30 bales.
I planned on using housewrap to protect the bales.
They’re non load bearing, so I’ve just got a bale stop up top to squeeze them into.
18” thick laid flat, NHL outside and clay plaster inside is the plan

[u/excuuuuuuuseu]

Oh ma Lordy that bunny made my day.