Will I ever finish what I have started?

[art600]

Susan

The two new constructions look great.  Wish I could summon up the energy - mind it helps if there are two of you

[Maggi Young]

Some links to trough making-

http://www.srgc.org.uk/feature/fishbox/troughs.html
 
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012Jun061338982706BULB_LOG_2312.pdf  The joy of troughs!!
 
 
http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2008/020108/log.html  all cement
 http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2008/170908/log.html    making type II - with "filling"
 
http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2008/081008/log.html   landscaping
 
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2011May251306326741BULB_LOG__2111.pdf demo/display at show
 
 
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2011Jan051294236202BULB_LOG__0111.pdf    showing hypertufa trough split apart
 

[Helen Johnstone]

Thanks Susan
I had seen polystrene boxes mentioned - is that the sort of thing I might get from a fishmonger? 

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Great to follow your prowesses, Susan !
Things are starting to look very good indeed !

I'll be keeping a close look on this thread !  Have fun !

[Maggi Young]

I had seen polystrene boxes mentioned - is that the sort of thing I might get from a fishmonger? 

Yes,  it is  boxes of food grade  or higher that will be useful. Ones for flowers are not  really strong enough.  You'll get tips from  the links posted above.

I think it's been mentioned that in the USA they've found the kind of boxes used for medical applications are handy too.  Fish boxes are by far the easiest to source. If you can find a source that brings in salmon then those are good large sizes.

[Susan Band]

If you can't find a used source and are wanting to buy search 25kg polystyrene boxes. There are some available on ebay or http://www.jbpackaging.co.uk/polystyrene-boxes.html  who don't have a minimum order.
Susan

[Helen Johnstone]

As I suppose new boxes wouldnt smell of fish!

Thank you for the information, lots of things to think about but at least I can stop wondering where people get them from now. 

Do people avoid using belfast sinks due to the weight or poor drainage or just availability?

[David Nicholson]

Do people avoid using belfast sinks due to the weight or poor drainage or just availability?

Probably just availability and when you can find one you need to pay silly money. They are beginning to be trendy in kitchens again (I understand!) so likely to be expensive to buy for proper use....... But much cheaper for folks like us.

[Tim Ingram]

What's the difference between a butler and a belfast sink - is it just they don't have Butler's in Belfast?

[David Nicholson]

Not sure you really want to know Tim but...................................

http://www.periodhomeandgarden.co.uk/furniture/sinks/id/23/know-your-butler-from-your-belfast.aspx

[Helen Johnstone]

think mine is a Butler sink then whatever it is it weighs a tonne

[Peter Maguire]

Another (free) option for smaller polystyrene boxes is to ask a greengrocer for the boxes that broccoli is supplied in. They are about 50cms x25cms and quite deep. I cut them down to reduce the height and then treat them as Ian's articles suggest. Even full of compost they are not too heavy to move around; full sized fish boxes can be heavy when full of compost if it is loam based.

They don't smell of fish either. 

[brianw]

I remember visiting someone a few years back who had chipped all the glaze off the outside of a Belfast sink. It looked just like stone. Don't know how long it took him by hand. You need something midway between the vibrotools used to etch glass and a Pneumatic drill.
I have several 3-4' long industrial sinks I have never used, stored away. The only trouble is lifting them. I wonder how long it would take to chip the glaze off?  I may resort to painting them with masonary paint or resin of some kind and throwing sand and grit onto the wet surface.

[Helen Johnstone]

The butlers sink I have has been covered with some sort of sandy cement well back in the past, I think my Dad had a go.  Some of it has fallen off now and I am wondering if I can patch it. 

[Helen Johnstone]

Thanks Peter - I will have a word with the local greengrocer and see what they have to offer