diy/2530440.txt

-----
--- 2530440
Beginnings of an earthbank sauna

Might go deep and use the rock as foundations for benches
--- 2530454
>>2530440 (OP)
>giant drill
>tiny axe
Off to a good start I see
--- 2530455
I've already called and reported this.
--- 2530469
>>2530454
its brutal work carving out rock with a little hammer drill, the axe does fuck all but make dust
--- 2530472
>>2530455
>I've already called and reported this.
under 200 sq. ft is no permit required.
--- 2530475
>>2530440 (OP)
>Beginnings of an earthbank sauna
>Might go deep and use the rock as foundations for benches
No you won't. This is as far as you'll ever get. 

>>2530469
>ts brutal work carving out rock with a little hammer drill, the axe does fuck all but make dust
Shows you the in-depth planning this retard did before spending all day digging out enough rock to fill a pizza box.
--- 2530494
>>2530440 (OP)
>hot radon gas
--- 2530497
>>2530440 (OP)
Fuck off, Wayne.
--- 2530588
>>2530494
radon isn't that common in Arizona
--- 2530592
>>2530475
>No you won't. This is as far as you'll ever get.
I already bought the paver stones, flooring and steel rods, if rain wasn't coming I'd have the bottom done this week.

Following this guys guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GXlSEfyRy4 [Embed]
--- 2530603
>>2530592
Not even big enough to lay down and bake yourself to death in 
I wouldn't bother
--- 2530604
>>2530440 (OP)
Buy a pick and a shovel. I don't know what the hell you think you're doing with a maul.
--- 2530606
>>2530604
Pick and a shovel ain't gonna help you chisel stone
--- 2530607
>>2530603
its going to be 4x4, a little wider, so no, not for lying down.
--- 2530609
>>2530607
You have enough recycled pallets for the wood?
--- 2530623
Rent some better power tools for one weekend. Rent a mini skid loader for the next weekend.
Repeat until done.
--- 2530633
>>2530623
Good advice, but I'm content to build like our grandpappy's, by hand
--- 2530634
>>2530609
No, that's gonna cost me. I'm using local Douglas fir, it's good for saunas
--- 2531226
>>2530606
I just bought the pick, I have the shovels. $41 ace hardware, the 6 pound binford, classic railroad pick.
--- 2533725
>>2530633
That's actually less wise than it seems. Learning to use a trackhoe etc early on pays off for life because you will have a genuine feel for what one can do for you. Check prices. I can rent one, delivered, for 150 bucks a day.
--- 2533893
>>2533725
would this work for about $70 per day?

Jesus man, I might as well buy it, right?
--- 2533897
>>2533725
or do you think this... pretty steep though, $300, then the delivery charge, how about NO.
--- 2533900
>>2530440 (OP)
why are you trying to dig a hole with an axe and a drill?
not off to a good start, imo.
--- 2533912
>>2533900
its a hammer drill with a masonry smashing bit and the 6 pound maul did some good smashing but not as good as the new mattock pick axe I bought, the back wall is coming apart, will post pic tomorrow
--- 2534268
>>2530440 (OP)
Don't listen too seriously to all these discouraging retards. Just make sure your structure is safe. Looking forward seeing your progress. Remember to share pictures.
--- 2534383
>>2533897
In what alternate universe is 300 "steep" for what that equipment does? It's OK to admit you're poor but not OK to pretend everything is expensive which is not the same thing.

>>2533893
They're well worth owning if you expect to diy for a long time which is why I have one. Tool economics depends on use rate and cost-effectiveness. If your time is worthless then slow is fine so just keep pecking at it until it's done. It's OK to be desperate to minimize cash outlay but not to pretend that's an accomplishment.
--- 2534417
>>2530472
Maybe he reported it to the based department?
--- 2534689
>>2534417
indeed sir
--- 2534691
>>2534268
>>2534383
thank you, it rained then snowed yesterday so no progress today, hole is water filled

sound advice in many respects, I heed that.
--- 2534985
Need to wait till the melt to continue
--- 2535436
>>2530588
we got uranium instead
--- 2537269
>>2535436
Carving out back wall with mattock axe and drill, coming along
--- 2537274
>>2537269
Good work with mattock that's the right tool for the job. fuck all the tards insisting you spend money on a skidsteer or some shit, it's not even that big of a hole. the only problem you'll have is if you hit some gigantic boulder.
--- 2537285
>>2537274
Thanks, the mattock smashes it well. This is brittle AZ rock. Breaks apart in your hand, most of it. Jack hammer would be wasted on this bit
--- 2537299
>>2537269
My brother in Christ it's been more than a week.. are your moisturized mitts making it hard to swing tools? Trying not to get too much dirt on your blouse?

Never worked hourly with this kind of work ethic.
--- 2537303
>>2537299
I had to wait for snow to melt, you savage beast.
--- 2538755
>>2537299
I had to buy an electric hammer drill... was going to slow in the rock, should have the hole fully developed in a few days
--- 2538763
Keep it up OP
--- 2538787
>>2537269
That's a pickaxe not a mattock
--- 2538789
>>2537303
No you didn't, bring a torch
--- 2538794
>>2538787
Look closer.
--- 2538796
>>2538794
?
--- 2538818
>>2538763
thanks, progress tonight, I'm tired. Hole will be finished soon, and then I pour some concrete embankments around the hole to base the walls upon. Photo from a few mins ago.
--- 2538820
>>2538787
Its called a pick mattock. Always go with the 6 pounder, heavier the better
--- 2538956
>>2538818
Looking good OP
--- 2539044
>>2538818
Is the plan to carve a row of seats into the hill, then build walls up from there?
--- 2539054
>>2538956
thanks
>>2539044
yes, wood resting on rock, the rock is too brittle to leave exposed to butts

closeup on left shows a big rock that held together, stronger than most that just shards into pieces
--- 2539056
>>How are you planning on heating it? Stove?
--- 2539059
>>2539056
yessir, looking for a used one, if I can find
--- 2539271
>>2539056
you are going to tell me about the fire hazard, yes, I know, the brush will be cleared to 10 foot from chimney.
--- 2539637
>>2538755
have to tried putting a decent grind on it? modern day handtools are unusable from factory, and a pickaxe gets abused so hard they used to reworked them every day in the quarry
--- 2539714
>>2539637
good advice, the Ace Hardware axe is pretty sharp though
--- 2540102
>>2530440 (OP)
>sauna
try pic on a hot day.
--- 2540912
>>2539059
Are you going to use a electric sauna stove or are you just gonna use an old wood burner? I've been wanting to make my own sauna. I thought about doing it in ground like pic related, but we get alot of rain, so not sure I'd be able to keep it dry. Also want to use a wood stove for heating, but not sure on how well that would work for my needs. Not sure how long they take to get up to temp vs electric, or how easy it is to maintain temp. Don't you fuck this up OP, my dream sauna is counting on you as proof of concept
--- 2540991
>>2540912
wood burner far superior. Biggest problem with electric heating that coils burns oxygen, becomes harder to breath and doesn't feel nice to be inside.
--- 2541016
>>2533897
You can rent a trailer for a hell of a lot less than that delivery fee.
--- 2541095
>>2540912
that's a beauty, thanks, I need to take a couple of days to do homestead issues, will get back to it.

I like how that handles water with the stone and concrete, I'll be needing to buildup from concrete around the hole, now sure how think, probably 1 foot?
--- 2541749
>>2541095
any updates?
--- 2542319
>>2541749
Got molested by the local skin walker cosby style
--- 2542327
>>2541016
If your time and truck is free....
--- 2542357
>>2540912
>>2540991
>warm up stone in wood fire outside
>plunge it in water
>beat yourself with dried sage
HEYAHEYHEYHEYAHOYAHEY
--- 2542463
>>2542357
you can, just need to know what rocks you cannot use, cuz exploding stones are not fun.
--- 2543042
>>2541749
Rains came again. Filled with water. New update in probably a week. Need to level it and plan the base and wall footings. Its in the earth lower than ground level so will need to be tight so water doesn't flow in.
--- 2543467
>>2543042
Please do, I’m oddly interested in this project
--- 2543495
>>2543042
Or just dig a drain...
--- 2543505
>>2543495
Ground is rock, drain would be a huge project
--- 2543686
>>2543505
What if you dug it further up the slope and cut a drain trench to remove the water?
--- 2544025
>>2543686
further up the slope? I'll need an excavator. The rock is slow to break and remove by hand. I just need to channel the water around it so it doesn't pool inside.
--- 2544039
>>2544025
It only has to be just above ground level.
--- 2544052
>>2540991
>Biggest problem with electric heating that coils burns oxygen
How do you think fire works?
--- 2544085
>>2540991
>Biggest problem with electric heating that coils burns oxygen

Schizophrenia is a helluva drug.
--- 2544139
>>2544039
you sound like my wife, she kept telling me not to dig myself a hole. 

I like holes though, and it was easier than digging into the hill.
--- 2544160
>>2540991
what are you talking about? How does fire work?
--- 2544176
>>2544052
>>2544085
>>2544160
ok ok, electric coils oxidize oxygen.
--- 2544962
No progress this week, more snow coming
--- 2545588
>>2544176
based retard
>>2544962
/Mud Pit General/ when?
--- 2545635
>>2543505
What is that frame, RV? 
>>2544962
I like the view. I want to live in the middle of nowhere. At least for a while.
--- 2545731
>>2545635
It's a window in a country house.

The peace and quiet is nice, moved out here cuz covid, bought acreage, and stayed.
--- 2546552
>>2531226
calm down there tim the toolman
--- 2546564
>>2544962
Just shovel the water out and keep going...
--- 2547462
>>2543505
dig a small trench sloping downwards from the bottom of the hole to somewhere water can run off and put a length of pvc pipe in it. then cover up again.put the bottom of the pvc pipe just below the base of the hole so all (almost) the water runs into it
--- 2547689
>>2546564
Even a small aquarium pump would empty it soon enough.
--- 2547698
This is a Wayne thread. Not gonna build shit
--- 2547719
A Finn here.
You want to insulate the earthen walls from inside so that you don't end up wasting all your heat heating those walls. Here's some dimensioning guide from the 80s. Above the top bench, no more than 130cm is needed.
--- 2548114
>>2547719
Good share

>>2547698
No, this will happen
--- 2548620
>>2548114
Still filled with water?
--- 2548918
>>2548620
No progress, too cold/wet still, but getting the concrete and rebar ready
--- 2549360
>>2548918
Are you going to build up a low wall on the rock using concrete, then wood attacked to that?
--- 2549472
>>2549360
precisely. not sure how thick the wall footing, need to figure that out. 8" should be plenty
--- 2549478
>>2549360
here's the basic concept, securing the wood to the concrete with anchor screws. rough sketch, NTS, I'm falling asleep while I type/sketch.
--- 2550424
simliar project, deserves own thread

https://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/how-to-build-earth-sheltered-greenhouse-zbcz1312/
--- 2551588
Flattening bottom, almost ready for next step.

It will be roughly 4x5 interior space, cosy 4 2
--- 2551590
>>2540102
Tried one of these after two minutes I was done couldn't take it no more to powerful 
Very energy efficient tho but would not recommend
--- 2551640
here's why its taking so long, earth is rocky loam, its not like "digging a whole", its scraping out earth a few cubic inches at a time. Hang in there with me folks, almost ready to rock this and move forward.
--- 2551854
>>2530440 (OP)
You will cause massive global warming by not insulating all those earth surfaces!
Air is a great insulator so build it above ground level to retain heat.
 Use an air gap in the walls and ceiling.
Build with untreated wood to minimize toxic fumes under high temperatures.
--- 2552243
>>2551854
>Use an air gap in the walls and ceiling.
>Build with untreated wood to minimize toxic fumes under high temperatures.

yes, its "banked" and lower than ground. there will be concrete around the lip to hold back water. will be insulated, concrete will just be right above ground level
--- 2553247
>>2551640
Where are you than you can dig now? Gotta be south west, ground here is frozen solid
--- 2554399
>>2553247
snowed again, still planning embankments and framing, and now I might need to make bigger because I have an old charcoal smoker that I can convert and use for the wood burner. Check out that badboy.
--- 2554454
>>2554399
Here's a better view of the biznatch, its 2x1 feet, looks like a custom DIY, not sure it will work, unless its tight, but worth a shot. Glad you're interested in my project bros I'll keep sharing as I move forward
--- 2554594
>>2554399
Be sure to get the stove setup correctly or you'll pass out and die during a steam session.
--- 2554668
>>2554399
>Check out that badboy
i'd rather check your digits
--- 2555193
>>2554594
yea, its going to have to be resealed
--- 2556364
>>2555193
There it is, need to test it, widening the hole anyway and using concrete blocks 6x8x16 to line the hole, that's next
--- 2556402
>>2556364
Breaking it down, might work, need to add air inlet at the back and upgrade the swing arm access port so its solid and seals
--- 2556403
>>2556402
Forgot pic
--- 2556906
>>2556364
>>2556403
Nice, thanks for the update
--- 2557886
>>2556364
How much deeper do you plan on digging?
--- 2558053
>>2540102
thank you sirs i had occasion to try one remind me of home back in rupishinjupar
--- 2558499
>>2557886
no deeper, just going wider now. and instead of pouring concrete, decided to use 6x8x16 blocks. like the one picture here but wider
--- 2558512
>>2558499
So CMUs for a low wall, then nail wood to that? Those should have rebar and concrete poured into the center holes, right? Gotta mortar them as well
--- 2558875
>>2558512
mortar yes, is it necessary to pour concrete into the holes? is that because its load bearing? If so, I perhaps could build the walls inside the blocks and the blocks would merely serve as a retaining wall
--- 2559034
>>2558875
I'm no expert but that's why the holes are there after all. You're supposed to use rebar to tie it all together too, but maybe that's overkill for a sauna. Do more research for sure
--- 2559052
>>2558512
>>2558875
>>2559034
There are plenty countries where people build 2 story houses with these blocks without filling them. Sometimes they’re even glued together with PU foam glue instead of using mortar. I guess filling them with concrete is more an American thing. The holes are pretty good for thermal insulation tho.

>>2558875
If all of your ground is as rocky as >>2556364 then they’re probably fine as a retaining wall without the concrete
--- 2559100
>>2559052
>The holes are pretty good for thermal insulation tho.
yes, this is why I'll keep the holes

>If all of your ground is as rocky as >>2556364 then they’re probably fine as a retaining wall without the concrete
its rocky, but sandy, so need to keep water out of the structure

New pic, testing out the blocks, how many needed, etc.
--- 2559663
>>2551640
Digging a whole what?
--- 2559912
>>2559663
whole hole.

[we now interrupt this DIY thread... with a meme]
--- 2561526
>>2530440 (OP)
bump
--- 2561530
>>2559100
Anon I hope you're going to put a plastic wrap outside those bricks, concrete absolutely isn't waterproof
--- 2561558
>>2559912
Where did you find a pic of my sister?
--- 2561581
>>2554454
Where will you throw the water? Are you gonna weld a container for the rocks on there?
--- 2562996
>>2561581
I'm still concerned that the basin will fill with water after rain / snow
--- 2563249
>>2561530
Good advice, it's snowing again, no progress on the bild
--- 2563254
>>2533893
>11lb
That's way too small. You want 40lb or more for a hackhammer to get through solid rock or concrete.

If your time is worth more than $5 / hour it will be cheaper to rent or hire someone with a bobcat with a jackhammer attachment.

Unironically try a local concrete company, they will have it chipped out in a few hours for a few hundred.
--- 2563255
>>2561530
>concrete absolutely isn't waterproof

Anon, concrete can be finished with a chemical sealant that will absolutely make it waterproof.
--- 2563303
>>2563249
OMG this whiney bitch is worse than Wayne. At least put some pics of your wife you boring sedentary fuck.
--- 2563405
>>2562996
I meant where you'll throw water on the stove. You don't want to just throw it straight on the metal, you want a place to heat rocks so you have some thermal capacity to work with (and so you don't crack the thing from the rapid thermal contraction).
--- 2563790
>>2563303
Well I don't know who that is, but its damn cold outside, see pic
--- 2564188
>>2563790
Hurry up OP, you're missing out
>>>>>2554970
--- 2564234
>>2559100
> its rocky, but sandy, so need to keep water out of the structure
You could raise the floor a bit and keep a 2” gap around the outside walls. Then just put a drain at the bottom of the hole and coat with some waterproof paint against rain/humidity.

If you put the structure right on the bottom of the hole and don’t drain then probably bituminous coating or foundation wrap are the easiest diy options I guess. But especially in your climate I’d be really worried about it starting to leak over time
--- 2564278
>>2564234
>foundation wrap
good stuff, we're in AZ, so dry season last months, monsoons in the fall though where we can get blasted for a few days
--- 2564975
>>2564234
He's gonna need to finish the floor somehow, leaving it as rotten rock won't work. Waterproofed concrete maybe?
--- 2565262
>>2564975
see video up early in the thread, that's the guide. Floor will wood on paver stones, leaving an air gap over the dirt rock.
--- 2566829
I don't want this thread to die... pinnnnnnnnggggggggggggg

new update soon.
--- 2567472
>>2566829
sweet, I'm really enjoying the progress on this. Has the snow melted yet?
--- 2567519
>>2559052
>There are plenty countries where people build 2 story houses with these blocks without filling them
Yeah and thats why there are deaths from them collapsing all the time.
--- 2567622
>>2567472
sorry, 'fraid not, tonight through Sunday, we getting rain, sleet, and snow here in uppercrust AZ.
--- 2567669
What is an earth sauna?
--- 2567750
>>2567669
In Arizona, there are some counties that have loose building codes and youre allowed to make a building out of bags filled with dirt and a little cement. There is a big trend lately of people making youtube videos about this shit and all these faggots are taking like 6 months to build something even as small as a shed.
--- 2567751
>>2567669
earthbank sauna

https://forums.permaculturenews.org/index.php?threads/what-is-an-earthbank.3998/
--- 2567756
>>2567750
pretty much anywhere you can have a DIY structure under 200 square feet without any code review or requirements, as long as you are not living in it.
--- 2567917
>>2567756
Yeah...I'm talking full on homes. They basically just require you to install a proper septic system and after that it's all fair game...no more inspections after that.
--- 2567931
>>2567519
This isn’t true, except for in earthquakes or hurricanes (where this isn’t the right solution anyway). The building structurally relies on a frame made out of reinforced concrete posts every ~10 feet, infilled by empty blocks. Makes a strong but not overly stiff structure: walls can fall out but the structure almost never fails. There are good examples in some Balkan towns and also Ukraine where after shelling the walls are gone but the frames are left

>>2567622
Sounds good being in a sauna while there’s a blizzard out
--- 2567992
>>2537299
what are you paying him stfu
--- 2567994
is it true that the mountain mud that has a lot of rocks in it has a less chance of collapsing in on you?
i want to dig a cave like space in the side of a mountain already have it started
--- 2568023
>>2567994
Post pic, depends on your area/soil makeup
--- 2568643
>>2567994
You're gonna try to dig a mine? You might die
--- 2568688
>>2564234
>Earthen walls need air gaps for insulation
>For a sauna
If you really want extra insulation, make aircrete
--- 2568753
>>2530440 (OP)
you need to use a chisel bit, like a jack hammer method
--- 2569613
>>2568753
Got that, made progress with it, as shown above
--- 2569671
>>2568753
Check further up the thread
--- 2569927
>>2537299
>Never worked hourly with this kind of work ethic.
it's the perfect work ethic for hourly work
also you have no idea how much free time he has to commit to this
--- 2570296
>>2569927
It's been two months now
--- 2570581
>>2570296
Snow again
--- 2570680
>>2570581
I'm amazed that hole diggin threads can live for so long on /diy/. I love this place haha, this is the best board, by far.
It's not as if you couldn't rig up a tarp over the hole and keep going.
--- 2570688
>>2570581
Why didn’t you buy a party tent yet. Like $40 and you could work when you want. You can even heat them if they have sides
--- 2570740
>>2570581
All we need is more global warming. We can wait. It's OK.
--- 2572602
bump
--- 2572740
>>2572602
Snow today too
--- 2572826
State of the project tonight
--- 2573225
>>2572826
and here's where we are today, as everyone can see, not ideal build weather, except for ....
--- 2573239
always a million excuses to not get out there and dig huh
--- 2573279
>>2573239
I'll get the blocks and start building, no worries about that. I want it functional by next winter.
--- 2573511
>>2572740
>>2572826
God is actually against you. Thanks for plunging the whole of the Weat coast into a snowy shithole.
--- 2573518
Nice hole
I want to get some property so I can do goofy shit like this too
That and maybe grow some shit, do you have a garden or anything like that?
--- 2573546
>>2573511
Noah had his ark, I have my sauna. I will get this done.
--- 2573802
>>2573239
what's a respectable pace of digging anyway
--- 2574256
>>2573802
You sound like a DOT contractor
--- 2574454
>>2572826
>digs thru stone
>can't dig thru snow
--- 2574529
Did your wife tell you to stop playing outside and actually help with the kids instead?
>>2573802
Shouldn't take more than 40 man hours to dig it out, clear it, fine tune and prep for the brick.
--- 2574557
>>2574454
Water hole today
--- 2574563
>>2574557
If you have any way to put a drain in that you definitely should. If you have >>2572826 this much snow water could creep into the hole in many ways and it will flood at some point
--- 2574595
>>2574557
Pump it out.
--- 2574610
>>2574557
Maybe you need to take a break with digging, and focus on a roof or something to keep this shit out. Maybe take some of the excavated dirt, and build the ground up so water drains away from the hole instead of into it
--- 2575079
>>2574610
>digs 10" in >2 months
Sure, OP needs a break
--- 2575172
>>2575079
Wish I was only going 10". Had to go with the earthbank conception, so it's harder than it had to be. Lot of drilling out rock.

Impossible to drain from here, I'll need a basic pump for when this happens. In AZ so won't happen a lot.
--- 2575176
>>2575172
46" to the bend, on a slope so amount of earth removed is variable to how far back I go.
--- 2575199
>>2575172
2" drain line not an option?
--- 2575205
>>2575199
there is no downslope where this is situated, its flat, the land does start to grade until 50 feet or so away from the bank. Impossible to get deep enough to drain it, a pump will have to suffice. I'll also try doing a french drain around it, and do whatever to get the water to flow around, and not in. Not sure how effective that will be in the monsoon season though.
--- 2575335
fucking methhick at 68 days digging a hole in the ground. still aint dug it.
--- 2576833
>>2575335
real life projects are like that. Ive beensince christmas just to change a head gasket.
--- 2576850
>>2576833
Probably rusted the fuck out of your valvetrain and piston rings and bores if you haven't addressed that yet.
--- 2577156
>>2576850
it was dry relax. it is already dismounted and it is in as good as it can be an engine that old
--- 2578309
>>2577156
lmao, this in embarrassing
--- 2578320
OP you should just fill this hole in, and dig in on the slope itself, so that you can drain it. Rent a jackhammer and you'll be done digging in a day or two
--- 2578646
>>2530440 (OP)
Hey OP, I'll hijack your thread to post a similarly related question. I bought a small property and I'd like to tackle (eventually) a similar project. I'll send pictures
--- 2579159
>>2578320
that would have been dope, I'm just going to buy a pump though and keep it on the bottom. I'll put a low point stub in if I ever get to making a drain line.

>>2578646
soft dirt or rocky on your land?
--- 2579261
>>2530606
>>2530633
Thats the spirit lad.
I still use my digging bar used by dad n uncle and grampas before I was born. 
Arizona pima County here.
Digging holes for mesquite posts making Wattos( mexicans call them ramadas), fences, corrals outhouses. Oh and digging graves.
A good bar will shatter big rocks and caliche as you go deeper. 
Its all in the technique of how you use that bar.
Alot of guys will tire themselves out too fast using all arms.
Its a workout for sure. This is when you know a guy is strong when he use that bar like nothing. 
I've got lighter bars, heavy bars, short bars, all good.
Next year on the World StrongMan Competition they should have an event with bars like they did with the stone carry.
--- 2579263
>>2575172
Yep just let it dry or use a bucket. 
When you do get the wall sides up you will have to raise the door ledge off the ground plain.
When it does storm the water can pool before it finds its runoff. Even on seemingly flat open ground water can build a little depth.
I'd like to build a native type post on crossbeam.
Look at Papago/pima/hohokam pit houses.
The design is made to deal with big rain storms. The structure breathes and uses earth to insulate. Cool in summer, warm in winter.
--- 2580267
>>2579159
It's pretty rocky desu
>pic related
--- 2580610
How's the sauna/pool project going?
--- 2580779
>>2580267
Good earth though, not clay

>>2580610
Delayed due to work schedule, out of town
--- 2582139
>>2561558
in her brothers asshole
--- 2583025
bump
--- 2583083
>>2530440 (OP)
anon this is a pretty bizarre project but I love following it. After seeing all your updates about the hole you're digging in the desert, my mental image of you has come to look like pic related.

I do have two questions:

1) why dig a hole at the bottom of the hill, instead of digging sideways into the hill? If you dug into the side of the hill it wouldn't fill up with water like it's doing now

2) I know cedar is expensive (one year ago I drew up plans to build a sauna and then gave up after estimating it would cost me around $8,000) but how much do you expect to spend on your earthbank sauna? presumably everything that you touch on the interior still needs to be lined with grade A cedar so will this earthbank design even save you any money compared to a traditional wood sauna? 

>>2540912
>>2540991
wood-burning sauna stoves seem cool, but how frequently are you going to use your sauna if every time you want to use it you have to build a fire in the wood stove and tend that fire for 1~2 hours while you wait for the sauna to warm up? IMO electric heat or natural gas is best for the stove; at least you can turn it on and go do something else while you wait 1~2 hours for the sauna to warm up
--- 2583416
How does one wash the sweat off themselves in an earthbank sauna, since the traditional bucket and scoop method requires drainage? Do you just have to run back home and get a shower?
--- 2583498
>>2583083
gas and electric ovens Another disadvantage is that you can not splash water on them. I like to boil mint and eucalyptus in water and then sprinkle it on hot stones. Just finished steaming. While the sauna was warming up, I burned the meat and fish on the coals. My father bakes. It weighs 120 kilograms, without stones. Bricks were reported for the soil, I don’t splash water on them. Simply accumulate heat. Stones are not expensive. But you can find them yourself. It is not difficult to check whether a stone is suitable for a sauna or not! You heat a small stone in the fire and then throw it into the water. If the stone remains intact, then you collect the same ones and put them on the stove.
--- 2583573
>>2583498
This is a common misconception. You can splash water on most modern gas and electric sauna stoves. They are designed for it. The heating elements are separated from the stones by a water tight metal enclosure. There are some cheaper versions where the stones rest directly on the heating elements. Water should be avoided on these. If you go into gym or hotel saunas, they usually have the "do not pour water" signs. These are more for liability reasons than anything else. That way, if some idiot stands directly above the rocks, pours water, then catches a blast of steam to the eyes, the business isn't liable. Even more so if some dolt decides to use pool water, then creates chlorine gas.
--- 2583857
>>2583573
You are right, but I like wood stoves more.
--- 2584350
If you dont mind me making a suggestion OP you should make a seasonal pond as it appears you like in an environment that is in either the Colorado or Mojave desert and water is scarce in these environments and you could get a nice place to take a dip in the summer if you can make it in a way to maximize water retention
--- 2584782
>>2580779
Good earth anon here, I'll probably going to the property this weekend. A friend will help me out to remove weeds and do some maintenance in the toolshack (soon to be shelter). I'll post some pictures.
--- 2585410
>>2584350
Def a pond after yesterday rain
--- 2585790
>>2585410
Why not just dig through the water?
--- 2585824
>>2585410
Dude just fill it back already. This is not going anywhere.
--- 2585830
>>2585824
hate to say it but I agree with this anon. I'd start over but next time dig into the side of the hill like this anon suggested >>2583083 so you don't have flooding issues
--- 2585886
>>2585410
Fill it in. 
Dig higher up on the slope
--- 2586042
>>2585824
>>2585830
>>2585886
that rock is brutal though, I'm seriously thinking that I'm just going to trench it down. higher will look retarded on this slope (in addition to being extremely difficult to remove that much rock), I really want it low to the ground. On the ground I can route the drainage anyway I have to, if around boulders etc.
--- 2586790
>>2586042
The spot you decided to dig in has 0 drainage. It looks like you've removed the thin layer of porous rock and just left a hole sealed with bedrock. Either pump it out and fill it with a concrete foundation, or abandon your new desert koi pond and start digging somewhere better.
--- 2586849
>>2586042
You're digging a small hole in rotten rock with the worst approach. 
Go rent a jackhammer for a day or two and the hole will be dug. 
Get some explosives and literally blow the hole out of the earth
Rent a small excavator
--- 2587146
>>2586790
option 3: build a siphon system
--- 2587371
Its been 4 months and all you have is a 1 foot deep pit filled with stagnant water. Meanwhile this guy already carved out the size of a studio apartment in 6 weeks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyfxB_SqWtc [Embed]
--- 2587420
>>2583083
>wood-burning sauna stoves seem cool, but how frequently are you going to use your sauna if every time you want to use it you have to build a fire in the wood stove and tend that fire for 1~2 hours while you wait for the sauna to warm up?
Literally every day.
t. finn and it doesn't take that long if its properly built, you can be throwing water in as quickly as 20 minutes if you're in a hurry.
Also this project doesn't seem to progress, you'd have built a basic house in this time.
--- 2587421
>>2587371
I hate these asian scammers. All of them are staged and built by a team of workers and heavy equipment.m
I guess anon is a retiree.
--- 2587883
>>2587421
And reality TV is also heavily scripted. Who cares?
--- 2587885
>>2587371
>Its been 4 months and all you have is a 1 foot deep pit filled with stagnant water.
It sounds bad when you put it that way, lol. I want to have it operation by next winter though, so... in any case, weather is breaking so another update probably soon.
--- 2588748
>>2587885
Dont listen to the haters, saunabro. You're doing great
--- 2588927
>>2587885
Get better tools. A hand drill and axe aren't going to move any bedrock. Try what the Chinese dude is doing with the jackhammer. If you're too poor for that, try the part with the sledgehammer and spikes.
--- 2588931
>>2530440 (OP)
>Might go deep
In what, a year?
--- 2590281
fuck you OP
--- 2590348
>>2590281
I'm sorry for your disappointment
>>2588931
this summer
--- 2590350
>>2590348
--- 2590351
>>2590350
wasnt that a Madagascar quote
--- 2590353
>>2590351
clearly not.
--- 2590354
>>2590351
unless your talking about all the dirt that hes about move. HES GONNA MOVE IT MOVE IT!!
--- 2590357
>>2590353
alright you win, here's a pentacle
--- 2590358
>>2590357
what is that? Like a bit coin but shittier?
--- 2590361
>>2590358
alright then, no pentacle for you
--- 2590819
OP you better make another thread when this one dies. I haven't had this much fun on /diy/ since Sarah Dolly
--- 2590826
>>2534985
>Water filling the bottom of your "sauna"
Holy shit. In Arizona of all places, you managed to dig into water. That takes a special sort of autistic power.
--- 2590838
>>2590826
that's just rain/melt-water.
--- 2591908
>>2540912
>Not sure how long they take to get up to temp vs electric, or how easy it is to maintain temp

Generally speaking, the electric stoves I've used warm up bit faster. Then again, wooden stove can take more stones for the same size, and offers the ability to warm water for washing yourself down. There are also different types of wooden stoves, some are constant burn and others are single burn. The former can offer you more constant heat, and the latter is more fire and forget - then again single burn stoves can last you whole evening offering heat. 

One important component of well built sauna is ventilation and airflow. With wood stove it's easier to get right to get the proper airflow inside the sauna, and the feel of the spririt isn't as dry and quick. 

>>2583083
>but how frequently are you going to use your sauna if every time you want to use it you have to build a fire in the wood stove and tend that fire for 1~2 hours while you wait for the sauna to warm up
Honestly speaking, unless you're living a really hectic lifestyle it's definitely worth it even if you took a bath twice a year like my grandma (on christmas and midsummer's eve). Carrying the wood and water is probably the most time consuming thing in there.
--- 2593665
bump
--- 2595275
>>2593665
Let this thread die
--- 2595310
>>2595275
No
--- 2595330
>>2530440 (OP)
God damnit op this thread has been up for weeks and I check it every time and never is there a progress photo. Ain't nobody got time to read words. Gimme some God damn photographic evidence.
--- 2595847
>>2595330
Not OP, but I've run the analysis based on his current rate of progress and extrapolated to what it most likely looks like now. Pic related
--- 2595866
>>2595847
absolutely golden kek!
--- 2596054
>>2595310
I'm gonna sage it until it does
--- 2596061
>>2595310
Watch
--- 2596062
>>2595310
me
--- 2596064
>>2595310
kill
--- 2596066
>>2595310
this
--- 2596067
>>2595310
--- 2596092
>>2596067
--- 2596779
>>2596092
--- 2597270
trash thread
--- 2597593
BUMP OP COME BACK
--- 2597913
>>2597593
I'll make a new thread when I have some progress, getting ready for a trip this weekend, might be next week that I start wrapping the foundation.
--- 2597996
>>2597913
You could just stop
--- 2598002
>>2597913
No, OP, don't bother. We had hoped you would build a sauna, but all you did was dig a hole, get bored, then stop. 
Do you honestly think that when summer comes, which is soon, you will be digging a hole in rock in the scorching sun? No, you won't. 
Let it die.
--- 2598093
>>2598002
it doesn't get scorching here till August, in the high country, perfect weather just started here now mate, so its not the time to give up, its the time to really begin. I started that hole in the freezing cold.
--- 2598094
>>2597913
OP you will never finish this project, dont bother wasting a spot a real thread about why women cant make it in trades or how to steal car rims could fit.
--- 2598139
>>2598093
You need to plan this shit out man you can't just wing it. I'd recommend thinking about putting a tarp over the hole and getting some kind of drainage, doesn't need to be fancy, but you're not going to be able to finish this without it
--- 2598282
>>2598093
Post a photo of additional improvements then.
Have some sort of update posted by sunday at least
--- 2598296
>>2598282
going to be out of pocket till next week.

I'm mentally and physically ready to pound it out though.
--- 2598310
>>2598296
im curious what else you got on this desert plot
--- 2598315
>>2598310
house, garage, water tank, yada-yada-yada. standard country acreage faire.
--- 2598453
>>2530454
>>2530469
That thing you’re calling an axe is a splitting maul. It’s designed to split firewood. It’s marginally more effective than a rubber mallet for digging into rock
--- 2598600
>>2598315
ok so trailer, shed, water tank, hole. nice.
--- 2598675
>>2598600
xD , its a living.
--- 2598698
>>2598296

This thread has been up for nearly four months and all he's acomplished is a small trench with 3 cinder blocks in it
--- 2598705
>>2598698
Pretty good if it was a government contract.
--- 2598706
>>2598698
haha #trolled. lel. kekekekeekek. kek.
--- 2598712
>>2598698
It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

OP, how broke are you that you can't rent a generator and an electric jack hammer?
--- 2599321
>>2598698
At least he got rid of the flooding problem. On his build site in the Arizona desert.