Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Once the line of the external position of the hole was cut, we pulled the straw within
that perimeter out with our hands. The plumber was helping with this operation. I was
somewhat dismayed to find that he was putting his hand in the hole from the inside of
the wall without my knowledge. Be careful to communicate if you have an assistant as I
very nearly cut his hand with the knife. These knives are made for cutting flesh, so a cut
from this knife is likely to result in a trip to the hospital.
Cutting special length bales
When you build your straw bale wall, the bales will be laid in running bond, just like
normal brickwork. To achieve this every second row of bales will require a bale to be cut
in half. This is a simple process using a tool called a bale needle. When cutting bales to a
special length we use the double bale needle (see Figure 4.11).
Figure 4.11
Double bale needle used for cutting special
length bales
Figure 4.12
The single bale needle is used for feeding
cables, etc. through a bale wall
There are many times that a single needle is
required, for example, with the installation of
electrical wiring. You will often need to secure bales
to timberwork with the use of a single needle (see
Figure 4.12). If you are working on an extremely
tight budget it is possible to use the double needle in
most instances that you would use a single needle,
but if your finances can stretch the extra 30 odd
dollars it is a worthwhile investment.
1. Rest the bale to be cut on two other bales
When cutting a bale, rest the bale to be cut up on two
other bales. Ascertain the required length of the
special bale, and insert the double bale needle into
the bale at that position until the needle balances in
the bale without inserting it beyond the holes into
which the twine shall be threaded (see Figure 4.13).
Figure 4.13
The double bale needle is
inserted into the straw leaving the eyes of
the needle exposed
