Here are some of my most useful mudding tools…
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Mixing cob… mesa style. This is a sloppier version of cob that’s good for infill, shaping and scratch coat plasters. Raw earth, straw and water. I’ve been using this for everything lately. In the video it shows a sloppy mix as it comes out of the mixer and the same mix after it has sat out in the sun and the wind. It stiffens up quick. I’m a fan of the cement ( cob ) mixer. It allows you to do several other things while the barrel is spinning. Electricity can come from variety of sources. Of course using power from the sun to make cob would be natural building nirvana. Even better… the human power of friends and neighbors.

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This gas powered Jonsered chain saw has seen a lot of action. Recently my brother took this thing to a quarter acre of (unhealthy) woods to make space for a vineyard.
I would like to purchase one of these in the future, though I can’t decide if I should get an electric or gas powered chain saw. I imagine the electric chain-saws are much nicer to work with, though you’d have to have electricity on site. I see a lot of cheapo chain-saws at the home centers. They are tempting, but I want it to be a high quality brand. An investment for the long term. If you’ve had a really good experience with a brand let me know.

A good tamper makes a big difference. Earth-bags, rubble trench foundations, and base materials for floors all need tamping. I used the make-shift coffee container filled with concrete and a metal rod… until I got my hands on this 10 x 10 tamper!

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Brick tongs. When my dad built the fireplace in his house he carried many-a-load with these handy tongs. Helpful indeed!

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