Ausra Farms - Updated

[chiques chicks]

So glad these worked out for you! Love seeing the pictures of the process.

 

[Alexz7272]

@Baymule You're sweet! Thank you
My father actually warned my partner Aaron about that, 'If she says she wants something, she will do it or make it happen'
He didnt believe him, now he does
Thank you for following the journey! My fee friends are happy I have something I love but they do not understand, so its great to have those who share the passion!

 

[Alexz7272]

So I need help. We need to rebuild the bottom of the silos. They are rusted out. My partner wants to rebuild the bottoms with stainless stell instead of the 20 gauge galvanized to stop it from rusting. It is about 1/3 as much to buy the stainless. What do you guys think? Is it worth the extra cost?

 

[AClark]

Stainless steel will rust if it sits wet, the biggest benefit is that if you're going to weld already galvanized metal, the fumes aren't something you want to be breathing, which is something you don't have with the stainless.
A cheaper solution? What about using a food grade metal barrel and cutting pieces to fit the rusted out areas? They are usually under $20, they weld easily, and there's nothing toxic on them. You could maybe cut it in half to fit the rotted area if it would fit? I just welded one a few months ago for a smoker, and while they aren't thick steel, it's doable.

 

[Alexz7272]

Holes dug for concrete, pounding rebar in. The second silo has shorter legs so we are raising it 18 inches with the concrete pillars so we can get underneath it comfortably.

Rebar:

The 'get out of the way you are casting a shadow on my picture!' Look

 

[Alexz7272]

Ugh. Mini detour. Keisha decided to get hurt. Again.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Oops! So sorry - hope she recovers quickly.

 

[Baymule]

How long are you going to use these silos? How old are they now and how long did it take for them to rust out? Which metal will last the longest for patching them up? And will the patch be bolted on or welded on? Welding on galvanize will make you sick, welders I worked with years ago said to drink milk to help from getting sick. That was years ago, I think they are all dead now from various forms of cancer. Also, I don't know if a decent bond could be made welding those two different metals together. If you're in it for the long haul, then put the best fix on them that you can.

I'm 61, husband is 71. We argue over how well to build things around here, he says he'll be dead before it wears out, breaks down, falls apart, etc. My answer is I'm going to live another 40 years and I want it done right to start with!

 

[chiques chicks]

I don't think I'd weld. I would use sheets of appropriate gauge metal and rivet, bolt if you have to. I like the idea of using old barrels.

 

[Ferguson K]

I would also recommend riveting instead of welding.