lets discuss preps for disasters

[Soundguy]

I've seen those powder coat kits. I've thought about one for small parts for tractro repair.

I already relaod for about 40 calibers now. have decent amount of consumables on hand.. and as I said. lead casting supplies are starting to show up each week now, and by the end of may, I should be set to cast, with a starting load of about 25# of lead accumulated on hand.

The group I'm in, we already make our own soft and hard wax lubes, wads, patches and overshot and overpowder cards. Have been experementing with making percussion caps etc. Once we get rolling with the lead, our relaoding costs will drop about another 30%.

As a side benefit,t he casting will make my 69 caliber smoothbore musket much much much cheaper to shoot.

 

[SirReal63]

Anyone ever used a freeze dryer? I keep hearing ads for them on the radio ... a casual google search shows they are $$$$.

We have been looking at them, compared to what freeze dried food costs, it could be a huge savings in the long run. Unfortunately there is a huge learning curve in freeze drying foods, some work better than others. This is one of those purchases better shared by a few families to keep the individual cost down.

 

[Garycw]

I wonder how much advantage of freeze drying vs just dehydrating. I've seen small freeze dryers around $500 vs $50 for dehydrators

 

[hutchman]

I wonder how much advantage of freeze drying vs just dehydrating. I've seen small freeze dryers around $500 vs $50 for dehydrators

Been reading stuff and looking at pictures like this:
Dehydrating – Freeze Dryer vs Dehydrator | TorontoFoodLab

 

[SirReal63]

If you are looking at freeze driers, these are about the best price we have seen.
Products – Harvest Right

 

[hutchman]

Harbor Freight may come to the rescue ....

DIY Freeze Dryer - Makers Local 256

 

[NorTracNY]

Those freeze driers sure look like a big expense, both in purchase and energy cost for each food, compared to the advantages of a normal dehydrator. With a normal dehydrator and vacuum sealer you can get 5-20 years.

 

[hutchman]

.... looks like serious freeze drying takes a LONG time!

Finally Got My Freeze-Dryer

 

[ch1ch2]

The only disaster I worry about is an E.M.P.

 

[Garycw]

The only disaster I worry about is an E.M.P.

What about the other 99 possibilities? Granted you can't prep for everything. Cover the basics and you should be good for many things. WATER, food , ways to produce more water & food, shelter, protection, back up power, xtra meds, Rx eyeware etc....