Vlog 18: Fire Starter
With temperatures currently plummeting in the UK and at least a fortnight’s cold snap predicted with sub zero temperatures coming, it’s time to have a look at the main source of heating on my narrowboat, the Villager Puffin stove. It’s the heart of the boat and keeps me very toasty on these winter days and nights but it did need some fettling when I moved aboard.
PS yes, I’m aware that I appear to be tightening the bolts in one shot. I think (though I don’t rightly remember) that at that point I was so frustrated, I was trying them both ways just to see if I could wiggle them somehow. There was a lot more footage of me turning them the other way, this was just an accidental bad choice of shot!!
If you’re interested in the heatshield I used, it was purchased at www.thermalvelocity.co.uk
Items mentioned in this video
Villager Puffin stove: https://geni.us/CtC_PuffinStove
Big box of Zip firelighters: https://geni.us/CtC_ZipFirelighters
Kindling: https://geni.us/CtC_Kindling
Matches: https://geni.us/CtC_Matches
Dustpan & brush: https://geni.us/CtC_DustpanBrush
Stove fan: https://geni.us/CtC_StoveFan
It should be possible to remove a nut that has got jammed in a socket (I’ve done it myself a few times), though you do need to clamp the socket in a vice with the open end down, then you can use some sort of narrow metal drift (or a parallel pin punch) inserted down the square hole for the ratchet handle, so as to catch on the top face of the nut, and whack it with a hammer. If you put the drift or punch in the corners of the square drive hole you can just get outside the threaded hole in the nut.
I have to admit I did get the impression that you weren’t very expert at DIY when (at about 1:24 on the video) you put pressure on the ratchet handle so as to turn the socket clockwise, which would do the nut up on the bolt, not undo it … ;-)
I’m aware that I appear to be tightening the bolts in one shot. I think (though I don’t rightly remember) that at that point I was so frustrated, I was trying them both ways just to see if I could wiggle them somehow. There was a lot more footage of me turning them the other way, this was just an accidental bad choice of shot!!
Great vlog. Love that type of heat on a cold day.
Thanks! :-)
Great… radiators and hot water and running costs please. We put the carbon monoxide detector as low as possible in our camper.
Puggy (affectionate term for Pugwash) it may pay to use a bit of your heat proof foil beneath your cigarette lighter charger – mine overheated and burnt out (free gift from China, world domination via fire starters..) Stu x
I’m keeping a record of costs but haven’t really been on the boat long enough to have any sensible ongoing figures. Maybe after a year aboard! Ta for the lighter tip.
Thanks for your vlog informative and at times laugh out loud funny.
I have been boating for about twenty years and a owner for five. I also am a d.i.y numpty and still making mistakes. Thanks again
Thank you! I’m genuinely delighted you’re enjoying it. Much appreciated.
I would just like to say hello and well done from across the pond in Michigan, USA. I’ve watched all your videos and think its great that you have found the courage to reimagine your day to day life. We have the privilege of the Great Lakes here but your canals, canal boats, and way of life seems like such a wonderful opportunity for adventure. Keep up the great work. It has been a pleasant break from reality to watch and learn with you about life on a boat.
Cheers!
B
Hello back and thanks for watching. It’s amazing and gratifying to know that people are watching from “across the Pond”. One day I’ll visit the Great Lakes ;-)
Excellent, hearty stuff. Brilliant.