I am obsessed with pre-industrial technology and have been an artisan of primitive tools for over two decades. My day job is as an archaeologist employed by a university but maybe someday, when I grow up, I can earn my keep as an artisan and teacher of preindustrial technology.
I am also attempting to build and maintain a web page about some of my interests here.
Now that is the REAL way to hunt. My son is a great hunter and fisherman but I do not like all the modern help….the deer have little chance to escape with all the techno stuff attached. Nice work!
Hey Paleotool.
I would just like to say that I appreciate all that you, and people like you, do for maintaining the traditions that once held our collective cultures together, and still do to varying degrees. I have been doing my own bit of research, a hobby really, about traditional and ancient techniques and strategies for surviving and I was wondering if you would be interested in any of the sites that I have collected. If so, just send me an email and I will be more than happy to send them your way. Or I can post them on here, which ever is easier for you.
Thanks again for doing what you do.
Scott
This one I think that I will post on here because it seems like the most pertinent one to what you are doing
http://primitiveways.com/index.html
Thanks Scott. Send them if you like. I have only put up a few but more is great. They might just need their own page.
oh my. atlatls and longbows. vardos. i’m weak. this is so fun to find you!
Hi!
Came here via Kate’s blog, and I’m loving this much. I’ve been dreaming about building a vardoesque kinda trailer for my Wife and I to toodle around in on weekend trips and absolutely LOVE yours.
Had a quick question, though. I saw the jack that was originally on the tongue of the donor trailer looks like it was removed. How do you raise and lower the tongue of the trailer now? Removable jack? Folding Jack? Telekenesis
?
Thanks!
Welcome. Good question. The original jack was a lightweight folding crankdown with a wheel. It was only rated to 500 lbs so it could be pushing it with a couple of people, gear, and the trailer weight while camping. I also didn’t want a wheel on the front to keep it more stable while camping. The solution was just switching out the old jack for a 3000 lb flat-footed jack that folds flat to the center tongue bar. Its almost invisible as it fits snug to the frame. The whole change cost me less than $50 from the local ranch supply store.
Delighted to cross your path if still only in text and pictures.
Looking forward to scan this treasury you’re sharing.
Blessings.
Petter
Likewise. From your avatar it appears you live in a yurt in Sweden?
Shelter Publications, of Bolinas, California, has been publishing books about alternative architecture for the last 40 years. This fall we’ll be publishing TINY HOMES: SIMPLE SHELTER, a book about unique small homes (500 sq. ft. and smaller). We like what we’ve seen of your work and we’d like your permission to include your vardo in the book, using photos and text from your blog.
Thanks for your consideration,
Lew Lewandowski
Sheter Publications, Inc.
I LOVE the Shelter Books! Lloyd Kahn’s photos were a big inspiration for me. Especially Shelter and Home Work. I will be glad to be included. Let me know if you need higher quality photos.
Inspiring…..
I looked at your Etsy Shop. You make some beautiful jewelry. The upcycled leather is a great idea too.
I am building a vardo inspired by your vardo. I live in Tennesee where it rains more so I am making my walls and roof thicker. I like your website. Lots of good information.
Thanks Joe. Send a photo or link when you get one built.
greatings paleotool love your site, I to use primative ways to a point. I live In the south east (georgia) but raised in the in the south west (san diego) using mostly primative ways!
(never could afford those fancy goodies)
im know trying to pass on to the fledgling out doors people(kids) for i have come to find out most adults already know everything!
any way is there any way to start a site on how to use the primtave cooking skiles?
I use dutch ovens! but i have herd and seen people useing rocks to cook on!
would love to learn how this is done, my one attempttruned out BBBAAAADDDD, food burnt full of gravel……aaaahhh yuck
and yes I ate it due to my number one rule, expermint but you must eat what you cook!
(some times i hate my rules)
Oh by the way thanks to you and vardo im attempting to build a cabuse to tow behind my p/u
(wife thinks ruffing it is days in)
if you dont mind as it evolves ill post pictures!
I found your blog to day while checking blogs linking back to my own and was delighted to discover one of the most interesting places on the net i’ve seen in a very long time. I’ve all ready placed a link to your blog in the folder for interesting stuff so there will be reposts in the future and I hope they will send lots of visitors your way – Ted
Thanks Ted,
I spent way too much time looking through your old posts. Lots of fun and interesting stuff there. I appreciate the link and look forward to more good stuff from your blog. I’m no where near as prolific a blogger as you.
George
May I call you George?
We met you at the Maker Faire in CA in May. Your Vardo is awesome. You have choosen and inspiring path for yourself and I admire you. It is also clear that beyond your skills you are well-read and very bright. All of these aspects are very refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words. It was nice to meet you but with the several thousand people that came through, I don’t know which person you were. The Faire was remarkable for all the great people we met there. I hope to be invited back.
Great website/blog! I have many of the same interests that you have. I’ll have to spend some time reading what you have put up. Keep up the good work, CW.
Thanks. I look forward to hearing more from you.
Nice stumbling on to your site here. Much to look at and learn. I like the scooter in your header! Got any write-ups on that?
It’s my ride. I got it last year after deciding the old Yamaha was too whimpy for the highways I have to ride on to get to work. I’m working on saddlebag arrangements and other add-ons so maybe I’ll put it up sometime.
Found you while looking for vardo plans, but looking forward to reading the rest. I’m an artisan but always thought someday I’d like to grow up and be an archaeologist