I have a bunch of logs that I need to treat, I was thinking about digging a trench with my backhoe and line it with a pond liner, lift the logs with tongs, dip, and then stack to dry. I don't know if it would be better than just spraying the surface with a garden sprayer.
I think that would work great. I would have a place for them to drip dry over additional sheeting that would drain back into your trench. You'll also get maximum coverage and penetration compared to spraying as well.
I guess it would work, I do it in a small wood sided plywood bottomed trough, slow and tedious but works on my scale. When I'm done I can pull the dowel out of the end and drop the liquid through an old window screen into 5 gallon buckets. By the next time most of solids have settled and if I'm careful I can pour the tea colored solution off the "mud" that has settled out. If I'm using it for days or longer I'll put old barn tin over the trough when I'm not using it to keep critters out and evaporation down. If it evaporates down to a super saturated solution it will start to crystallize. Figuring out a way to drain your pond into a tank to keep it from becoming a problem in rain or if it springs a leak is something to think about.
Quote from: Don P on April 04, 2017, 07:55:32 AM
I guess it would work, I do it in a small wood sided plywood bottomed trough, slow and tedious but works on my scale. When I'm done I can pull the dowel out of the end and drop the liquid through an old window screen into 5 gallon buckets. By the next time most of solids have settled and if I'm careful I can pour the tea colored solution off the "mud" that has settled out. If I'm using it for days or longer I'll put old barn tin over the trough when I'm not using it to keep critters out and evaporation down. If it evaporates down to a super saturated solution it will start to crystallize. Figuring out a way to drain your pond into a tank to keep it from becoming a problem in rain or if it springs a leak is something to think about.
How long do you let the log or lumber sit in the trough when dipping?
I have an old rv pump that I could use to pump the liquid out, when I need to.
Quote from: bucksnort on April 03, 2017, 01:36:43 PM
I have a bunch of logs that I need to treat, I was thinking about digging a trench with my backhoe and line it with a pond liner, lift the logs with tongs, dip, and then stack to dry. I don't know if it would be better than just spraying the surface with a garden sprayer.
I've done it and it works ok, but with some limitations. I use a 15% solution of Timbor in warm water and when the water starts to cool off I've experienced separation between the borate and the water.
If you had a way to run a heating hose in the solution it would be best.
Quote from: scsmith42 on April 04, 2017, 09:51:40 AM
Quote from: bucksnort on April 03, 2017, 01:36:43 PM
I have a bunch of logs that I need to treat, I was thinking about digging a trench with my backhoe and line it with a pond liner, lift the logs with tongs, dip, and then stack to dry. I don't know if it would be better than just spraying the surface with a garden sprayer.
I've done it and it works ok, but with some limitations. I use a 15% solution of Timbor in warm water and when the water starts to cool off I've experienced separation between the borate and the water.
If you had a way to run a heating hose in the solution it would be best.
Like 90 degree water? I suppose I could hook up a radiant heat tube in the trough and pump boiling water through the tubing recirculating.
Quote from: bucksnort on April 04, 2017, 10:12:01 AM
Quote from: scsmith42 on April 04, 2017, 09:51:40 AM
Quote from: bucksnort on April 03, 2017, 01:36:43 PM
I have a bunch of logs that I need to treat, I was thinking about digging a trench with my backhoe and line it with a pond liner, lift the logs with tongs, dip, and then stack to dry. I don't know if it would be better than just spraying the surface with a garden sprayer.
I've done it and it works ok, but with some limitations. I use a 15% solution of Timbor in warm water and when the water starts to cool off I've experienced separation between the borate and the water.
If you had a way to run a heating hose in the solution it would be best.
Like 90 degree water? I suppose I could hook up a radiant heat tube in the trough and pump boiling water through the tubing recirculating.
Usually I'm using water in the 120f or higher range. If you have a stationary power unit nearby, a heater hose loop may suffice.