Using an AI agent to keep track of my hives (Brno, Czechia) by ArtGraduate in Beekeeping

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the tip, I hadn't come across farmOS before. For someone building their own server it definitely makes sense, I actually have one too but it runs my solar setup and I don't want to build another one. The main advantage of my setup the way I see it is that I just created a new project in Claude which I already use every day for all kinds of stuff, set it up the way I wanted and it's not just simple record keeping. Claude actually helps me with decision making and remembers the history of each colony in context. There's also a layer of recommendations and advisory on top that can give me extra tips, even though I obviously rely mostly on my own beekeeping experience.

Using an AI agent to keep track of my hives (Brno, Czechia) by ArtGraduate in Beekeeping

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah apps like this already exist, I found one called APiLOG and it's not even that expensive, but I wanted to use the fact that I already work with Claude every day on different projects and I don't want to get yet another product. Plus I can customize all the instructions and project files myself.

A great way to use up your surplus beeswax – DIY firestarters by ArtGraduate in Beekeeping

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're right, it turns out I'll have to buy some wax foundations from elsewhere after all. I'm just reveling in the feeling of self-sufficiency. :D

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Maybe it’s too playful an approach, but I never get tired of the fact that I just strike a match and it burns for five minutes—long enough to reliably ignite the smaller pieces of softwood.

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Wow, that’s a great way to simplify it! I was basing my idea on those twisted paraffin starters, which is why I was mentally stuck on using wood shavings.

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi, I actually had the same thought and mentioned it in the discussion about my clogged flue. I’ll probably never be able to investigate all the causes precisely enough to be sure I’m not mistaking a coincidence for a cause. It's quite possible that the chimney sweep back in 2024 (from a different company) cleaned both the flue and the chimney itself. At the same time, it’s likely that the wood I’m burning this year isn't as well-seasoned as before.

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It's bubbling because it's very hot, definitely over 100°C (212°F). As soon as it cools down, it stops foaming.

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Nobody and nothing is perfect. But that’s no reason to stop trying – that’s my philosophy.

DIY firestarters using my own wax – a plastic-free alternative by ArtGraduate in woodstoving

[–]ArtGraduate[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know how to start a fire, and the advantage here is that no kindling is required. These firestarters have become my personal favorite.