Chazmr

Welcome. I will warn you that you can waste, I mean "spend" a lot of extra time on here if you're not careful. LOL.

Very good finds! Most of what I see around here in pawn shops is either in real bad shape or else it costs almost as much as a brand new one.

Definitely want to see pics and know what you think once you've used it. Keep us posted.

Prag - Yes, I talked to Jeff. He was very helpful. Dennis - I was very concerned about the issue with the black filters coming apart after all of the comments I had read online, but I've talked to two different reps and both said Berkey changed the way they make the black filter a year or so ago. They now have a rim at the bottom that the filter material fits into instead of just being glued to a flat bottom piece. Reports are that the new design is holding up well. But that question is one of the reasons I wanted to talk to Jeff over the phone and discuss the issue. He was very up front about the problems they had with some of the previously designed filters and discussed at length the changes that had been made to solve the problem. I guess only time will tell for sure, but hopefully they've resolved the issue and I felt comfortable that they will stand behind the filters if there are any future problems. So far we're very pleased.

After doing a lot of research and asking a few questions during the thread on water a couple of weeks ago, we ordered a Berkey Light early last week. We got the black filters and the PF2 fluoride filters. And we bought a couple of the sport bottles to put in each of the vehicles. We ordered from http://www.directive21.com/. I called the toll free number since I wanted to confirm a few things. They were great on the phone and shpped the next day. Our water here in the Memphis area is pretty good for city water and we were already using a pitcher type filter, so we haven't noticed a big difference in the taste. But I am glad to get rid of the fluoride and other stuff in the water. Hopefully we'll see some long term health benefits from that. And I figure we're now much better prepared if I have to start carrying water from the small lake down the road in the event of a true disaster. At this point we've very pleased. Thanks to everybody here for their input and answers in the previous thread.

Lots of good suggestions already. I know our local police dept will have a car randomly cruise by several times a day upon request. And see if you can enlist some close neighbors to keep an eye out for strange vehicles in the drive and yard. We're convinced we've stopped a few possible break-ins in our area by having neighbors make it obvious that they're watching and making notes of any strange vehicles seen in the the area. Good luck, I hope everybody stays safe!

You make some real good points. Unfortunately snakes are the one thing that absolutely terrifies my wife. So if I see them out in the woods, I leave them alone to do their thing, but if they're up around the house or yard, they have to disappear.

I bet both of you will remember today for a long time. Most of us get too busy to stop and do those types of things with family and friends. Glad you both had a great day!

Looks awesome. So what time is dinner?

We're probably going to purchase the Berkey Light model (without the LED's). We like being able to see how much water is in the tank. I am still debating about which filters to get. I'm tempted to go ahead and just get the black filters and be done with it. But I've alsothought about using a set of ceramic filters now since I'll just be filtering tap water. And then having a set of the black filters available as a backup if I ever need to fill it up with water from the local pond or creek. The ceramic filters are cheaper and look like they might be a little more durable. For those of you who have a Berkey, which filter are you using? Any insight I'm overlooking here? Thanks, Chazmr

I went to the local gun show yesterday morning and there was a Berkey dealer there! So I had a chance to actually look at the different models, compare the sizes, and ask a few more questions. I think I'm sold. I'll probably be ordering one within the next 2 weeks. All of the input here was very helpful. Thanks!

Looks like ya'll had a really good time. I just hope it's cooler there than it is here in West TN. I can't imagine working around that forge this time of year, but I bet it would be great in January!

Very creative. Well done.

That's great. And unfortunately too often true. The local news was showing that clip of the two punks trying to rob the internet cafe in Ocala FL a week or so back. The announcer said the older gentleman fired "12 rounds from his 38". They just don't have a clue, and clearly they don't even have anybody on staff who has a clue!

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

For those of you that have the Big Berkey model: I like the looks of the stainless steel,as well as the expected longevity, but it seems like it would be difficult to know how much water was left in the lower compartment, unless you purchase the spigot with the sight glass. And then if you put more in the top than the bottom will hold, I'm assuming it would overflow, wouldn't it? I was leaning towards the Light Berkey (without the LED) for that reason. It might not look as nice sitting in the Kitchen, it probably won't last as long, and it's not as portable since the top doesn't fit inside the bottom, but at least you can see exactly how much water is left. What has been your experience using the stainless steel models? Is this an issue, or am I making this more complicated than it needs to be (it wouldn't be the first time that happened. LOL)? Does anybody have the Light Berkey? Thanks, Chazmr

Good for you. It's always nice to see hard work rewarded. Congratulations on your promotion. I'm sure you'll be really, really busy for a while now!

I was just about ready to purchase one of these, but I've been a little put off by the number of complaints I see online regarding the black filters coming apart within a fairly short period of time. It sounds like you've been real pleased with yours. Have you had any problems with the filters at all? Thanks, Chazmr

Great story. Very well written. Sounds like you've definitely got the making of a great companion for years to come. Thanks for sharing the story and pic.

Looks sweet. Now you'll have to let us know if it shoots as good as it looks!

Very good job. I applaud your creativity. I especially like the wood furniture. That's definitely one of a kind. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

Wow. Definitely hope you didn't mess up any nerves with that cut. Sounds like that thumb has been cursed by somebody. You should definitely keep it away from sharp objects. Hope it heals quickly with no complications.

Way to go Christopher! Sounds like he's learned some great life lessons over the last few months. You have a right to be very proud of him! Awesome job. Thanks for sharing the pictures and the story.

There is something to be said for consistentcy!

Real nice collection. I've had my eye on a Becker BK7 for awhile now, but haven't bought one yet. One day soon. Thanks for sharing!