Replies

1. 
   exeric | Aug 09, 2017 04:42pm | #1

   Gregg, I sympathize with your predicament and would hope you don't have to go to the extreme of actually purchasing a force/2. You didn't say the depth of your framing to be filled was. I was in a similar situation to you as a DIYer trying to dense pack my wall. I don't know what the framing depth is of your construction is but in my situation I needed to fill 2x6 framing. I didn't trust the low end Cyclone machine for cellulose like they have at Home Depot but ended up with it a bit out of desperation.

   Surprisingly, it worked out fine and I ended up with a density of 3.6 lbs/ cubic foot after careful calculation of both the emptied bags and the cubic feet of framing filled. If you have no more than 2x6 framing I'm sure you could duplicate my results. It's possible it would even work for 2x8 framing.

   I'll explain: If you have the netting stapled as tight as you can and as securely as possible you have a good reference for the bellying out of the cellulose between framing bays. There is enough elasticity in the netting that even with the non-optimum Cyclone blower if you turn down the cellulose/air ratio with it's gate you can make the framing bays bulge way out. It just takes more time and more care. The tradeoff is that you then need to pack it back in with an aluminum roller. That also takes time and a fair amount of upper body strength. Probably the average professional installer wouldn't want that extra labor that entails but that's where diying rewards you. Compressing with the roller is how I got to 3.6 lbs/ft density. When I say it "may" also work for 2/8 framing I'm not saying it will work. I'm just guessing that if you are willing to belly it out even more and enduring the consequent labor of compressing it even more with the roller it might still work. At any rate, if I was in a similar position to you I'd give it a try if the framing is 2x8 or less. Good luck!

2. 
   JDuchek24 | Aug 09, 2017 10:31pm | #2

   I agree with Eric's thoughts. I also had a successful DIY experience with a Krendl 425 that I rented from Menards. (The Krendl 425 is more powerful than the Cyclone, but less powerful than the Force.) I dense-packed floor joists, which are a bit more forgiving than walls. More details here:

   https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/community/forum/energy-efficiency-and-durability/101926/dense-packing-cellulose-krendl-425

   As mentioned by Eric, preparation and a conscientious approach are probably more important. Make sure you have the right equipment to reduce the 2.5in / 3in output hose down to your 1.5in / 1.25in dense packing tube and cut the business end of your dense-pack tube at a 45 degree angle to help with the pushing and pulling.

   Assuming that you are using Insulweb or other netting, you'll be able to see and feel the results. You'll know your finished when the cellulose feels firm / bellies out and when you can no longer push and pull the dense-pack tube within the wall. If it doesn't get as dense as you feel it should be, you can always come back with Plan B.

   Go for it!

   Regards,

   Joe

3. 
   greggmastropolo | Aug 10, 2017 04:51pm | #3

   Eric and Joe,

   Thank you for the advice. Some of the areas are deeper than 2x8 but most is not. I might just give it a try following your suggestions. There are several places that have the FORCE/1 unit. I havent tried searching for a Krendle 425 and I suppose I could do that as well.

   I followed all of the advice in the video I saw from Bill Hulstrunk on putting up the fabric. I Had no trouble finding the stapler either. Never really anticipated having so much trouble finding a powerful machine. If you guys hear of anywhere else in New England I can rent a force 2 ...I am willing to drive.

   Thanks Again,
   Gregg

4. 
   Jon_Harrod | Aug 15, 2017 12:06pm | #4

   You can dense pack with a Force 1 _if_ it has been well maintained. You need 2.9 psi to get a good dense pack, which the spec sheet indicates it can provide. If in doubt about the machine, you can measure the machine pressure with an inexpensive air pressure gauge and a few cast iron fittings you can pick up at a box store.

5. 
   greggmastropolo | Sep 20, 2017 08:43am | #5

   Just a Follow up. Again thanks for all of your advice. I just wanted to let anyone else who may be a DIYer like myself looking to rent a powerful machine Dense Pack machine how things went for me. In short it went great! I was able to get in touch with the man who originated my quest to tackle this project on his informative youtube video, Bill Hulstrunk. He recommended I look into Accu-1 9300 machine, by Accu1 direct.

   They are based in East Longmeadow, MA on 138 Denslow Road, just a few miles off I-91. I used their 9300 machine, they rent it out by the day. The specs are comparable if not seemingly higher than the force 2, also it did not require special outlets, only required two 15 amp outlets. The owner and the manager were Mike and Chris respectively were very helpful and they gave me the machine with 150 ft of 3" hose, about 8ft of 2 inch hose, 1.25" id green braid Tigerflex hose with all the reducers and connections I needed as well as extension cords. All I had to do was bring a few good strong ratcheting straps and the pretty much too care of everything else. They were great to work with and I will use them again in the future.

   All is well that ends well!
   Gregg

6. GBA Editor
   Martin Holladay | Sep 20, 2017 08:52am | #6

   Gregg,
   Thanks for sharing your success story, and thanks for your recommendation and tip.