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How to apply an even casing layer?
Applying an even casing layer becomes increasingly difficult on larger trays, uneven substrate surfaces, or casings in the bottom of deep bins (shroomgod straw bins for example). Making sure that the depth of the casing is the same over the whole tray, regardless of the substrate surface being actually level or not is the goal of this tip. This can be done by using depth rings.
Materials needed:
1. Some type of tube (large diameter PVC pipe, tennis ball tubes, even paper
towel tubes or rings made of durable paper)
2. Utensil for cutting tube material
3. Ruler for measuring
4. One colonized tray of substrate ready for casing
5. Casing material of choice
Cut rings of large diameter PVC, tennis ball tubes, even paper towel tubes to the width that you want your casing depth to be (I'd say somewhere between .5 and 1.25 inches for most people, with deeper substrates calling for deeper casings). Make enough rings to spread out over the substrate surface without too much space between them.
Lay these rings over the substrate surface, then apply casing material of choice to the tops of the depth rings. Gently remove the rings after casing is applied. This ensures an even casing depth relative to the substrate surface. Simple really.
Oh yeah, the more level the substrate is to begin with, the easier things will be. But, nothing ever goes perfectly.
by mycofile



