Reserve ½ c. flour. Sift together 8 c. flour, salt and baking soda.
In a very large bowl or dishpan, mix rolled oats, sugar and ginger. Stir in shortening, molasses, eggs, hot water, sifted dry ingredients, raisins and nuts. Work dough with hands until well mixed. Add the reserved ½ c. flour if needed to make dough workable.