Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Nov 20, 2007, at 8:46 AM, VAN DELL JORDAN wrote:

> I'm ready to put one in workshop, Just primarily
> wanting to know if anyone has knowledge I should be
> aware of when building/using one.

The typical barrel is thin-walled, doesn't last many years, depending  
on how much and how hot you burn it.

>   I imagine that the
> heat retention is not very much, so it will cool off
> faster than most stoves once the fire is out.

Yes. The double-barrel setup keeps a bit more heat and of course  
emanates more heat with each burn, but also causes more flu build-up.

>   Any
> serious fire risk, assuming used with reasonable
> precautions.
> Use in house?

I used one in a main room in house. Put on fireproof surface and keep  
well away from any flammable walls and furniture. I also used one in  
my basement under the kitchen. Burned it very hot, the metal would  
get cherry red. You have to learn how to make a fire last through the  
night. Before you get a good ash buildup in the bottom you should put  
some sand in there to keep from burning a hole in it.

Barrel stoves can use large pieces of wood, are good for cheap and  
fast, although cutting the holes and mounting the door and flu  
bracket takes some time. They take up a lot of space, don't last  
long, heat and lose heat fast, will not keep a long, unattended burn  
without experience.

If I should ever use another one I will use a heavier barrel than the  
typical.