Introduction: Pot Belly Stove / Outdoor Wood Heater
Hi Guys
My First Instructable..
Here is my version of a typical "outdoor wood heater" built over the holiday break ready for winter in Australia.
This was a great little project where i could spent 4 days welding things together!
My build makes use of 3 old truck brake drums, scrap steel and water pipe offcuts for the ash tray legs and flue / Chimney.
Total cost of project under AUS $80
High Temp Paint $20
Gate Hinges $12
2x 6mm Steel Plate $30
Flue cowling $15
I hope you all find some inspiration and enjoy my photos!
Participated in the
Metal Challenge
19 Comments
Question 4 years ago on Introduction
Hey man I am gonna make one with brake drums aswell, you have inspired me heaps, I really love the idea of having a ash tray on the bottom, could you send me a video of it going in and out and is there is anything special inside to that design
7 years ago
Are the drums cast iron? If so how did you go welding them? And what sort of welding did you use. Very nice project that I am thinking of making for my major school project
8 years ago
So I want to make this, I wonder if you have a complete list of items used, and the measurements of all the pieces?
9 years ago on Introduction
hi what a ripper do you have plans that can be used to make something similar.looking around for something like that.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Sorry dont have an plans as such, I made it up as i went along..
10 years ago on Introduction
That is as good if not better than anything you could buy off the shelf from a manufacturer. Anyone have an idea how much would be the scrap value cost for such large brake hubs at today's prices? I want to source a couple for a home-made Blacksmith's furnace. How long did it take to do the cutting with the angle grinder? Many thanks for posting your project.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
not sure how much they would be for scrap, mine were all free - most places are happy to part with "junk" once they understand it's going to a good cause / project.. I'll post some pics of my forge soon - built from one of the spare drums
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
abut 7 - 15 cents a pound
9 years ago on Introduction
Where did you score the truck break drums???
11 years ago on Introduction
Awesome job mate, i have been thinking about this for a while now, and now that i have seen yours, its a definate
11 years ago on Introduction
Great build, really like the design.
11 years ago on Introduction
Very nice! Best looking diy stove I've seen. Cheers!!!
11 years ago on Introduction
Great job mate. I want one and will pass the idea onto my husband. Thank you for your contribution.
11 years ago on Introduction
A superb job, I'm glad to see someone else who isn't scared to weld cast steel. I bet that monster will hold some heat when it gets going!
I built mine from a 7.5 kilo butane cylinder and that kicks out an impressive amount... careful you don't melt ;)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for the kind feedback Quick-tune,
After it's "first burn" it took 24 hours to completely cool down,
My friends have all put in orders for one!
I would love to build a small more compact camping version from a LPG Cylinder, did you fill yours with water before cutting open?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Credit where credit is due my friend!, Yes I was taught to purge a tank by filling with soapy water making sure there are no air pockets, and leaving it to stand for a couple of hours before cutting/welding... It works for me as I still have my hair and eyebrows ;-)
How about using car brake drums next time?
11 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for your positive feedback and encouraging notes guys, it's wonderful to see like minded people out there all tinkering with metal.
11 years ago on Introduction
Excellent work, and that's some seriously thick steel to cut and weld! Nice job!!
11 years ago on Introduction
Congratulations, you are a good designer, good recycler, and good workman.