Build a Rocket Stove! a Welding Practice Project.

When you start out welding, it's often hard to find something to practice on. This is a super simple project that can be built with little more than a hacksaw and some sort of welder. By the time you're done, you will have welded more than 12 feet of joints.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools

The minimum complement of tools to make this is a hacksaw and some sort of welder.

Hacksaw
Grinder
Welder
Tape Measure

Materials

All of this is 1/8” flat bar except the last four pieces which are 3/16”.

Cut List

3 ea. 6 x 18” (sides)
1 ea. 6 x 9¼” (top front)
1 ea. 6 x 6” (bottom)
1 ea. 6 x 3¼” (bottom front)
1 ea. 4 x 10” (top of chute)
2 ea. 4 x 10” cut at a 45º angle so one edge is 10” and the other 6” (sides of chute)
1 ea. 4 x 6” (bottom of chute)
2 ea. 1½ x 12” These will be notched to interlock each other and the top of the stove. (grate)
2 ea. 1 x 5¾” (chute spacers)
3 ea. 3/16 x 1 x 12” Cut with 45º on both ends such that it forms a trapezoid. (side legs)
1 ea. 3/16 x 1 x 8¾” Cut with 45º on both ends such that it forms a parallelogram. (front leg)

Step 2: Set Your Foundation.

Begin by taking the three largest pieces and tack them together along their longest edge. Don't use a lap or butt joint. You want the pieces aligned so they form a bevel groove.

Do not weld beyond the tacks yet.

Step 3: Build the Stove.

The front is comprised of four pieces, with four additional pieces that make up the loading chute.

Tack the 6 x 9¼” piece to the top front, then tack the 6 x 3¼” piece to the bottom front.
The two 1 x 5¾" pieces narrow the opening for the 4" wide chute.
Next, tack the chute sides onto the opening then add the 4 x 10” piece to the long side of the chute and the 4 x 6” piece to the short side.
Finally, tack the 6 x 6" piece to the bottom.

Once it's tacked together, go back and weld the joints jumping around in no more than 2" sections so as to spread the heat out.

The legs are optional. Add them if you like.