by Cletus Pew » Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:55 pm
its been a bit since I posted updates..man i love this stove! such a simple design that works so good! Followed Matts examples for the 8" core and heat riser..i used 8" duct pipe for the center and 14" duct pipe for the outside. Now..one of my biggest concerns was how in the world do you know about your soil..how much sand..etc..well Living in southern middle tn that good ole red clay seemed to have a great mix of clay and sand aleady in it. just added straw and water and started packing...my best advice for those out there that like to research like I do...just do it...if you make a core like Matt shows and follow the basic instructions..i dont think you can mess this up. I did go ahead and build a partial manifold out of backer board but really it was just to hold the "cob" in place..put in a clean out right there and fed the exhaust through 20' of greenhouse...lol..the first firing i didnt have the exhaust riser on...just wanted to see what would happen...well it didnt draw great..but it did draw...and the greenhouse filled with smoke..not like from a traditional wood stove...vapor..it was like a fog..lol. i put the 90 degree elbow and riser up on it and away she went...talk about steaming up the cob! I have some pictures and will take some more and post them. I have not finished the bench but am using the method Matt did for outdoor benches by using backer board for the sides... since this in a greenhouse and will be getting watered..
Want to thank Matt for all the help and ideas and really everyone that posted ideas...just go for it guys...learn as you go..