SteveB wrote:
I am getting ready to buy/build 55 wood stoves for my shop. I see the
single stackers, the doubles, all kinds. The shop is roughly 15360. It
is 40 x 32, 8' high, roof varies from 2' to 6' above that low slope.

I like it warm. I wouldn't mind having two stoves, and take them out
and switch them with the swampers each year.

I see Wolfzang (sp?) stoves, and their ilk, which is just a pretty well
sealed up 55 gal barrel. I see others, with what looks like varying
degrees of craftsmanship, mass of metal in components, differences in
vents, and a few things that makes one better than the other, as in
thicker metal, more bolts, more vents, etc.

What makes a good wood burner, and what is good to look for? Are the
more expensive ones inherently more efficient? And just what does the
second barrel do, other than provide greater surface area? And would it
be possible to mount the second top barrel somewhere other than directly
over the lower one to take heat to another portion of the shop?

Just how airtight are these? Is it necessary to monitor them very
closely with CO detectors, or is the inherent leakage of a hobbyiist
built enclosure safe enough?

Would one single stove be enough? Two singles? Two doubles?

And just how often does one have to paint these? In my area, I can get
pristine coconut oil barrels for $10 each with lids, so changing them
over the years would be probably easier than keeping up with a swamp cooler.

Class?

Steve


I built one like these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g9KL_59J_k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIjXH1bEWgA

Mine is set up a bit different. I used a 275 drum, then double walled
the bottom and installed fire brick. The double walls extend to the top
of the sides. Also used some steel to make a baffle that channels the
smoke to the end of the stove, then up over the tubes and out to a
second heat exchanger. Then out the chimney. Heats a 30X40 with 12'
walls just fine. Plus with an add-on I burn waste oil as available.

My first one used the cast door kit from Vogelzang because I had one.
Worked OK but the size was restrictive. Built the next door out of some
1/4" plate and reinforcements. Worked much better. Also added a small
fan on the air inlet to give a faster start-up from cold.

--
Steve W.