1/2 Cups Brake drum pot belly heater build.

1/2 Cup · Nov 22, 2013

I guess heating your garages would be fairly topical at the moment so I thought it was time to share my pot belly build I did last summer.
Its not that I really needed a wood heater in the shed as it has reverse cycle air conditioning anyway, but came about after seeing a few of my mates building them for their garages and saw it as a challenge to firstly go one better and then build one with character and charm.
I have got to fess up to having a soft spot for all things "old cast iron" and that's where the inspiration came from.

I will let the pictures tell the story. As this is my first thread that I have started about the stuff I do please bear with me, hopefully it will be the first of many.

View media item 35125I purchased this old Windsor unit from my brother several years ago in the hope I could resurrect it at some point as I loved its classic lines but was in pretty poor condition.

In the meantime I was offered a couple of brake drums from a low loader that were going for scrap and promptly snapped them up as you do, they sat at home for months until my better half kept asking what I was going to do with them and to put in to her words "the place is starting to look like a recyclers yard". Done deal I will build a heater! just because I can.

I don't do plans, well maybe the odd sticky note and loads of inspiration.

It started with the base, as I had an unmatched set of cast iron display cabinet feet that just screamed out "repurpose me please" and some 3/8 and inch plate that a mate did some circle work on, I don't own a plasma cutter, just a gas axe and several grinders.
View media item 29628 View media item 29626
I "found" some railway sleeper cleats that I used for additional support behind the feet.

D.J. · Nov 23, 2013

Nice worko n the stove, I guess you mae the fence also?

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

Next came the ash tray locating ring.
View media item 29627
Some years ago I built a flat steel roller that I used to roll the ring and many other parts.
View media item 34657One of the key things I had in the back of my mind during the build, due to its weight, that the heater be fully demountable.

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

D.J. said:
Nice worko n the stove, I guess you mae the fence also?

The fence is one of my creations, I just love building stuff!

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

View media item 29623The ash tray and door assembly.
It was basically hewn out of a short piece of 12 inch x 3/8 pipe with some decorative rings added for character.

The door hinge was made from 3/4 shaft collars stitched in place with a removable stainless hinge pin.

View media item 29636
This pic shows the preassembly of the base to the bottom drum.
I fitted 2 x 1 inch mild steel dowels to locate the drum centrally on the base using the lug nut holes.

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

Machining the vents in the ash tray door.
View media item 29629

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

The base and ash tray ready for high temperature paint.
View media item 29630

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

Painted, also gives a bit more detail on the locating spigots and door hinge.
View media item 29631

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

Misc. bits.
View media item 29635Drum jointing ring. 2 x 1/8 mild still flat.
View media item 29633Hot plate and spigot.
View media item 29634Drop in grate minus locating lugs.
View media item 29632
The Hot plate

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

View media item 29637Preassembly, again. Those drums are heavy!!

anthony666 · Nov 23, 2013

man .. you don't mess around .. that thing is awesome :bowdown:

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

View media item 29638
Cutting the hole for the flue proved a bit of a challenge as I don't have a plasma cutter.
I made a template and carefully scribed the out line due to the curves, drilled a series of holes the basically used a jigsaw to do the cutting between. I was surprised just how effective it cut the cast iron at low speed. I then dressed it up with a 4" as I am using a 4" **** weld elbow to transition to the flue.

Bronson · Nov 23, 2013

theoldwizard1 · Nov 23, 2013

I had no idea the brake drums on trucks/trailers were THAT ENORMOUS !

Great job cutting that hole for the flue !

e30bradley · Nov 23, 2013

how much for one shipped to NJ USA? Ha just kidding. Really nice stove though. How cold does it get where you are?

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

anthony666 said:
man .. you don't mess around .. that thing is awesome

Thanks very much anthony666 :thumbup:

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

Thanks for the feed back guys. :thumbup:

Our temperatures range from plus 40 degrees c down to below freezing. It does not snow where we are but comes pretty close at times.
We are into spring at the moment with temperatures ranging from a cold 10 degrees c
up to a very comfortable high 20 degrees c during the day. From here on in we can get some pretty warm to hot days, air conditioner time believe me.

Its fairly cool and overcast here this morning (Sunday 24th), jumper weather.

NUTTSGT · Nov 23, 2013

What's the plan for the flue ? Welding some tubing in for the attachment of chimney pipe ?

EOC_Jason · Nov 23, 2013

Very cool so far.

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

I have decided not install the heater in the garage and it will ultimately end up in an undercover out door BBQ area.
A mate of mine has some 4" stainless tube that I will use for the chimney and a neighbour picked me up a suitable cowl that was in really great condition at a garage sale a few weeks ago.
I am using a 4" sch 40 long radius **** weld elbow that will incorporate a "throttle choke" and have machined and welded in a transition piece to adapt to the chimney.
The main reason for this is the heater is fed through the hot plate opening and I did not want to inhibit the opening in any way.
Very much like the Old Windsor I have.

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

View media item 29639
The "throttle choke shaft" and butterfly.
The shaft is 3/4 " mild steel rod that I slotted by hand to fit the butterfly as the mill at work was out of action, damn near a days work mind you!
The butterfly is 1/4 " thick, cut over size and will be hand fitted to the **** weld elbow so that the seating angle sits nicely .

View media item 29640
The butterfly locating screws.

View media item 29936
Assembled, ready to tack and weld the shaft collars in place.

1/2 Cup · Nov 23, 2013

View media item 29937
A little more detail in regards to the shaft collar arrangement, showing the spring loaded positioning detents. This allows the choke to be set in a number of spots to manage the burn a little better.

1/2 Cup · Nov 24, 2013

View media item 29938
Assembly completed, ready to weld into the drum.
Also note the chimney transition and handle are fitted as well.

ambenz · Nov 24, 2013

Lots of great ideas here to upgrade my outdoor patio chimea.
Subscribed!
I just love the feet and base, the beefy ash door and vents.
I can just imagine what your gonna do for a fuel door!!!!
The grate is nice and strong looking too.
My pot metal grate broke this fall, I'll be commissioning a new metal grate in the spring, maybe like yours.
Awesome build so far...can't wait to see a few hard wood logs turning the sides cherry red!!!!

1/2 Cup · Nov 24, 2013

anthony666 said:
man .. you don't mess around .. that thing is awesome

Bronson said:

e30bradley said:
how much for one shipped to NJ USA? Ha just kidding. Really nice stove though. How cold does it get where you are?

ambenz said:
Lots of great ideas here to upgrade my outdoor patio chimea.
Subscribed!
I just love the feet and base, the beefy ash door and vents.
I can just imagine what your gonna do for a fuel door!!!!
The grate is nice and strong looking too.
My pot metal grate broke this fall, I'll be commissioning a new metal grate in the spring, maybe like yours.
Awesome build so far...can't wait to see a few hard wood logs turning the sides cherry red!!!!

Thanks very much for the feedback. :thumbup:

The fuel door is through the opening under the hot plate which simply slides to one side and you drop the wood straight in.

The grate was fairly simple to build, I tend to over do things at the best of times. I kept things as simple as possible, easy to remove and replace if required.

I learnt a lot from pulling apart the old Windsor heater.

The other thing I think is a must is to clean it after use and not let the ash get damp which seems to really eat into the metal.

Garage Coffee Roaster · Nov 24, 2013

Very Cool. Woodstoves are great for putting out the heat fast and warming up a space.

1/2 Cup · Nov 24, 2013

Garage Coffee Roaster said:
Very Cool. Woodstoves are great for putting out the heat fast and warming up a space.

Once you get the things burning right they throw out the heat and maintain it as well. Nothing nicer on a cold night.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

View media item 29941
All assembled and the first test burn, cold night and relaxing with a glass of red. I even put the kettle on for a cupper later.

View media item 29942
Ready for installation.
I still have to accessorize with poker, lid and flue handle and ash shovel.

HOTFR8 · Nov 25, 2013

What a great piece. I wonder if you looked at mine that day you called ?
Still I like those legs. Every Aussie Shed needs a Truck Brake Drum heater :thumbup:

.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

HOTFR8 said:
What a great piece. I wonder if you looked at mine that day you called ?
Still I like those legs. Every Aussie Shed needs a Truck Brake Drum heater .

I am always on the lookout for ideas, better ways of doing things and inspiration. And yes, your heater was duly noted. :thumbup:

I picked up another set of legs (6) at the Cobram swap and a die cast set from Ebay recently.

HOTFR8 · Nov 25, 2013

I think I need to repaint mine this summer as yours looks so good. I'have to post a photo of my outdoor heater as it is a round metal basket out of a waste drain system with legs similar to what you have used. Yes my heater needs a coat of paint

.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

HOTFR8 said:
I think I need to repaint mine this summer as yours looks so good. I'have to post a photo of my outdoor heater as it is a round metal basket out of a waste drain system with legs similar to what you have used. Yes my heater needs a coat of paint .

Post a pic of your outdoor unit - always looking!

Mine could be used as a fire pit as well by removing the top drum.

I tried heat proof paint, cost $18/rattle can followed the instructions to the letter - HUGE FAIL,
In the end I have just used stove black, somebody even suggested black nugget??? :headscrat

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

View media item 35440
The hot plate handle arrangement - finished and Shelby the garage guardian.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

To follow;

Matching accessories.

Lessons learned form the build.

HOTFR8 · Nov 25, 2013

1/2 Cup said:
Post a pic of your outdoor unit - always looking!

OK, tomorrow when I have time :thumbup:

.

Jim_No_Garage · Nov 25, 2013

1/2 Cup said:
View media item 35440
The hot plate handle arrangement - finished and Shelby the garage guardian.

I'm blown away by the skills represented in this thread. That is an awesome stove . . . Thanks for sharing and hopefully encouraging further creativity.

Shelby looks like she wants the heater lit so she can plunk down on the ground nearby and bask in the heat. Is she a specific breed of dog or just a mix?

Cheers

Jim

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

Jim_No_Garage said:
I'm blown away by the skills represented in this thread. That is an awesome stove . . . Thanks for sharing and hopefully encouraging further creativity.

Shelby looks like she wants the heater lit so she can plunk down on the ground nearby and bask in the heat. Is she a specific breed of dog or just a mix?

Cheers

Jim

Thanks Jim for your comments. :thumbup:

Shelby is a Belgian Sheppard, she is an extremely high drive kind of dog, loves in the shed and gets pretty creative in moving stuff around if you do not pay her enough attention.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

Off the topic I know, but since the question was asked, here is a another pic of Shelby

View media item 31948

HOTFR8 · Nov 25, 2013

1/2 Cup said:
Post a pic of your outdoor unit - always looking!

As promised.

View media item 35461
I usually place it in the middle of the gravel drive way to use it.
Legs need another coat of paint.

1/2 Cup · Nov 25, 2013

HOTFR8 said:
As promised.

View media item 35461
I usually place it in the middle of the gravel drive way to use it.
Legs need another coat of paint.

Thats sweet, its just amazing the similarity between the two in terms of the feet.

1/2 Cups Brake drum pot belly heater build.

Member Emeritus

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Banned

Member Emeritus

Banned

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Banned

Well-known member

Member Emeritus

Member Emeritus

Banned

Member Emeritus