I bought some second hand truck brake drums today, $20 each, to make a pot belly stove/heater. Cast iron, 18" across and weigh in at 50 kg each so I have a task in front of me. I can't weld CI but there are ways around that, I'm looking forward to the challenge and will post pics so as they say in the classics, "Watch this space".

Rob
Good luck with the project
regards Kevvie..

Looking forward to seeing it Rob.

Looking forward to it as well.
Had one in the yard for our sons 21st.
Late at night it was glowing red hot.

It was needed as it was mid July.

Sounds like a great plan PD, at 50kg. each, I guess will be a permanent fixture once it's constructed.
I recall CI stick electrodes being available, I think they were almost pure nickel which would make them pretty exy.
Two winters ago, the CI grate in our large, indoor pot belly corroded out so I built a replacement from heavy CI drainage grates using SS rods for welding.
It welded surprisingly easy provided I ground the surface oxide off the grating first.
Hope those truck drums don't have too much asbestos embedded in them.
M

Will follow with interest, during my apprenticeship I done cast iron welding with oxy using pure cast iron rods and braising as well. Need a controlled environment to get it right or it will crack on you. Cheers Bear

Sounds like an interesting project; looking forward to the updates.

Day one, still considering my options.

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I had a look on the internet and found this one.
https://shedblog.com.au/how-to-build-a-brake-drum-potbelly-heater-for-your-shed/

Joined the drums today with some 50mm flat bar then found some grill for the base, next step the flue and top plate. Thanks JC, I had looked at that.

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Did you get sick of moving camp ovens around the shed Poddy ? needed something else heavy to keep you occupied? ;D

I've been looking at another forum where it seems everyone is building a fire-pit or a brazier during the lock-down so I got enthused LOL, like I haven't got enough to do.

Some more progress pics, it's all coming together now, cut 12mm top plate to suit, welded in chimney with damper., next is base and ash tray.

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Well, that damper handle was a good ring spinner once.  ;D ;D ;D

Coming along amazingly well Rob.

Im in awe of people that can build their own firepit/pot belly. Most likely I would set the house on fire if I owned a welder.

Great stuff... post some pics of the finished product

Certainly will keep the heat in Rob are you bringing it to the next COG mate?

Bear wrote on May 25^th, 2020 at 6:37pm:

are you bringing it to the next COG mate?

I reckon when he has finished it he won't be able to move it at all. 😂😂😂

Very interesting Rob   ;D ;)

wonder how long steel car rims would last?

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