AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL AND BEST CAMP OVEN AND OUTDOOR COOKING AND CAMPING FORUM

May 12^th, 2020 at 9:47pm

poddy dodger Offline
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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".

When I die I hope my missus doesn't sell my camp ovens for what I told her I paid for them. pd

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Reply #1 - May 12^th, 2020 at 9:56pm

Kevvie Offline
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Rob
Good luck with the project
regards Kevvie..

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Reply #2 - May 12^th, 2020 at 9:56pm

Derek Offline
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Looking forward to seeing it Rob.

Retired
Camp Oven Cook

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Reply #3 - May 13^th, 2020 at 7:21am

TBF Offline
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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.

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Reply #4 - May 13^th, 2020 at 8:48am

mikel Offline
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new england area nsw au, New South Wales, Australia

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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

life is a bed of gidgee coals and a camp oven

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Reply #5 - May 13^th, 2020 at 10:16am

Bear Offline
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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

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Reply #6 - May 13^th, 2020 at 4:12pm

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

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Reply #7 - May 13^th, 2020 at 9:00pm

poddy dodger Offline
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Day one, still considering my options.

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When I die I hope my missus doesn't sell my camp ovens for what I told her I paid for them. pd

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Reply #8 - May 14^th, 2020 at 10:40am

jclures Offline
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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/

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Reply #9 - May 14^th, 2020 at 6:00pm

poddy dodger Offline
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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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When I die I hope my missus doesn't sell my camp ovens for what I told her I paid for them. pd

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