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rocket mass heaters

New Build First Generation Batchbox 6" Double Brick Bell

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

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posted 1 month ago

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Gerry and I started serious work on the Studio Dragon today.
Four layers of both skins, are almost complete.
I made the outlet plate from 11 gauge steel and have it superwool gasketed and bolted down tight.
I used an 8" to 6" reducer to help funnel the gasses out.
I still need to custom cut the outer skin bricks to fit around the reducer.
By the end of the work day tomorrow, we hope to have at least the core stand in place inside the bell.

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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
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Gerry Parent

Rocket Scientist

Posts: 1824

Location: Kaslo, BC

530

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posted 1 month ago

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Getting back into the swing of laying bricks took a bit of time to remember some of the tricks I learned on the first go in Toms house but this time, having a laser line to help guide the placement has been a big help. Not having to pick up the level so often has been nice.

Creating the gap between the two brick walls was at first a bit concerning since I have never done a double skin before and was wondering if too much mortar would fall and partially refill the gap I was trying to maintain. Using a spacer inbetween for me kept getting in the way so I just learned to do it freehand and didn't worry about it.
Turns out, not enough fell to really matter. After the 4th double row, I feel like I'll just keep up with the same technique unless something else presents itself to try.
Tomorrow things should go a bit faster as Tom and I get back into the swing of slinging bricks and mortar.

Silence is Golden
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Phil Stevens

master pollinator

Posts: 2042

Location: Ashhurst New Zealand (Cfb - oceanic temperate)

655

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posted 1 month ago

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I was going to ask about the gap, Gerry. Some builders talk about sticking cardboard in there. Good to know you're managing not to dribble too much in the void. I suppose you could suck it out with a shop vac and a really narrow nozzle attachment or use a bit of thin scrap to get the chunky bits. But I can't see a little bit of excess mortar causing a problem in there.

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

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posted 1 month ago

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Day two.
We got a fifth layer put down today.
Filled in across the outlet box, where the inner skin bricks are supported by the 3/16 angle iron, and the outer skin is sitting on the 11-gauge steel plate.
Using 1" square tubing, I built a support under the plate steel to ensure enough support for the bell.
I cut a full inch off the crimped portion of my 8" to 6" reducer to allow free flow of gases into and out of the outlet box.
After determining the final height, I built and installed legs under the core frame.
We got the core frame set in place and a firebrick floor installed on it.
And then it was already quitting time!
A good day.

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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

John C Daley

pollinator

Posts: 5784

Location: Bendigo , Australia

523

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posted 1 month ago

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What is that gap between the bricks actually for?

John Daley Bendigo, Australia The Enemy of progress is the hope of a perfect plan
Benefits of rainfall collection https://permies.com/t/88043/benefits-rainfall-collection
GOOD DEBT/ BAD DEBT https://permies.com/t/179218/mortgages-good-debt-bad-debt

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

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posted 1 month ago

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It creates a thermal break, to allow close proximity to flammable items (4" to wood)

For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

Opal-Lia Palmer

Posts: 206

Location: North Idaho. Bonner County

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posted 1 month ago

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I like the red side too

thomas rubino wrote:Once this build is completed, I will have a place to display my new dragon art!
A gift of appreciation from Scott @ Iron Design L.L.C. in Iowa https://irondesigniowa.com/

I'm not sure if I will hang the red side or the black side.
Currently, I'm considering painting a square of bricks black and using the red side for display.

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

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posted 1 month ago

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Day three;
Today, we assembled the core and added three more layers to both skins.
I still need to bring the riser up to full height and wrap that end with superwool.
I had planned on reusing the original door and backing plate.
The door is fine. Unfortunately, although it is functional as is, aesthetically, the backing plate on this build needs to be much larger to cover the firebrick.
I will pick up a piece of steel to make a new backing plate the next time we go to the big city.

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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

I like...

posted 1 month ago

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Day four;
Today I got an IFB riser in place on the core.
Tomorrow I will wrap it with superwool.
Gerry now has eleven layers of both bells completed, and we are almost halfway!
Once we reach the level of the core, the bricks will rise quickly.

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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

I like...

posted 1 month ago

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Day five;
Today, I wrapped the riser with Superwool and secured it with stainless steel tie wire.
We bridged over the core, using SW gasket, and mortar to protect the plain clay bricks from excessive heat.
In the afternoon, I went to Sandpoint and purchased an additional 600 pounds of sand. If I use it all, that will make a total of 1200 pounds of commercial sand.
Gerry continued working while I went for materials.
We now have fifteen layers completed!
Over halfway!

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For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

Julian Adam

Posts: 65

posted 1 month ago

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Great work Thomas and Gerry!
And thanks (again!) for documenting so well.
I just noticed the height of your riser is proportionally lower than what I have in my head. Are you at 8B length?
Keep it up!

thomas rubino

master rocket scientist

Posts: 6868

Location: latitude 47 N.W. montana zone 6A

3807

I like...

posted 1 month ago

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Hey Julian, Thank you.
Riser is 36"

For all your Montana Masonry Heater parts (also known as) Rocket Mass heater parts.
Visit me at
dragontechrmh.com Once you go brick you will never go back!

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