My First RMH Build up and running! Cob bench, 6" CFB J-tube, Split Barrel chamber.

After months of head-scratching and labor (and a few sleepless nights), my first RMH is finally up and running.  Here are some photos and brief explanations.  This forum has been a huge help to me, so I hope to reciprocate by sharing my own experiences.  I will emphasize that I consider all of these results and conclusions tentative until I have a year or two to live with my dragon, it’s gonna take at least that long to judge the success, but so far, so good!
 
Here's the RMH so far, I'm firing it everyday, waiting for the cob to dry before applying plaster.  Total length is 126", bench length 80".

Second photo is the bones underneath.   I used a 6" CFB core purchased fromrocketstovecores.com, a 30 gallon barrel for the riser and for the manifold, and  two split barrels as a bell under the bench.  This shows the various temps I got with my first test firing.  

Rather than provide a detailed account of the build in one post, I'm going to post more details under specific topics, such as constructing a RMH on a raised wooden floor, planning and prep, creating a bypass, etc.   When I was building and referring to this forum, I found it easier to locate info I needed when it was listed by topic on the Subject line, rather than buried in a build description.  Hopefully this will be of use.  Feel free to post questions if you like.  

Congratulations Mark! Looks very nice indeed. Look forward to seeing the finishing touches and hearing about your experiences with all the details.  

Hi , i am building a 10 inches RMH in my house in argentina. Looking for differrent plasters to use. What are you using as plaster? Thanks!!

Hi Eugenia;
Big Welcome to Permies!   Congratulation's on building a RMH!
A ten inch!  Wow that is large!  Is it a J tube rmh ? Or is it a Batchbox rmh?
No matter what one you built, you are sure to be happy with it.

I do not have the answer you are looking for about plaster.  I am a builder not a finisher. I prefer the look and convenience of using red clay bricks rather than cob.
Plenty of others are finishers and will be happy to help you choose the right product.

We would love to see your RMH.   How about starting a new thread all about your stove!
If you do not know how to add photo's we will be glad to instruct you.

Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Come back often we have a lot of interesting subjects and a bunch of interesting people to chat with!

 
Post Today 3:11:42 AM     Subject: My First RMH Build up and running! Cob bench, 6" CFB J-tube, Split Barrel chamber.
Hi , i am building a 10 inches RMH in my house in argentina. Looking for differrent plasters to use. What are you using as plaster? Thanks!!

Hola Eugenia!  

I built with cob (sand & clay) and finished with earthen plaster followed by lime plaster.  The technique is to start with course materials and then use increasingly finer sand and lime as you go.  I finished with a polished lime fresco.  I'm happy to share more details on recipes, materials and good books if you like, let me know!

Mark, thanks for the pics.

I would love to know what you put under your barrels above the brick air channels.

I have been brainstorming this for months and I've come up with using Hardie board. What are you using?

Yes, I used Hardie board, it's the right stuff, way stronger than Durarock!

Hardieboard and Durock are both suitable for hot-but-not-burning applications. Hardieboard will weaken and disintegrate quickly when it gets too near flame, while Durock can stand more flame exposure before it weakens.

Mark Dumont wrote:Yes, I used Hardie board, it's the right stuff, way stronger than Durarock!

Thanks!

Because I already bought it!

Any other layers or materials there, or just Hardie board?