Glenn Herbert wrote:No matter where you are, you can probably find bricks, which will be a good material for building a rocket mass heater. Firebricks for the combustion core will last longer, but as this sounds like a short-term setup, you just need to be sure the bricks are not concrete-based, as that will disintegrate in RMH core temperatures. If you are in a remote area and have clay easily accessible, cob is a good reliable material. You can build a complete RMH out of cob - I have done it.
The easiest thing to build would probably be a J-tube inside a masonry bell (hollow brick box). A 6" equivalent size would probably suffice for warming and drying a basement, and is likely the most common chimney vent size to find.
Thanks buddy.
I think I'll go for a 6 inch batch box with a 5 (or 6) minute riser.
I might go for a steel barrel instead of a masonry bell.
I will build it outside first as a test (and to grill some food).
Couple or questions....
Can I make the firebox out of standard (reclaimed) red brick? Are some bricks better than others?
What
should I use as mortar?
I live in a victorian terrace house in Lancashire, England.
Our chimney is shared with the neighbour. It travels up 3 stories before it exits the roof.
Are there any considerations I need to make about using it to vent out the gasses?
Thanks again
M