A helping hand

Hi All;
Recently I rebuilt my shop stove.
I had excellent help from my brother rocket scientist Gerry Parent.
Disassembly with two people was easy.
Before Gerry left we reassembled the RMH but we only added one barrel.
We did this to ease the testing of different batch box roof materials.
After a month of testing, I was ready to finish the rebuild and add the second barrel.
To get that barrel up high enough I had to build a temp scaffold and struggle by myself to get that barrel lifted on top of the first one.
Then I needed to get my locking ring around both barrels without dislodging them.
I managed this alone on the first try but it was a pain in the butt.

Now, I'm using an idea from Gerry, I mounted a rope block and tackle above both barrels in the rafters.
A simple lite chain is bolted across the upper barrel and I will be smiling as I painlessly raise the upper barrel away to allow inspection of the riser or removal of the lower barrel!

When I lifted my top barrel, I secured the lifting rope to the barrel with 3 C clamps equally spaced on the top lip/ rim.
You mentioned you bolted a light chain across the top Thomas. Didn’t you tell me that you used vice grips as a removable way to attach the lifting rope to the barrel?

Anyways, glad it worked out well ...and yes, it certainly does make barrel removal SO much easier with one person whether you are strong or not.

Also this technique is a great solo way to easily lower the barrel into place exactly where you want it in a slow and controlled manner with 0 straining.

Although this technique works great for a single barrel too, it’s especially easier when you have a double barrel system (One barrel stacked on top of the other for maximum radiant heat into a cold workshop)