I had a fleeting idea for a project...is it possible?

Rocket tech is not my forte, but I want it to be something that I understand enough to do.  So with that in mind, I will be asking all the stupid questions with hopes of expanding the rockety parts of my brain.

First potentially silly question...could one use the trash burner for a rocket project?

Like this one:




Second potentially silly question...what is the smallest rocket mass heater style out there?  

Third silly question...If you're starting from scratch and planning to use a barrel or steel drum...are there any types of barrels you wouldn't want to use?  Like something that might have been stored in there?  Are oil drums ok or do they need to be thoroughly cleaned?

I appreciate your patience and thank you for your help wrapping my brain around this.  As far as I know, there is no one in my area that has rockety stuff for people to look at, so I want to get something installed here for people to check out if they are interested.

Hi S;
Using a trash burner has been done, but I believe there was a fair amount of metalwork and fitting of firebricks to accomplish it.
Much simpler to build one out of bricks.
Having spent 6 months working in the Yakama valley last winter, I realize the difficulty of finding items there.
Spokane has it all only a short road trip away (well, short by western standards).

The absolute smallest RMH you would want to attempt would be a 4" batch box.
With J-Tubes a 6" is the smallest that is sure to rocket.

If you have not played with rockets before I suggest getting 40-50 home depot solid clay bricks and building rocket stoves, not RMHs right away just learn about rockets.  
After you master that, then we can talk about "Putting the barrel on".

speaking of barrels most all are ok. I have heard of some food-safe barrels with a plastic coating sprayed on you might avoid those.
Oil barrels are fine all residue will be burnt off.  
A removable lid is invaluable!  Really worth the time & money to locate one you will appreciate it later!

Thanks, Thomas!  I really appreciate your input.  

Spokane is a nice town, always looking for a reason to visit  

The more I read and watch, the more I agree with you about starting with a stove.  I'm usually the go big or go home type of gal, but I think I might take your advice on this one.

I hope you had a great holiday!  I'm sure I'll have a lot more questions on the way

thomas rubino wrote:Hi S;
Using a trash burner has been done, but I believe there was a fair amount of metalwork and fitting of firebricks to accomplish it.
Much simpler to build one out of bricks.
Having spent 6 months working in the Yakama valley last winter, I realize the difficulty of finding items there.
Spokane has it all only a short road trip away (well, short by western standards).

The absolute smallest RMH you would want to attempt would be a 4" batch box.
With J-Tubes a 6" is the smallest that is sure to rocket.

If you have not played with rockets before I suggest getting 40-50 home depot solid clay bricks and building rocket stoves, not RMHs right away just learn about rockets.  
After you master that, then we can talk about "Putting the barrel on".

speaking of barrels most all are ok. I have heard of some food-safe barrels with a plastic coating sprayed on you might avoid those.
Oil barrels are fine all residue will be burnt off.  
A removable lid is invaluable!  Really worth the time & money to locate one you will appreciate it later!

Are these the right ones to play around with?  I've decided I'm going to learn this, come hell or high water :)   correct clay bricks?

Hi Trace;
Yes, those are the correct ones. For learning, they will do great.
The exact ones I used in my outdoor kitchen and the B/W oven build.
While at Home Depot pick up a couple of bags of this sand,  
https://www.homedepot.com/p/SAKRETE-100-lb-Silica-Sand-65200396/207136556
It is the best I've used for mortar.
Any dry-bagged clay will work to play.
Fireclay is preferred to be used in high-heat areas.
It is easily purchased in Spokane.


You will both eventually want to purchase firebricks for a permanent build.
In your case S,  White Block,  in Spokane has sacks of fireclay & brand new firebrick for 2-3$ each.
Please do not buy them from a box store or a stove store.
Trace look for a masonry supply house in a larger city near you.