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Rocket Stove Firepit, Oven, and Multi-Function Cooker update

 
pollinator
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Hey Permies, thought you all might be interested in the latest configuration of my outdoor kitchen. I'm currently working on some countertops and sink and such to make it a true kitchen, but here's where I am at so far. Seriously, will someone else please do this, it is so nice to sit around a fire with no smoke, cooking food, on a warm bench. Paul, want one at BC?

 
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Nice work Matt, It has really changed since your last update.
 
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Thanks for posting the update.
Would love to know more about how you're handling moisture protection - outdoor benches definitely need more attention this way in the rainy pacific NW. Do you have a roof over it, or just use water-resistant cements and grouts?

-Erica W
 
Matt Walker
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Hi Erica, thanks for the update request. I have been using the system again this spring and have been wanting to share how it's doing, so I'm glad you bumped this up.

I have found that I don't need any protection beyond the flat stones over the top. If I had detailed the bench top a bit more during the installation of the top stones, and paid particular attention to overhangs, I feel like it would last indefinitely. At least, in a way that I find acceptable. I understand that in this day of perfect modern finishes this would fall far short of acceptable for a lot of folks.

Anyway, I think it's important to remember that a system like this differs from traditional cob structures and what is necessary to protect them in that these have internal power drying systems built in. Also, the half barrels as internal bench support/molds means that the cob is pretty darn thin in section almost everywhere, so it doesn't have the capacity to hold water in deeply like a large cob mass would. I believe those two factors go a long way towards mitigating continuing decline, mold, and mushy bits.

I made a little video, rather than typing a long treatise, although it seems I've done a bit of that anyway! Hope this answers some questions.

 
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looks like its holding good. that makes me a little more at ease about building one. the weathering really was a worry.

nice video sir.
 
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Hey Matt, that is looking very nice! Definitely blends right in with everything. What would the effects of some moisture getting in the cob and then freezing? Do you have any frost issues?
 
Matt Walker
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Thanks guys, it is holding up well. Amos, I don't get a lot of frost but do have some consecutive days/weeks each winter below freezing. So far it hasn't been an issue, but I avoided putting tile on any horizontal surfaces for this reason.
 
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Rocket Mass Heater Jamboree And Updates
https://permies.com/t/170234/Rocket-Mass-Heater-Jamboree-Updates
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