Heater "foundation"

As I get older, I look for ways to make life (and chores) easier. So the bottom of the firebox in the new RMH will be up at 20 inches off the floor.
I had considered waist level - but that differs so much even for members of immediate family.
And at some time, the kids may be tasked with manning the heater.

I'm pretty sure - with the supplies I already have - the easiest/simplest method is a double stack of concrete blocks.
I am, by no means, a finish mason. But I can mix and slop mortar as well as keep the wythes (layers) fairly level and square.
My skills should certainly be good enough for a 40x48 base (I did build the 30 foot double flue brick chimney).

So now my question ... if all the blocks are mortared together, is there any reason to anchor this block to the cellar floor?
If I don't need to, I'd rather not drill holes and pin into the existing concrete.
Thoughts?

Thanks!

The friction from all that mass sitting on the foundation will be enough to keep it from slipping... unless the floor is greased glass, perhaps

Randy Butler wrote:As I get older, I look for ways to make life (and chores) easier. So the bottom of the firebox in the new RMH will be up at 20 inches off the floor.

I'd prefer to have the firebox floor at least 2' from the living room floor. That way, one is able to sit on a chair in front of the heater while loading it. in my latest development model this distance is even greater: 70 cm or 27.55".
I will (hopefully) reach the age of 80 years in 6 months time, I know *exactly* what you mean.

Randy Butler wrote:As I get older, I look for ways to make life (and chores) easier. So the bottom of the firebox in the new RMH will be up at 20 inches off the floor.


I'm pretty sure - with the supplies I already have - the easiest/simplest method is a double stack of concrete blocks.


So now my question ... if all the blocks are mortared together, is there any reason to anchor this block to the cellar floor?
If I don't need to, I'd rather not drill holes and pin into the existing concrete.
Thoughts?

Thanks!

With this being in the "exterior" side of things ( outside of the firebox )  and if your using a tension frame for the fire unit itself,  And I know these are big ifs as everyone has things they like and don't like,  but for me, a tension frame with LEGS allows any height you desire.   Again this works for me, but might not be for everyone,  

The comment on GRAVITY being your friend, really works here as well,  as there is simpy NO force for any type of movement. A litte measuring and calculating goes a long ways.

best of success.
Scott

Peter - Congratulations - the brain still says 50 years old (I suspect the body says 50 with some extra experience).

I suspected I didn't need any further anchors than gravity and friction.
But nowadays, you never know what Mother Nature will throw at us next!
And Maine does have earthquakes - four in both 2024 and 2025, all less than 2.8.
I guess if we get enough shaking to disturb the heater base, I've got bigger things to worry about!

And yes Glenn, the floor is smooth, but it's concrete and far from polished (although there are likely to be splotches of oil or grease here and there)

Thanks for all the feedback, now to the mud mixing!