Tim Straw

Thank you,Rebecca

Thanks all, for the input. I will investigate these ideas.
  Rebecca,do have any pictures of these kerosene burners? Maybe a link? I think they might use a pressurized fuel tank like the old camp stoves?
 

Thanks for the input. Will try soaking the wood . Hoping that someone has figured out how to deliver oil directly to the burn chamber.

I was wondering if anyone has had success with burning waste oil , in an RMH ? Preferably passive  ( no electricity or compressed air). YouTube hasn't been any help.
   I'm currently running a successful 8"RMH.
   Any ideas would be appreciated.
 Thanks.

As I build the TB from the ground up like " layering lasagna " I plan on building a structural straw cob retaining wall on the unsupported side of the bench ( other side is against a concrete wall )
1. Is this necessary for retaining a clay slip rock / brick / pea gravel TB ?
2. It's still not clear to me whether or not it is good to finish a TB with a layer of insulative material.
3. How thick?
4.Ratio of straw to clay slip by volume?

Thanks Glenn and Roy for your replies. Makes sense to have that thermal break.
So I'll create a thermal break, pile sand on until it just kisses the pipes,then build the thermal battery.
I don't have a enough of brick / rock to do all the thermal battery. What do you think about mixing pea gravel with clay slip to the consistency of concrete and pouring / packing it in. I think that this would be relatively quick and inexpensive.
Any ideas for a quick and inexpensive TB?

Everything I've read says be wary of CO leaks .Every seam I could reach is sealed both inside and out .

Thanks for the response! It's an already existing structure. It's a basement -earth backed wall and floor. So I will insulate. I have lots of sand on the property ( no clay ) that I can use to insulate the floor ( 2 to 4 inches ) but I have a feeling that man made insulation such as 2 inch foam ( then 2 inches of sand would be more efficient.

While a concrete floor and wall can make up part of a thermal battery, they can also be a path for heat to escape. Is it better to insulate the wall/floor or use it as part of the battery?