David Hughes

I've read occasional posts referring to rocket stoves being used in two story homes. I'm sure the climate I'm in (NE Oklahoma) doesn't have the prolonged periods of freezing temps that a lot of the folks are accustomed to further north, but my question is, if I have a basement approximately 18X32 with the main house having a dimension of 32X40, would I, could I, or should I consider putting a RMH in the basement with the mass section of the stove contained in the main part of the house (32X40)? Or, stated another way, how best can I heat the main part of the home while still generating some heat for the basement. Or am I trying to get more than is intended for a RMH? Considering the temperature benefits of a basement, should I just have a secondary stove or heat source for the basement and dedicate my resources for the the RMH for the main part of the home, the 32X40? Thanks for your insight!!! David

Thanks so much Eric and Judi Anne!! I understand the principle of needing mass with higher temps generated with the rocket stove vs. the conventional wood stove now. I'd mistakened the burn time, thinking that smaller amounts of fuel (smaller portions of wood) could possibly last as long as 3 or 4 logs in the conventional wood stove...Wrong!!! Wishful thinking I suppose. So, I get it better now and with Judi Anne's help with other design models I think I can proceed with incorporating mass with a design that better fits my decor. Thanks again!!!

I'm a newbie on the forum, and to rocket stoves as well. Glenn H. addressed a question re: a formula, etc. for a stove used in an aquaponics application. It triggered a couple questions in my mind since I'm trying to get my mind around the principles of rocket stoves. Does the area around the j-tube structure (pipe with insulation making up the feed tube and riser) have to be in the neighborhood of 2", or what space does that need to be in relation to the j-tube structure? Ex., if I have a 6" OD j-tube, then 2" or 3" of vermiculite, mortar, etc. around the j-tube (insulation), could I then have more than 2" between it and the outside of the barrel or whatever I come up with to use for the unit? I'm thinking more like a conventional looking wood stove, possibly larger pipe and maybe even plate welded up in the shape of a square, with the exhaust exiting at the bottom like the rocket stove typically has. The stove would be used as a heating unit in our house. I just don't want the 'mass' look of barrel, masonry couch, etc., just a stove to heat about 1200 sq. ft.

Thanks in advance for your responses, David

Hey Glenn,

I'm a newbie on the forum. Thanks for answering the question re: the aquaponics inquiry. Your response however, triggers a couple questions in my mind since I'm trying to get my mind around the principles of rocket stoves. Does the area around the j-tube structure have to be in the neighborhood of 2", or what space does that need to be in relation to the j-tube structure? Ex., if I have a 6" OD j-tube, then 2" or 3" of vermiculite, mortar, etc. around the j-tube, could I then have more than 2" between it and the outside of the barrel or whatever I come up with to use for the unit. I'm thinking more like a conventional looking wood stove, maybe even plate welded up in the shape of a square, with the exhaust exiting at the bottom like the rocket stove typically has. The stove would be used as heating unit in our house. I just don't want the 'mass' look of barrel, masonry couch, etc., just a stove to heat about 1200 sq. ft.

Thanks in advance for your response, David