Linda Questor

Hello John -
Sorry if I ask 'stupid questions'...but it's the only way I can understand how the build works and 'why'.  And Yes!  I am "Linda" - I'm an almost 78-year-old grandmother who prides herself in learning as much as I can - and using as much as I learn.  I'm really concerned about our future in the U.S.  I think there is a very good likelihood that we're going to be in really big trouble in the near future.  I'm trying to plan ahead for all possibilities...and that includes staying warm in the winter if we lose power in our rural area.  I've developed a lot of skills in my lifetime - as a lady home builder (designing homes, drawing blueprints & being on the construction site every day), as well as numerous arts and crafts, including woodworking - and knitting and quilting (my 'grandmother bit').  But HVAC, plumbing, and metalwork (including welding - wish I knew how to do THAT!) are my weak points, so I hope you don't mind if I follow along, and occasionally ask a 'dumb question',  ;D  Thanks again for keeping such a wonderful log of your ideas and work.  I'm sure you're going to create a great batch box core....and I hope to be able to duplicate what you do.
Best wishes -
Linda

Satamax - Thanks for the link!

John - Did I miss some of the discussion?  I thought Glenn had recommended that you use only the openings in the block as 'ductwork' - instead of putting a pipe through the holes - since heat would transfer better to the block without the pipe.  Soooo... Perhaps this pipe is meant to form only the EXHAUST pipe from the bell up and outside?  Is that right?  Thanks again - lovely work!    ;D

Before I could copy and save the information, I lost the link to Peter's calculations.  Could someone supply me with the link?  Thanks!

Help please?  I lost the link to Peter van DeBerg's calculations.  Will someone send it to me?  Thanks!  
Linda

Hi John -
Nice masonry job - for a fellow who is just doing his first project!   I'm watching with great interest - and plan on getting supplies this week.  It appears that you are building this INSIDE a pre-existing fireplace.  Is that correct?  (The shape and size looks right - but I don't see any evidence of a fire being burned in it - charring, black marks, etc).
You seem to have carpet pulled back, away from the block.  Will you replace it "around" the block outline, or just move it out of the way?  (I have a carpet 'problem', also)  ;D

Do you plan to post the size and amount of blocks and bricks you used?  It would be a great help!
Thanks!
Linda

Hi Eric -
Hmmm... a closed 'hot water system' - using 4" copper pipe?   Wouldn't I have to sell a kidney to buy that much BIG copper pipe?     ;D     As a retired lady home builder, the only experience I have had (that involves 'pipe') includes the old plumber's adage:   "Just remember that _____ doesn't run uphill."   Not very applicable for a 'steamless' system.  Using the video of Paul's gravel/rock system (that was built in his house), how would I a) install the pipe (i.e. the 'design' it would be laid in), b) attach it to the barrel and seal joints?  How would water be added before the system was 'closed'?   Maybe it might be easier to get an old water heater, for the 'water mass', place it on it's side in t he box, and fill around it with gravel.  What about a drain for the system, when it needs to be moved?    

Good grief!    This all seemed so simple when I started!    ;D  Thanks for your comments!  Maybe we can work this out after all!

You've made another good point.  Do you have any idea about how hot the pipes get?  Using a pond liner type 'rubber' or 'plastic' would leave an open top so a lot of steam would escape into the house.  That would be great for a greenhouse (we used to raise orchids) - but a little too humid inside a house!   Maybe I just need to go back to the rock and gravel fill.  

Could you break down how to build the box?  Here is how I visualize it:  a 'coffin size' wooden box that is mounted on locking casters....so they keep the box 2-3" above the floor.  You mentioned using cement board (you used another name) - on the bottom of the box.  You also suggested having a metal frame built to 'hold' the cement board - WITHOUT plywood.  Is that correct?  Would one thickness of the cement board be adequate, since it will not sit directly on the floor?   Would you also use cement board for the sides and ends?  The product I'm familiar with is 'breakable' - though it requires some pressure, compared to plywood.  

That said, I suppose the rest of it could be constructed like the gravel/rock unit that was built in Paul's house.  I'll review the video again.

Someone mentioned a possible problem with running the flue up through the chimney.  Since the pipe will be connected, all the way to the roof, I don't understand a possible smoke or draw problem.  What am I missing?

Again - thank you for your help.  It's starting to get chilly here - so I need to get busy!

Ooops - I think I was thinking about the 'hot water hose' that is used for hot water heaters and other HOT liquid applications.  Back to Google to do some more searching!  Thanks.

Thanks, John.  I'll check him out!   ;D

John and Peter -
Your conversations, photos and videos have been so very helpful to me!  Earlier today, I posted a request for information about a PORTABLE rocket WATER mass heater.  Glenn answered with some helpful suggestions, but I was wondering if this Match Box Batch Box would work with what I'm considering.  Also - is it possible to use a VERTICAL feed on a batch box?  We're in our 70's, and since we'd be installing this in some form of box (like the boxed gravel/rock fill), a horizontal feed would be difficult.  Any other suggestions you might make to help?
Thanks for all the time you nice people take to help others!   I'm hopeful that I can cut our $400/mon electric heating bill down a lot!  We're surrounding by woods - so it makes sense to use 'dead fall' for heat!  Once again, thanks!