Building a 'Low-Tech' Rocket Stove for the Homestead

[heavyhitterokra]

I really like this design because it is straight forward, using easily acquired materials that most anyone can find, and each step is very well explained, clearly photographed, and easy to follow.  This might become my next project, as I've seen many rocket stove designs using cinder blocks and old concrete blocks that are just not at all designed to stand up to the heat of the fire needed in order to fry fish or potatoes effectively without cracking the old concrete blocks.  The only suggestion that I might add, would be to 5/8" bolts as the skillet support rods, with nuts run up to the bucket surface to hold them in place, rather than using re-bar and tape as this guy did.

Here's the URL to the Rocket Stove video: 

Happy Homesteading and enjoy the outdoors more with your new Homemade Rocket Stove.

[macmex]

Can't look at it now, but I will soon. Jerreth and I made a rocket stove, using cinder blocks, some years ago. It was just okay. We love the idea though.

[rdback]

Interesting project. Might have to put it on the list.

Thanks for posting this Ron!

[heavyhitterokra]

I built one similar to this about a decade ago, using discarded 6" inch stovepipe, and a discarded stovepipe elbow. I used red clay mixed with straw to pack around the pipe, rather than concrete.

Since I was camped against a steep hillside, I was able to build the rocket stove into the hill, using the natural incline of the existing terrain and was able to hook a 60" inch length of stovepipe above the elbow to get a significant draw. It burned with such force that it was easy to see where the name, "Rocket Stove" came from.

It produced an enormous amount of heat for no more fuel than it used.  Problem was, with that much 'draw' it used up the fuel really fast!  It was a good, fast way to warm yourself up on a cold Winter's evening though.  We ended up building a dugout in that location and returning year after year to camp there, because of the stove we had built.  It was a lot of fun, especially on snow days and sledding trips.