Gas Bottle Heater Advice

[cumbriasteve]

Hi Folks
I have decided next winter I do not intend to freeze my bits off in the workshop 7metres x 5 metres, so I reckon one of those gas bottle thingys will do the job ...I hope.

I live in a 'smokeless' zone so presume I will have to use smokeless fuel, the plan is to nip down the garden and light it, back up for brekkie, coffee, read of paper and argument with er indoors and then down to a warm or warmish workshop that has hopefully not burnt down..

Planning a 4" flue, would like 3" if it would work, a metal framed and rope sealed pyrex dish for the door, an air flow control of some sort and an ash pan, having it standing about 24" off a concrete floor on legs

Would a coal bed made out of 12mm mild steel round bar suffice or is this a bit thin, I think thats the only advice I need after reading a lot of the excellent posts....of course any further advice is always welcome at any time.

I will do a full photo shoot and post it.

 

[pedrobedro]

Seasoned wood is smokeless if it burns properly. Steel is not the best for coal grates as it warps with heat, corrodes and burns away. They are usually made of cast iron. 4" flue is a bit minimal for proper combustion, 5" would be better and 3" would be inadequate.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Thanks Pedrobedro, I will keep my open for an old grate I can modify.

 

[SC_BK]

What are you planning on burning? You don't want a grate when burning wood

 

[gav0994]

having a grate in the heater/stove will not make any difference when burning wood and will allow the ash to fall away into an ash pan and make cleaning the stove easier. Plus, having the grate will also allow you to burn coal if you want to.

I have an old cast iron stove in the workshop i use which was tucked away in the corner of my parents garage unused when they bought the house. It burns anything that can burn and is very effective at heating the workshop up. I used a 4.5 inch steel lamp post for the flue which works a treat-I have no problems with lack of draw or air flow.

 

[A.Gardner]

having a grate in the heater/stove will not make any difference when burning wood and will allow the ash to fall away into an ash pan and make cleaning the stove easier. Plus, having the grate will also allow you to burn coal if you want to.

I have an old cast iron stove in the workshop i use which was tucked away in the corner of my parents garage unused when they bought the house. It burns anything that can burn and is very effective at heating the workshop up. I used a 4.5 inch steel lamp post for the flue which works a treat-I have no problems with lack of draw or air flow.

i have just finished my 1st stove and also have a grate. it burns well and not much left at all after it burns out. today i cut a square out the door and welded in mesh in its place as i found it burned better with the door open a few inches to let more air in. i do have a air inlet in the side but dont think its big enough so i put the bit mesh on the door. must get some pictures up soon.

AG