How Do You Build A Barrel Stove?
Homeowners build barrel stoves as an inexpensive alternative to more expensive prefabricated wood-burning stoves. You can build a barrel stove from scratch or obtain a kit that includes a door, legs and damper collar. You must supply a 30- to 55-gallon steel drum whether you buy a kit or build the stove from scratch. Obtain a 55-gallon steel drum. Yard sales or flea markets and some companies offer empty and refurbished steel drums for sale. Make sure the drums are not rusting and do not have deep dents or holes. Turn the barrel on its end and cut a 10-inch opening in the lid, according to Mother Earth News. Cut a 6-inch hole to accommodate a 6-inch black stovepipe. Locate the hole centered at the top back of the barrel. A stovepipe serves as ventilation to allow smoke to escape from the stove through the house roof. Smooth any rough edges with a metal file. Drill holes in the opening of the lid to match the pre-made holes in the cast-iron door. File off rough metal shavings if necessa
