"I bought a barrel (double thickness) from the local auto parts store for $20 (actually two at $20 a piece, as I also got the second barrel kit, which more than doubles the heat output).
After cementing in some heat transfer stones (you know the ones you use in your propane bbq broilers) with fireplace mortor, placing a narrow fireplace grate into the stove, I had a working wood stove.
I combined this with the 2nd barrel (Item# 16161) kit and a heat transfer unit (item# 172781), I had a way to heat the back half of my house using just scrap wood from the local tree trimming services and broken pallets from the local car dealer, printing shop and that auto parts place.
(Note: To anyone considering this, make sure you measure where your bottom barrel outlet is in relation to the end cap, and make sure you mock up the top barrel before drilling holes and cutting the transfer pipe between, or you will have an awful time getting the top barrel to work properly).
Placing an all metal rack (Make sure it's steel, not aluminum, or it will bend from the heat) a couple of feet above the 2nd barrel, allows me to dry out the next batch of wood, as well as humidifying the area when I have wet wood.
Cutting two duct openings into the floor about a foot on either side above the top barrel, and placing square contractors thermostatically controlled fans, allows all the extra heat from the top barrel to move into the upstairs living space. I combine this with an inexpensive house fan placed in the door of the room above the stove to move the heat to the rest of the back half of the house.
Adding a duct to cover the outlet of the heat exchanger and ducted upstairs (2nd story), as well as placing some internal ducting into the transfer unit (to prevent back pressure of the hot air), I had a wonderful way to slash my heating budget. All for less than $300. I have used it for two heating seasons, and I expect to be able to do this for years to come. A great set of products from Vogelzang and Magic Heat!"
What is your level of technical expertise? Home Handyman
