[Cob] wood stove

[Raduazo at aol.com]

The main problem with trying to replace a rocket stove with a wood stove in a 
cob bench is that they are designed to operate in completely different ways. 
A rocket stove is designed to operate at really high temperatures for short 
periods of time and to heat rock and cob in a bench. A wood stove is designed to 
heat air for a long period of time at very low temperatures.
    Think about this with a wood stove you come in to a cold room start a 
fire. In a few minutes the room is warm, you cut down the air supply and the wood 
stove operates at a low temperature for a long period of time producing all 
kinds of pollution. Running exhaust gasses through a cob bench will not change 
this scenario. The air will always heat up faster than the stone in the bench 
and while you may be saving some of the heat by running it through a bench the 
heat stored by and given off by the bench will be minor compared to the heat 
given off by the stove. To operate the stove at temperatures proper for a 
bench would mean intensely hot fires for short periods of time. It can be done 
with a wood stove, but it is not the best idea for comfort.
    By the way I have a 14 X 24 inch stainless steel tank that I picked up 
from the trash. It is a little on the small side for a rocket, but I think it 
will work. If anyone wants to try it is available. I live 6 miles south of 
Washington, DC.
Ed