If you have ? just holler and I will help if I can.
Hey Jackel. I've looked at your build pictures over and over. Awesome build, and many thanks for keeping us all informed. Your work has sure helped a lot of people out in understanding gasification boilers better.
I've got a build in mind and have a quick question in mind. I see you put a bypass in, but I've seen other models that don't have the primary burn chamber with a bypass in it. Do you think a by-pass is always necessary?
Thanks again!
sixmenn
Yes I think a bypass is a good thing to have.When you load the stove you get less smoke coming back out at you while its running.I mean even when the blower is shut off.Open the by pass and then load wood.You get less smoke in your face.I also like the ability to open the bypass and run it like a conventional boiler.I wouldn't build one without it.
Excellent advice
A bypass also makes lighting easier. Start a small fire with some kindling with the bypass open, place a few larger pieces of wood on top of that and let it burn for about ten minutes with the bypass open, fill it full, close the door, close the bypass, and walk away. Where it burns like a normal burner the heat rises and ignite the larger pieces above the fire and gets you a bed of coals more quickly and more reliably.
A bypass also vents out the gasses that build up inside the chamber. Gassification releases hydrogen and carbon monoxide which are both very flammable. If you don't vent these out before opening the door you can get a pretty nasty flair up in your face when they light off upon allowing fresh air into the mix.