Print

[ms1780]

I am having trouble finding a suitable setup for a firebox and water jacket. I can get two propane tanks. One is a 30" and the other a 38" but that doesn't give me much water capacity.  My other thought was to use the 38" one for my fire box and build a square water jacket from 1/4" plate. My third option is to use the smaller 30" propane ta k inside a 300 gallon farm fuel tank. I already have the farm tank so this would be the cheapest for me. I have read that several manufactures only use an 1/8" inch water jacket. Can I get your opinions please.

Thanks,
Mike

[BoilerHouse]

My water jacket is 1/8.   The firebox is heavier.  I believe there is a lot more stress in the firebox than the water jacket.

[ms1780]

Thanks boiler house. I hate to buy something when I have that tank. If I do end up using it I will frame it with some light channel or something to strengthen it.

[mlappin]

Mine's 1/8" as well, no rust thru since building it over a decade ago. You're on the right track as well as it will need some reinforcement to keep from bowing out.

[slimjim]

Think about this guys, if you are building your own boiler, why not think about a sacrificial dry firebox

[mlappin]

Think about this guys, if you are building your own boiler, why not think about a sacrificial dry firebox

I've seen something similar once, guy uses a forklift to load it with LOGS, exhausts out the back to a secondary heat exchanger to heat the water. Think he built the firebox out of a used dumpster.