How to Build a Drum Wood Stove

Steel drum barrel stoves are not something you see everyday. They're primarily used in places where heat sources are not available, such as work shops, hunting cabins or basements. You can use a drum wood stove in your home, as long as it is placed away from children, as the stove can get extremely hot to the touch.

Things You'll Need

• 55-gallon steel barrel
• 6-inch stove pipe
• Cast-iron door
• Cast-iron legs
• Drill
• Reciprocating saw
• Metal file

Instructions

1. Place the barrel on its end so that the plug is facing up. Place the door assembly on the drum so that the plug is above it.

2. Open the door and trace around the inside rim with a pencil.

3. Remove the door and cut out the opening using a reciprocating saw. File down any rough edges.

4. Place the door back over the opening and mark the drill holes with a pencil. The holes are pre-drilled in the door. Remove the door and drill the holes into the barrel.

5. Attach the legs to the bottom of the stove. Position the stove on its side, with the plug in the 12 o'clock position. Place the legs on either end of the bottom and mark the drill holes, as with the door. Drill the holes and attach the legs with bolts. Tighten the bolts on the inside of the barrel.

6. Attach the door to the barrel with bolts. Secure the bolts on the inside of the drum with nuts.

7. Cut an opening for a 6-inch stove pipe on top of the stove, at the opposite end as the door. Attach a stove damper to the hole with bolts, then attach the stove pipe to the damper. Alternately, weld the pipe in place without a damper.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work with a used drum and never use galvanized steel. The fumes from galvanized steel are toxic.

Resources

• Stove Kits