I was sick of working in a cold workshop and wanted a heater that will last forever without costing the world. Reusing old truck brake drums is a fun, easy and cost effective way to make a potbelly heater that will stand the test of time and perform great giving you heat in the coldest of conditions for years to come. I don’t like wasting anything so by reusing old scrap metal to make a heater proved a great way to repurpose it into something useful.
Jefferson Starship is an American hard rock band from San Francisco, California.Formed in 1974 as a successor to Jefferson Airplane, the group originally featured Grace Slick (vocals, piano), Paul Kantner (rhythm guitar, vocals), Craig Chaquico (lead guitar, vocals), David Freiberg (bass, keyboards, vocals), Peter Kaukonen (bass), John Barbata (drums, vocals) and Papa John Creach (violin).
So this is how to make a potbelly heater from old truck brake drums. No welding to cast necessary.
Note: You can weld to the cast iron drums if you wish but I’ve found keeping it in seperate pieces makes it easier to move if/when needed, as the drums weigh 40kg each.
Tools Needed:
. Grinder/Cutting & Grinding Discs
. Welder
. Press or Roller
. Oxy Torch (Not necessary but makes life easier)
Materials Needed:
. 130x10mm Flat Bar
. Heavy Walled Pipe
. 3x Truck Brake Drums
. 3x Chipping Hammers
. 12mm Round Bar
. 5-10mm Plate
. 7x 3/4” Nut and Bolts
. Exhaust Paint
Safety:
Be sure to wear all Personal Protective Equipment necessary to complete the job safely. Also keep in mind while grinding the cast iron if it gets too hot the grinder tends to grab so be sure to use extra caution.