On Thu, 6 Dec 2007 08:25:30 -0800 (PST), zeb7k@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
wrote:
>I'm planning to build what they call a masonry heater or Finnish
>heater. A problem is the cast iron doors required cost $800 and up.
>I'm an OK welder and I have plenty of scrap plate around. I'm trying
>to find out if it would be a good idea to fabricate my own doors out
>of plate.
>
>My concern right now is the finish: First question, is the flat black
>appearance of cast iron a black iron oxide or something else?
>
>There are apparently more than a few phophatizing/bluing/parkerizing
>methods available but the few I've seen cant take 750F heat. My only
>other criteria is that I want a flat brown or black or dark gray
>color. What finsh or treatment (if any) is available to the DIYer?
"Stove polish" or "stove black" works well on cast iron, but rubs off
of steel. Thurmalox paint is remarkably durable, at least the stuff I
was buying from Dampney 25 years ago was.
http://www.stovepaint.com/
In addition to using it on stoves, I painted the bottom of the
aluminum pot I use for backpacking as an experiment to see whether a
black bottom would improve heat transfer. Though I didn't expect it to
last very long, it's still on there after about 15 years of regular
use. I'm sure there are other comparable brands, but Thurmalox seems
to be widely available.
A bigger issue is getting a tight seal on your door. I went thru
several iterations before coming up with a simple design that seals
well. I'd be glad to describe it if you're interested.
--
Ned Simmons
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