It's always a bit of a pity when some old things that have served faithfully for many years become unusable. But natural domestic ingenuity often allows us to breathe a second life into seemingly “veterans” who have served their time. For example, very often from the old cast iron bath a sauna stove is being manufactured. The popularity of this solution is added by the undoubted advantages possessed by such a non-trivial material as cast iron.
- practically unlimited service life. Even the enamel used to cover the bathtubs is practically very difficult to destroy. This is explained quite simply. In Soviet times, the enamel coating was made in two layers using quartz sand, which, when baked, formed a super-strong composition;
- significant indicator of heat capacity, as well as heat accumulation and release;
- high resistance to corrosion.
Required materials and tools
- in fact, an old bathtub, preferably cast iron, although a steel one can be used with slightly less effect;
- steel sheet thickness of at least 6 mm;
- steel pipe;
- several bricks;
- metal fastener;
- corner grinder, she is Bulgarian;
- welding machine.
Option No. 1, universal
Step #1
Cut the tub in half using a sander. Cast iron is a brittle material (and this is perhaps one of its few drawbacks), so when making cuts you must be careful to avoid chipping the material. It is necessary to ensure that the grinder does not heat up too much, for which technological breaks are arranged.
Step #2
Cut a metal sheet 6 mm thick. or more in size than the part of the bathtub prepared in the first step, which will be located below in the final design. Having previously outlined, cut a hole on the sheet to the size of the existing pipe. Then weld it in place. Thus, a chimney is gradually formed.
Step #3
Make a hole in the top of the bath, then place both halves on top of each other with a layer of metal sheet. The pipe must be secured either by welding or using heat-resistant oven sealant. The same sealant must be used to treat the areas where the metal sheet adjoins the halves of the bathtub, which will avoid possible smoke. The edges of the bathtub must be securely connected with fasteners.
Step #4
The basis of the future furnace is almost ready. Now it needs to be installed on brickwork to give the structure stability and ease of use. It is recommended to cover the ends of the future stove, first of all, for decorative purposes, either with an ordinary iron sheet or with a corrugated one, which will look even more attractive.
Step #5
Make metal doors for the firebox and chamber for stones. In order to improve the air supply and, as a result, better combustion of wood, it is necessary to make a certain number of holes in the firebox.
Step #6
The resulting universal oven can be used independently for different purposes. In order to install it in the bathhouse, it is necessary to make the most minor additions, namely, place stones in the upper part; connect to an existing chimney or take the existing pipe outside the steam room.
Option No. 2, specialized for baths
When using the stove only for a bath, a simpler procedure is possible constructive solution, which actually includes refusing to use the second part of the bath. Essentially, the first half of the bath is used, which is lined with ceramic stove bricks.
Inside the bath, either a firebox is used gas cylinder, or a metal drum with a diameter of about 40 cm. A chimney pipe is connected to it, welding it.
Stones (7-15 cm in diameter) are poured into the free space of the half of the bathtub remaining from the firebox. As a rule, pink quartzite or granite is used for this.
Video review :
The masonry is done to the height of the bathtub using clay mortar. Main feature is the joining of two very different thermal expansion materials - brick and cast iron. To do this, it is imperative to provide expansion joints, in which, as a rule, basalt cardboard or asbestos is used.
After masonry work has been completed, the surface can be tiled for decorative purposes.
Do-it-yourself stove from an old cast-iron bathtub limitless possibilities for every craftsman who loves to make things with his own hands.
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Due to the natural obsolescence of cast iron bathtubs, their cost decreases from year to year, and the benefits during the construction of a furnace cannot be measured by any money.
Forget that your own oven is expensive. All you need is a small set of tools and some personal time.
Construction device
The most commonly used cast iron bathtub classic type, which is divided into two equal parts. The free plane on top is covered with a steel sheet to create a closed space.
The base can be a concrete floor or brickwork. If the cut is made correctly, there will be no open cracks that will interfere with traction.
The actual chimney pipe is connected at the outlet of the drain, which eliminates the need for a number of additional cuts and drilling. It is worth understanding that a stove from a bathtub cut in half can be additionally sold or gifted to close friends, since it is possible to create two stoves from one bathtub.
An example of a stove made from a cast iron bath in the photo:
Conclusion
There is nothing difficult about creating your own stove from a cast iron bathtub. Follow the instructions carefully to get fantastic results. Rest assured that the quality of the stove will not be inferior to industrial models, but the cost will be orders of magnitude lower than that of the original!
←Previous article Next article →Manufactured in Soviet times, the cast iron bathtub is a durable, solid and very heavy product. However, the once white enamel loses its former shine, and it is unlikely to be restored. It’s a shame to hand over a bathtub by the weight of scrap metal or drag it to a landfill. What else can you do with it? Some owners country cottages and dachas suggest using this cast iron product to greater benefit: making a stove with your own hands from old bath. Agree, this is original and rational. Such a stove will be able to decorate the estate and make it possible to prepare delicious dishes.
Required materials and tools
To build a stove from a cast iron bath yourself, you will need to stock up on the necessary tools.
Here is their exhaustive list:
- grinder (angle grinder), as well as discs for it (cleaning and cutting);
- electric drill and set of drills;
- equipment that allows gas cutting of metal elements (if available);
- wrenches different sizes, hammer and pliers;
- crowbar and shovel;
- container where the solution will be mixed;
- spatula and trowel;
- tools for taking measurements: building level, plumb line, tape measure, metal corner;
- a welding machine (will be needed to install the chimney), as well as electrodes for it and a protective mask;
- hacksaw for woodworking.
The main element of the stove is a cast iron bath. However, the stove has significant weight, so it must have a foundation. For its construction, a certain amount of sand, cement mortar, brick, as well as clay and water is required.
Making a stove from a cast iron bath is much cheaper and more profitable than buying a new one
In addition, you will need:
- corner (metal);
- metal sheet (4 millimeters);
- a grid of a certain size;
- pipe required for the manufacture of a chimney (length - from 2 to 3 m, diameter - from 10 to 12.5 cm, wall thickness - from 3 mm);
- hinges for doors;
- chain-link mesh;
- polyethylene film (necessary for waterproofing the foundation);
- board (thickness - from 2 to 2.5 cm);
- slats (2 by 2 cm);
- nails.
Making a stove from an old bathtub with your own hands: step-by-step instructions
So, let's look at how you can make your own stove from a cast iron bathtub.
For country house you can make a stove from an old cast iron bath, which in terms of strength and service life will not be inferior to models from the factory
First we build the foundation.
- Using a cord and stakes, we mark the foundation.
- We dig a trench, the depth of which should not be less than 50 cm. We put layers of sand and gravel on the bottom, and then compact them thoroughly.
- Above sand and gravel cushion We put a waterproofing layer, usually polyethylene.
- To raise the base of the foundation, we build formwork in the center. Usually built general formwork, and the filling is done to a height of at least 30 cm.
- The free volume is reinforced and filled with a solution of cement and sand (1 part cement to 3 parts sand). The volume can also be filled with brickwork.
- After pouring the foundation, it must harden.
Now it's time to design the stove itself.
To this end, we perform the following actions:
- Cutting cast iron bath across. This must be done carefully, since cast iron is very fragile. If the movements are sloppy or abrupt, you can damage the bath so that it becomes unsuitable for subsequent work.
- We take half of the cut bathtub, and then install it on top, and in such a way that we get a structure that looks like a capsule with a cut.
- Next, for work you will need a sheet of metal with a thickness of more than 5 mm. For the design you will need two halves of the bath and a metal sheet, which is necessary to separate the lower part from the upper (the area for fuel from the place where food is prepared).
A hole for the chimney must be provided in the sheet of metal, located near the back wall. The chimney starts from the lower chamber and then goes through the entire stove.
In order to fix the two halves of the bathtub and the metal sheet with maximum reliability, it is advisable to use fasteners. To prevent smoke from the chamber located on top, a special sealant called stove sealant should be used.
The chimney is attached to the metal sheet using welding.
- We install the stove blank on the bricks. To prevent the structure from falling, it is very important to level it. Before you start welding, it is recommended to warm up the cast iron a little (for example, the material will become much more pliable if you heat firewood in the chamber).
- In the lower chamber, we cover the front part with a metal sheet, making a hole in it first large diameter(wood will be thrown into the chamber through this hole).
- We make chamber doors for the firebox and for cooking.
Well, a simple and quite functional stove is ready. All that remains is to decorate the structure, making it a decoration of the yard. The stove can be painted, for example, in a folk style. No one will even think that a cast iron bathtub was used to make the product.
Sauna stove from an old bathtub
A cast iron bathtub can form the basis of a good kitchen stove. However, it is quite possible to make an excellent sauna stove from it, and with your own hands.
Cast iron is environmentally friendly pure material, so when heated, no harmful substances doesn't stand out
Building a bathhouse and equipping a stove in it will require certain skills, so before construction it makes sense to consult a professional.
There are certain requirements for sauna stoves:
- All such furnaces must have enough power (thermal), and they must also have a large range of adjustment.
- To change the heat and moisture regime, the device is equipped with a heat accumulator and a steam generator.
- Furnaces should have the ability to adjust the convention.
So, from a well-worn cast iron bathtub you can make a simple two-tier sauna stove that meets all the requirements listed above. The lower tier of the stove is one half of the bathtub, which faces the wall with its cut and the convex part at the top. The entire structure on the outside must be lined with brick. The required steam generation is ensured thanks to the stones that cover part of the “bath-oven”. Heat accumulation occurs in the upper chamber.
The operating principle of the stove is quite simple. When passing through a cast iron bath, the gas warms up the stones, then reaches the opposite side so-called bread chamber. Then the gas flow makes a “dive” (goes down and immediately up), after which it exits the pipe. To prevent smoke emissions, a damper is located at the bottom of the stove.
Cast iron stoves: let's evaluate the advantages
Why is a homemade cast iron stove (in our case, a stove made from a cast iron bathtub) so profitable? Cast iron is one of the the best materials for this purpose, however, factory-made cast iron stoves are quite expensive. This material has gained popularity due to its strength, although it is fragile. In addition, it is resistant to critically high temperatures and unpretentious in operation.
Modern cast iron stoves are especially popular
Comparing cast iron and brick oven, let's say that thermal conductivity is much better for the first. And since in the bath high temperature not constantly maintained; the material should not be sensitive to temperature changes.
IN winter time bathhouse for summer cottage They usually don’t heat it, which is why the brick sometimes begins to crumble, but cast iron has no such problems. Regarding fire safety, then only a new brick stove is absolutely not dangerous. With an old product, sparks may break through cracks.
In order to enhance the aesthetics, it is best to line a home-made cast iron bathtub stove with brick. If some blocks are damaged, they can be easily replaced.
Steel competes seriously with cast iron. In terms of heating speed and strength, steel stoves are not inferior to cast iron ones, but the service life of the former is significantly shorter. Perhaps the main weak point steel furnaces is their susceptibility to corrosion. With cast iron this problem is not as pronounced.
By making a stove from a cast iron bath, you will become the owner of a convenient and reliable device, functioning perfectly in any conditions. From such a bathtub you can also make a very original fireplace for your dacha. It is especially suitable for those who are currently laying the brickwork for a country house, since the fireplace is, as it were, “recessed” into brick wall, and this makes it possible to use space with maximum benefit.
Video: Universal miracle stove made from a cast iron bath
Having assessed all the advantages of cast iron (for example, compared to steel) and the relative ease of making a bathhouse from a cast iron bathtub, we note that making a bathhouse yourself from this material is very profitable. So, if you want to make a stove with your own hands from an old bathtub, purchase the missing material, pick up the tools and get started!
Just recently, I came across the brilliant idea of creating a garden stove from an old bathtub. The idea is so simple that any man can implement it. There are a lot of benefits from such a device, because it can be used as a stove, outdoor fireplace, barbecue, and so on.
In order not to bore the reader, I suggest you familiarize yourself with the process of creating this country masterpiece.
For the stove you will need:
- old bath;
- a pipe, it will also be a chimney;
- bricks, maybe old and unnecessary;
- sheet of metal with a thickness of 5 mm;
- grinder or any other device for cutting metal.
The first stage is the most difficult, since the bathtub will need to be cut crosswise into two absolutely equal parts. In one of the parts, a hole should be made to match the diameter of the pipe. We make exactly the same hole in the sheet of metal that we managed to find. When the most difficult stage is left behind, you can proceed directly to assembling the structure.
1. We install one half of the old bathtub, in which there is no hole, as usual. Place a sheet of metal on top of this half. Attention! The hole should be in the area of the far wall. Now on the sheet, we place the second half of the bath upside down, that is, so that the bottom looks into the sky.
2. Our miracle oven is almost ready and all that remains is to add reliability to the entire structure. The edges of the stove bath must be tightly fastened. Bolts are suitable for this, preferably large ones. It is, of course, better to drill holes for the bolts in advance. As a result, it should turn out that the metal sheet will be tightly sandwiched between the two halves of the bath.
3. It's time to build a chimney. We insert a pipe into the hole in the upper half and lower it a couple of centimeters below the metal sheet. If the holes for the pipe turn out larger diameter, then you will have to be smart in order to secure the chimney. A thrifty owner who does everything conscientiously will certainly resort to welding and do it right. For greater reliability, welding seams are sealed with sealant.
4. Now the garden stove from the bath is ready, left finishing touch- creation of a pedestal. We make a stand for the stove from bricks, stones and other materials that you have on your site. You do have construction waste, which you still can’t take out? So turn on your imagination a little, because your brainchild deserves a comfortable installation location.
That's the whole trick. Although it can be improved a little. For example, to make the firebox easier to clean from ash, you can put a grate on the bottom. But to achieve good heat retention and transfer just like in real oven, you can use a stone sheet, which is laid directly on top of a metal sheet.
Now you can cook whatever your heart desires in this oven, from ordinary porridge to fragrant bread.
By the way, it is perfect for making jam and other summer preparations, which are so nice to take out of the pantry or cellar on a cold winter evening.
There comes a time when plumbing fixtures, due to their type or malfunction, become unusable. But, having replaced it with a new one, you should not rush to throw it away. Summer residents and home owners can easily make a garden stove from a cast iron bathtub, which in terms of strength and service life will not be inferior to factory models.
Advantages of using cast iron
This type of metal is rightfully considered one of the best stove materials. Its main advantages include:
- Environmental safety. When heated, it does not emit harmful substances.
- Resistance to temperature changes. An outdoor stove made of brick may begin to crumble after just a few years.
- High thermal conductivity. A fireplace made of cast iron will warm up a room much faster than one built from other materials.
- Durability. Cast iron is the leader among metals in terms of strength. Even steel furnaces less reliable.
- Ease of use.
- Fire safety.
The disadvantages of cast iron that are worth paying attention to are brittleness and susceptibility to corrosion. In the first case, unnecessary mechanical influences, in the second - treat the surface with special solutions.
A homemade cast iron structure will not turn out very beautiful, so it is recommended to cover it with brick or stone.
Preparation of materials and tools
To create such a miracle stove from a bathtub, you need to prepare:
- angle grinder (grinder);
- 2–3 circles on metal with a thickness of at least 1 mm and a diameter of 12.5 cm;
- electric drill;
- metal drills with a diameter of 9, 11 mm;
- grinding wheels;
- files;
- hammer;
- level;
- construction gun (for applying sealant);
- plumb line;
- spatula;
- trowel.
Materials you will need:
- iron or steel sheet 5 mm;
- fireproof red brick;
- grate;
- sealant;
- clay;
- sand;
- metal corner;
- bolts with nuts, washers;
- chimney pipe with a diameter of 12 cm.
Photo: the material is prepared, all that remains is to choose the purpose of the oven and get to work
When all the materials and tools have been collected, you can start cutting the container. For convenience, you can turn it upside down or lay it on its side.
Users often search:
You need to handle the grinder carefully so as not to damage the surface.
Before you start sawing the bathtub, there are several nuances to consider:
- Marking will make cutting the product easier.
- The first layer of enamel is removed strictly along the drawn line. This will help prevent chipping along the edges.
- The next step is to cut the cast iron. Do this gradually, in small pieces of about 10 cm, so as not to overheat the grinder.
- When the bathtub has already been cut in half, supports are placed under each part. They will prevent parts from falling and damaging the tool or material.
According to reviews experienced builders, grinder It's better to work at an angle. This way the enamel will not begin to peel off and all cuts will turn out smooth without burrs.
If you use a high-quality grinder, processing cast iron will take no more than 1 hour.
For a barbecue you will need two halves of the bath: one part will serve as a fuel loading chamber, the other is necessary for cooking. For sauna stove or a fireplace, one half will be enough.
Step-by-step creation of a stove from a bathtub
Without having construction experience, it is worth consulting with a specialist about all the intricacies of masonry and installation of parts, and it is better to carry out the work under the supervision of a master. This way the product will be of high quality and fire safety standards will be met.
As for the construction of the foundation, its type depends on total weight ovens:
- For structures over 700 kg, a monolithic or strip base a depth of 50 cm. Formwork is constructed around the perimeter of the pit and covered with a layer of crushed stone or broken brick. It gets compacted. Filled with concrete.
- For furnaces small sizes quite enough brick foundation. It is recommended to purchase cement grade no lower than M300. The bricks are placed edgewise and fastened together with mortar.
Now let's consider detailed instructions for the manufacture of each of the furnaces for different purposes.
For the bath
To create in the steam room necessary conditions, the design must meet the following requirements:
- have high thermal power;
- regulate convection currents;
- produce sufficient steam.
The procedure for constructing a sauna stove:
It is important to note that the foundation must have a protrusion towards the borders of the furnace of at least 50 cm, and 1–1.5 m of free space must be left in front of the firebox.
An interesting idea to make a sauna stove from both halves of the bathtub. The second part will be needed as an extension for heating water, or you can use it to build a Russian heater.
For cooking
You can’t do without a barbecue or grill at your summer cottage. And the opportunity to bake delicious bread, fry meat on fresh air forcing owners to install small outdoor stoves on their property.
Here is a description of how to build a barbecue step by step from a bathtub.
The sequence of work is as follows:
Some craftsmen leave the barbecue in this condition, but in order for your stove to look beautiful, you should still do exterior finishing.
There are several options:
- Whitewashing the clay part.
- Whole masonry ceramic tiles or pieces of it.
- Surface finishing natural stone, pre-cut into pieces 10 mm thick.
The materials are attached to the oven with heat-resistant adhesives.
A good solution is to install a chimney to the stove through the bathtub drain hole, widening it in advance, and only then weld it to a steel sheet.
For heating
At the dacha it is easy to build a fireplace from half a bathtub. It could be:
- Built into the wall. Suitable if the house has brick walls. Significantly saves free space.
- Leaned (half open). The firebox is located at a considerable distance from the wall. This fireplace does not require a separate foundation; it is mounted directly into the floor. Has good traction, built-in ash pan.
The advantage of using a cast iron bath for the combustion part is that the fireplace is shaped like an arch and eliminates complex brickwork. The hole for the chimney pipe is made at the top of the bathtub. External part decorated with a fireplace portal.
When building a semi-open fireplace, the following recommendations should be taken into account:
- Poured under the base cement mortar up to 15 mm thick.
- A metal mesh is laid on top.
- A layer of waterproofing is applied.
- Insulation such as asbestos cardboard is laid.
- A pedestal for the firebox is being built. Brick or aerated concrete will do. The binder mixture is cement mortar or heat-resistant glue.
- The structure is plastered. You can decorate it with stone or ceramic tiles.
- A gap is left between the lining and the firebox for the convection heating system.
- The chimney pipe is mounted in the hole made and discharged through the ceilings and roof. Often done in the shape of a sleeve.
- The inside of the firebox and chimney are lined with heat-insulating, non-combustible material.
- The lower part of the fireplace is being finished.
- The product is closed from the side and top with a frame made of duralumin corners connected with self-tapping screws.
- The frame is covered with plasterboard.
- Holes are made in the cladding for air ventilation.
When installing a chimney, it is important to take into account that with a pipe height of up to 5 m, the deflection angle is 45 0, over 5 m - no more than 20 0.
For waste disposal
An unusual solution to build a waste incinerator from an old bathtub.
The principle of its construction is similar to a street barbecue.
Layout of the stove on a brick base
An alternative is to remodel an old heater by removing all parts except the grate and body. Part of the cast iron is welded to the base from the inside to strengthen the structure.
You can load waste into this fire bin directly from the top. When burning, the stove should be covered with another part of the bath so that the smoke does not disperse throughout the entire area.
So you shouldn’t rush to get rid of things that are out of order or out of shape. In skillful hands, even an old bathtub will get a second life and become a functional stove that will last for many years.
