DIY sauna stoves

The beneficial effect of bath procedures on the body has long been known, therefore it is not surprising that interest in them is increasing from year to year.DIY sauna stoves - this is more a necessity than a whim, since no factory construction is able to satisfy all the requirements of the buyer. Ideally, the product should combine both attractiveness and excellent efficiency, so real connoisseurs prefer to roll up their sleeves and engage in their installation independently.

Types of bath stoves

It is logical to assume that a balanced choice requires the study of all types of units and the selection of the best for a particular room. Depending on your preferences, it is worth considering the possibility of equipping the stove with your own hands - some do not need special skills and efforts, while others, on the contrary, require the involvement of a specialist.

Differences in Material

The main material throughout all time is considered burnt brick, which many prefer for its performance, aesthetics. Along with this, masonry can not be called a simple occupation, but the heat of such a furnace lasts longer. For a brick structure, a foundation is mandatory, which is not connected with the foundation of the bath, which can become an obstacle due to the small size of the building. In addition, the presence of at least insignificant experience is highly desirable, since a violation of technology can lead to disastrous consequences - for this reason many fans of wellness treatments turn to masters.

No less popular are metal structures that differ:

  • quick installation and compact size;
  • a variety of models, which makes it possible to select products for a specific project;
  • manufacturing from improvised materials (pipes, recycled gas cylinders, rims, barrels, etc.).

Only steel is suitable for a bath, since cast iron is not resistant to temperature extremes, which can result in cracks on the walls. The only thing that stops you from acquiring a metal structure is its quick cooling.

ATTENTION! If you like both metal and brick stoves, or the bath does not have extensive space, the best way would be to install a metal structure and brick it. This will help to slightly smooth out the imperfections of the metal and give the product an aesthetic appearance.

Differences in installation location and fuel used

Often, the unit is installed directly in the steam room, from where its furnace is carried out, which is an inexpensive and easy to manufacture option. However, there are also disadvantages, for example, it is impossible to add up a supply of firewood in it, since they will become wet. Also, the steam room, as a rule, is small-sized and there is a risk of getting burned on the door of the fuel chamber. For these reasons, it is advisable to take the door to the dressing room and maintain fire, without causing any discomfort to anyone and not risking injury.

As for energy, the classic choice is to use firewood. There are models that operate on the mains, gas, and liquid fuel, but it is firewood that allows you to create a unique atmosphere in the bathhouse, which is so appreciated by lovers of wellness treatments.

Methods for heating stones

Heating the stove in the bath furnace is carried out in two ways:

  1. Constantly. The most common option, in which the stones do not come in contact with burning materials - they are located either in a metal tank fixed to the body, or in lattice containers on the pipe, walls. In this case, medium-sized stones are used, which are heated to 400 degrees, without being covered with soot, since there is no contact with combustion products. The main advantage is the duration of rest in the bath - the desired temperature can be maintained at any time.
  2. Periodically. In this case, the hot gases are discharged directly through the heater and then out. The temperature of the stones can reach 1000 degrees, but before entering the steam room, you should wait for the fuel to burn out and remove carbon monoxide.

For classical Russian stoves, the second method of heating was used - the stones used for this were large, rounded, their heat was more than enough for the whole family. From time to time, the heater was disassembled to replace the cracked stones and to clean them from soot.

Features of metal furnaces

Modern metal aggregates are safe, as they are made of sheet iron with a thickness of 3-5 mm. They are equipped with a heat chamber used for laying stones, as well as an additional water tank. The safety of their installation, as well as higher efficiency, is provided by lining with refractory bricks.

ATTENTION! There is no need for a solid foundation for the installation of a metal unit - it will be enough to install a concrete slab and cover it with a metal sheet, tile.

By their design, metal products are closed (have a small size and often bricked), open (have an open heater, which should be covered with a metal lid, equipped with a compact water tank) and combined. They differ in the fuel used:

  1. Firewood. The most common option, which requires a significant amount of firewood and regular thorough cleaning.
  2. Electricity. Represent a design with heat-insulating components and heating TEN.
  3. Gas. Durable reliable models equipped with a thermostat, which allows you to smoothly adjust the power. Safety of use is ensured by a fuse that blocks the flow of gas in case of burner attenuation.

If we talk about metal furnaces, then there are many ready-made solutions worthy of attention. But still, a self-made construction will be more reliable, strong and durable, giving special pleasure from visiting the steam room.

Self-made technology for bath stoves

The indisputable advantage of do-it-yourself stoves is the ability to create an individual, unique model. There are a huge number of their varieties and nothing prevents taking individual features from a few that you like, and then combine them in your design.

What tools and materials are required to work

Regardless of the material of manufacture, first of all, it is necessary to prepare a design diagram and it will be useful to show it to a specialist. For a metal furnace, you will need: sheet metal with a thickness of 8 mm, a crane, grate, a thick-walled pipe with a diameter of 550-600 mm, 2 m of a regular pipe with a diameter of 110-115 mm, a bar with a cross section of 10 mm, heck, doors, as well as a welding machine, grinder.

For a brick aggregate, you will need a brick (solid and refractory), dry clay-sand mixture, trowel, level, rubber mallet, pencil, tape measure, containers for water and mortar, corners and metal bands.

Phased furnace manufacturing

The manufacturing process is as follows:

  1. A blower 50x200 mm is cut out in the pipe, after which a fixture for fixing the grate is welded above it from the inside. For this purpose, a metal plate with eyelets, which is sold in all construction stores, is suitable.
  2. Furnishing furnaces. A hole of 200x250 mm is cut out and over it are fastened the brackets for the bars of the heater, which can also be played by grate bars.
  3. A hole is made on the reverse side of the structure for pouring water, after which stones are placed in the heater (granite, flint or mica-containing stones cannot be used).
  4. A hole is made in the cover of the future furnace for the subsequent installation of the chimney. Also at this stage, you should weld the tank to heat the water and mount the tap in its lower part.
  5. The final step will be the manufacture of the lid of the heating tank. It is cut in half, after which one half with a pre-cut hole for the chimney is welded to the tank, and the handle is attached to the second and it remains removable on hinges.

IMPORTANT! The main condition for the arrangement of the metal structure is the tightness of all seams, which determines the durability and effectiveness of its use.

Independent arrangement of a brick furnace requires a leisurely approach and patience. Before proceeding directly to the masonry, a pit should be made in the dimensions of the future structure, the depth of which should be at least 0.7 m.

ATTENTION! For masonry, a clay-sand mortar is used, which is recommended to be bought in a store, since it is difficult to find the necessary clay.

Stages of the work:

  1. The foundation is poured. Masonry is not performed before it is completely dry.
  2. The foundation is covered with asbestos-cement sheet, after which a row of heaters is laid out.
  3. Further rows are laid in accordance with the drawing, while it is necessary to constantly monitor their level in order to avoid bias. Tapping bricks should be carried out with a rubber mallet, which will not allow them to be damaged.
  4. The stove is laid out with refractory bricks. A grinder is used to cut the brick - the fragments will have exact dimensions, while the amount of construction waste will be significantly reduced.
  5. The chimney is laid using ordinary brick, after which a deflector is mounted on it to enhance traction and protection from atmospheric precipitation.

Before the first heating of the furnace, it is necessary to maintain a pause of 2 weeks, so that the structure is properly seated and dried.

Installation of the furnace in the bath

The installation site of the furnace should be selected in advance, after which a shallow foundation is arranged, on which 2 rows of bricks are subsequently laid out. Fire safety rules require installation of the structure at a distance of at least 1 m from the wall (ideally, it should be covered with protective foil). It is also recommended to insulate the chimney and equip the ceiling-passage unit. Brick lining will also help to increase the safety of using the furnace, as well as its aesthetic and operational qualities.

Advantages and disadvantages of a metal bath stove

Metal structures are more widespread, primarily because of their compactness, because most often home baths do not differ in large sizes. In addition, they have such advantages as:

  • lack of need for a powerful foundation;
  • quick warm-up and the ability to control temperature;
  • affordable cost.

Along with the advantages, there are disadvantages:

  • quick cooling;
  • not the best choice for spacious rooms;
  • high fire hazard;
  • the need to equip the double walls of the bath in order to avoid heat stroke.

Do-it-yourself sauna stove is a real challenge for lovers of a healthy stay. Despite the many nuances, the process is not very complex and requires only a small amount of free time, patience and steady observance of installation technology.

Watch the video: How Our Off Grid Wood Stove Sauna Works (March 2024).

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