@MrJoeyBoombotz :: The adaptations and refinements you suggest makes this Dakota hole system more and more like a more natural 'rocket stove.' I will have to admit, however, that trying to picture it without a demonstration or a diagram is a bit challenging for my more 'visually' oriented brain cells. Any possibility you could do a video or a step-by-step diagram?
And reflectors can be used on top of the fire hole to throw and direct the intense heat. The Indians said, " white man make big fire, big smoke, stay far away, stay cold. Indian make little fire, no smoke, stay close, stay warm,"
Dakota holes are the only way I burn wood outside because of safety/efficiency. It is a great habit to get into and you can use ideas from stove technology to increase efficiency in your fire holes. I dig my pits paralell and connect the bottoms so I can put a vent hole or 2 and connect the 2 holes on top to recirculate hot air. Dry fuel burned like a Swedish torch, smoke holes, recirculation holes, a gas wick , 20-24in deep fire hole, and the fuel elevated you get a 2500 degree white hot fie.
Also a deeper hole will burn more smoke and produce a hotter, white/blue flame because the heat is contained better and as heat rises in the hole more smoke is burned. Having the wood split like you do does help the burn efficiency. But bigger air intake holes will provide more air when needed and can be closed easily with a rock, log or pack, partially to control the burn.
Stone on the bottom prevents drawing moisture/cold from the ground from cooling the fire and directs heat upward. Add 1 or 2 Smoke holes, 1-2inches in diameter, from 3-4inches from the top of the pit going upward diagonally outward about 12-16 in also disperses smoke and provides more air, burning more smoke near the top of the hole.You can 'daisy chain' pits and create a 'long fire' that is much safer. It has much less smoke with the smoke holes and that saves your lungs and smoke on your gear.
@Prepared2Live You're welcome.. Burning a norgegian candle/swedish torch in the hole elevated on a grate1-2 inches to let air rise inside the fuel, and turning a small tin can upside down with the open end into the flame supported on a coat hanger (gas wick) from the top, are other ideas to increase the heat of the fire and burns the particulates. Orange yellow and red flame is lower heat. Blue and white flame signals higher heat. The higher heat burns smoke, less pot smut on gear an in lungs
@MrJoeyBoombotz :: The adaptations and refinements you suggest makes this Dakota hole system more and more like a more natural 'rocket stove.' I will have to admit, however, that trying to picture it without a demonstration or a diagram is a bit challenging for my more 'visually' oriented brain cells. Any possibility you could do a video or a step-by-step diagram?
fidemchristo 3 months ago
Comment removed
Runswithspatula 4 months ago
And reflectors can be used on top of the fire hole to throw and direct the intense heat. The Indians said, " white man make big fire, big smoke, stay far away, stay cold. Indian make little fire, no smoke, stay close, stay warm,"
MrJoeyBoombotz 10 months ago
@MrJoeyBoombotz These are all good points, and interesting facts about the Native Americans, Thank You!
Prepared2Live 10 months ago
Dakota holes are the only way I burn wood outside because of safety/efficiency. It is a great habit to get into and you can use ideas from stove technology to increase efficiency in your fire holes. I dig my pits paralell and connect the bottoms so I can put a vent hole or 2 and connect the 2 holes on top to recirculate hot air. Dry fuel burned like a Swedish torch, smoke holes, recirculation holes, a gas wick , 20-24in deep fire hole, and the fuel elevated you get a 2500 degree white hot fie.
MrJoeyBoombotz 10 months ago
Also a deeper hole will burn more smoke and produce a hotter, white/blue flame because the heat is contained better and as heat rises in the hole more smoke is burned. Having the wood split like you do does help the burn efficiency. But bigger air intake holes will provide more air when needed and can be closed easily with a rock, log or pack, partially to control the burn.
MrJoeyBoombotz 10 months ago
Stone on the bottom prevents drawing moisture/cold from the ground from cooling the fire and directs heat upward. Add 1 or 2 Smoke holes, 1-2inches in diameter, from 3-4inches from the top of the pit going upward diagonally outward about 12-16 in also disperses smoke and provides more air, burning more smoke near the top of the hole.You can 'daisy chain' pits and create a 'long fire' that is much safer. It has much less smoke with the smoke holes and that saves your lungs and smoke on your gear.
MrJoeyBoombotz 11 months ago
@MrJoeyBoombotz These are very good tips, thank you!
Prepared2Live 10 months ago
@Prepared2Live You're welcome.. Burning a norgegian candle/swedish torch in the hole elevated on a grate1-2 inches to let air rise inside the fuel, and turning a small tin can upside down with the open end into the flame supported on a coat hanger (gas wick) from the top, are other ideas to increase the heat of the fire and burns the particulates. Orange yellow and red flame is lower heat. Blue and white flame signals higher heat. The higher heat burns smoke, less pot smut on gear an in lungs
MrJoeyBoombotz 10 months ago