Clay and Wool?

[DevilsBrew]

So I was watching this thread based on a Kuznetsov Stove and the guy is making a plaster out of clay and wool. Wool? Huh?

 

[fishingpol]

Wool has some insulative value and is fire retardent. It also may be used to as a binder to hold the clay together. Sort of like straw added to clay to make cob.

That is one nice looking heater btw.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

If it gets hot enough, the wool will burn out, leaving a network of voids. That essentially turns the clay into an insulating fire brick. The wool will help it stay in place until it dries, just like the fibers in old horse hair plaster.

Kiln builders make insulating castable using clay, sand, a little cement, and a large proportion of sawdust or chopped straw. Wool would be expensive, unless you are repurposing it.

 

[DevilsBrew]

Great info. I like to double check on things I see and not take everything for granted. I am wondering if there is a quality difference between using straw and wool.

It is a nice sized stove.

 

[fishingpol]

Great info. I like to double check on things I see and not take everything for granted. I am wondering if there is a quality difference between using straw and wool.

It is a nice sized stove.

I think the straw being hollow would give more air voids and a better insulating value. Wool being fire retardent may give a little more strengh. AP nailed it in the explanation above.

That heater would look great with a glass door on the front.

 

[Foragefarmer]

If it gets hot enough, the wool will burn out, leaving a network of voids. That essentially turns the clay into an insulating fire brick. The wool will help it stay in place until it dries, just like the fibers in old horse hair plaster.

Kiln builders make insulating castable using clay, sand, a little cement, and a large proportion of sawdust or chopped straw. Wool would be expensive, unless you are repurposing it.

Not always, My GF spins and knits and she gets a fair amount of free fleece off Craigslist. You would also have the benefit of sheep poop as an additional binding agent.

 

[DevilsBrew]

I will pass on the sheep poop.

Yes, glass doors are a must.