A stove made from truck rims: how to assemble a reliable heater for a garage or workshop

The idea is to remake the old ones truck brake discs into a full-fledged oven has long gained popularity among car enthusiasts and DIYers. This design not only allows you to save on the purchase of factory heating equipment, but also gives a second life to unnecessary parts that would otherwise go to scrap metal. The main advantages of a stove made from cargo disks are: high heat transfer, compactness and the ability to work on wood, sawdust or even waste oil (if modified).

However, before you begin assembly, it is important to understand: such a stove requires a competent approach. Incorrect design or improper welding technology can lead to fire hazard due to metal overheating or carbon monoxide leakage. In this article we will analyze proven diagrams, detailed drawings, a list of necessary materials and tools, and also give recommendations for safe operation. If you have never done welding or furnace work, it is better to hire an experienced assistant or choose a simpler design.

Advantages and disadvantages of a furnace made from cargo disks

Before spending time and effort on manufacturing, let’s evaluate objectively whether such a stove is suitable for your tasks. Basic pros:

• 🔥 High heat dissipation. Cast iron or steel disks heat up quickly and retain heat for a long time, more effective than many homemade potbelly stoves.
• 💰 Minimum costs. Basic parts (discs, pipes) can often be found for free at scrap yards or garages.
• 🔧 Simplicity of design. Assembly does not require complex turning work - the ability to weld metal is enough.
• 🔄 Fuel versatility. Suitable for firewood, coal, briquettes, and during modernization - even for mining.

But there is also cons, which are often kept silent:

• ⚠️ Carbon monoxide risk. If the draft is poor or the chimney is not assembled correctly, the stove may “smoke” into the room.
• 🔥 Fire danger. Overheating of the metal or sparks from the firebox can cause a fire.
• 🛠️ Need for maintenance. The discs burn out over time, the seams may crack - periodic repairs are required.
• 📏 Limited power. For a large room (more than 30 m²), one such stove may not be enough.

If you are ready to put up with the shortcomings for the sake of saving money and making it yourself, let’s move on to preparation.

Required materials and tools

To assemble a classic stove from two weight disks you will need:

Material/tool	Quantity	Notes
Truck brake discs (eg KAMAZ, MAZ, ZIL)	2 pcs.	Diameter 30–40 cm, thickness at least 20 mm. Cast iron is better - they last longer.
Metal pipe for chimney	1–1.5 m	Diameter 100–120 mm, wall thickness from 2 mm.
Sheet steel (3–4 mm)	0.5–1 m²	For the bottom, lid and partitions.
Hinges and door latch	1 set	It is better to take cast iron ones - they do not deform from the heat.
Electrodes for welding	1 pack	Diameter 3–4 mm, for working with thick metal.

The tools you will definitely need are:

• 🔧 Welding machine (preferably inverter, with a current of 160 A).
• 🔨 Angle grinder (“grinder”) with cutting and cleaning wheels.
• 📏 Tape measure, level, marker for marking.
• 🛠️ Hammer, chisel, pliers.
• 🔥 Fire extinguisher (be sure to keep it on hand!).

⚠️ Attention: Never use discs that are cracked or heavily corroded. When heated, they may burst, which will lead to scattering of coals and a fire. Before assembly, inspect the discs for defects - even small cracks are unacceptable.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the oven

Let's consider the classic version of a two-disk stove with vertical fuel loading. The entire process will take 4-6 hours if you have welding experience.

Step 1: Prepare Disks

Clean the wheels from dirt, oil and rust using a grinder and a wire brush. If there are brake pad residues on the surface, remove them completely. Then:

1. In one of the disks (future upper part) cut a hole for the chimney. The optimal diameter is 100–120 mm. The hole should be located closer to the edge, but not too close (leave 3-5 cm for the weld).
2. In the lower disk, cut a rectangular hole for the firebox door (size approximately 20x15 cm). Clean the edges of the hole from burrs.
3. If you plan to use the stove for cooking, you can cut an additional hole in the upper disk for the burner (diameter 15–20 cm) and weld a metal circle with sides on top.

Step 2: Assembling the Case

Connect the disks to each other using metal plates (width 4–5 cm, thickness 3–4 mm) welded around the circumference. The distance between the disks is 20–30 cm (this will be the height of the firebox). Place the plates evenly, at least 4 pieces for structural rigidity.

Weld to the bottom disk bottom made of sheet steel (you can use a cut circle or square with a margin around the edges). Make sure all seams are welded through - this is critical for safety!

Step 3: Installing the chimney and door

Weld the chimney pipe to the hole in the top disc. The length of the pipe inside the stove should be at least 30–40 cm for better heat transfer. From the outside, the chimney can be routed vertically upward or at an angle through the wall (necessarily with insulation!).

For the firebox door:

1. Cut a rectangle from sheet steel to the size of the hole with a margin of 1–2 cm.
2. Weld the hinges to the door and oven body.
3. Install a latch or latch to secure it.

Step 4: Additional Items (Optional)

To increase the efficiency of the furnace you can add:

• 🔥 Grate (from fittings or finished cast iron) for better combustion of coal.
• 🌡️ Blower - a small hole in the bottom with an adjustable flap for traction control.
• 🛡️ Brick screen around the stove to protect against burns and heat accumulation.

⚠️ Attention: After assembly, be sure to test fire it outside! Load a small amount of wood into the stove and check:

• Is there any smoke leaking through the seams or door.
• Does the chimney draw well (the flame should be even, without reverse draft).
• Are individual parts of the case overheating (if the metal turns red, the thermal insulation needs to be strengthened).

Only after a successful test can the stove be installed indoors.

Modernization of the furnace: options for modifications

The basic design of two disks heats well, but it can be improved for specific tasks. Let's look at popular improvements:

1. Furnace in production

If you have access to used oil, the furnace can be converted to use this type of fuel. To do this:

• Drill a hole with a diameter of 5–10 mm in the lower disk to supply oil.
• Place a metal bowl (from a piece of pipe) inside the firebox to burn the oil.
• Make the chimney dismountable for cleaning from soot (the exhaust smokes a lot).

Important: this oven requires mandatory installation of a spark arrestor on the chimney and regular cleaning (soot is flammable!).

2. Oven with water circuit

Can be integrated into a stove to heat multiple rooms or connect to a heating system heat exchanger. Options:

• 🔄 Copper pipe coil, wrapped around the chimney.
• 🔥 Water jacket - a second body around the furnace with water (more difficult to manufacture).

To circulate water, you will need a pump or a system with natural circulation (pipes downhill).

How to calculate the furnace power for a room?

For an approximate calculation, use the formula: 1 kW of power per 10 m² of area with a ceiling height of 2.5–3 m. A stove made of two weight disks produces on average 5–7 kW, which is enough for 50–70 m² with good thermal insulation of the room. Please note that at temperatures below -20°C, efficiency drops by 30–40%.

3. Barbecue oven

If you like to cook over an open fire, the top disc can be modified to accommodate grill or cauldron:

• Weld a ring of reinforcement to the upper disk to install the grille.
• Increase the diameter of the chimney for better smoke removal when frying.
• Add a removable lid with a hole for a thermometer.

Installation and safety rules

Even the most reliable stove can become a source of danger if it is not installed correctly. Follow these rules:

1. Choosing a location

• 📍 Install the oven on non-flammable base (concrete, brick, metal sheet).
• 🔥 Distance to walls and furniture - no less 50 cm (better 1 m).
• 🚪 Do not place the oven in aisles or next to flammable materials (gasoline, paint, wooden shelves).

2. Chimney

The chimney must:

• have minimum length 3–4 meters for good traction.
• Be hermetically sealed (check the joints with soapy water - if it bubbles, there is a leak).
• have spark arrester at the end (especially if the roof is made of flammable materials).

3. First use

On first ignition:

1. Use a small amount of firewood (1–2 logs).
2. Do not close the vent completely - let the oven warm up gradually.
3. Control the color of the flame: bright yellow indicates a lack of oxygen, blue - about excess.

⚠️ Attention: Never leave the oven unattended for long! Maximum continuous operation time is 4–5 hours. After this, let the oven cool and check the condition of the seams. If you notice metal deformation or cracks - Stop use immediately and have it repaired.

Maintenance and repair

To ensure that the stove serves for a long time, monitor its condition:

1. Cleaning

• 🧹 Remove ash after each use (it reduces cravings).
• 🔥 Once a month, clean the chimney from soot (use a brush or special chemicals).
• 🛠️ Check the condition of the welds - if cracks are found, weld them immediately.

2. Replacement of burnt parts

Over time, the bottom of the firebox or the walls of the disks may burn out. For repair:

1. Use a grinder to cut out the burnt area.
2. Prepare a patch of steel of the same thickness.
3. Weld it on the inside and outside for strength.

3. Painting

To protect metal from corrosion, use heat resistant paint (withstands up to 600–800°C). Apply it to the cooled oven in 2-3 layers. Regular paint will burn and release toxic fumes!

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when assembling a stove. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
The metal of the discs is too thin	Burns out quickly, risk of rupture	Use discs with a thickness of 20 mm or more
Lack of blower	Poor draft, smoke in the room	Make an adjustable hole at the bottom
Short chimney	Weak draft, smoke backflow	Minimum length - 3 meters
Using rusty or cracked discs	Heat rupture, fire	Carefully inspect the discs before assembly

Another typical problem is oven overheating. If the body turns red, this means that:

• The fuel is too high in calories (for example, coal instead of firewood).
• The draft is too strong (you need to cover the vent).
• The oven walls are too thin (requires brick insulation).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to use a disk stove in a residential building?

No, this is extremely dangerous! This stove is not intended for residential premises for several reasons:

• High risk of carbon monoxide (even with good draft).
• Lack of temperature control (overheating can lead to fire).
• No certification or safety guarantees.

Use it only in non-residential, well-ventilated areas (garage, workshop, greenhouse).

What disc diameter is optimal for a furnace?

Ideal diameter - 30–40 cm. Why:

• Discs smaller than 30 cm produce little heat and burn out quickly.
• Disks larger than 40 cm are difficult to weld and transport, and their heat transfer is unreasonably high for small rooms.

Discs from KAMAZ, MAZ or ZIL-130.

How long does a stove made from cargo disks last?

The service life depends on the intensity of use and quality of materials:

• With regular use (2-3 times a week) - 3–5 years.
• For rare use (summer season) - up to 7–10 years.
• Cast iron discs last longer than steel ones, but are more difficult to weld.

Regular cleaning and repair of burnt areas will help extend the service life.

Is it possible to heat a stove with coal?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Use only anthracite or hard coal (brown coal produces a lot of soot).
• Coal burns hotter than wood, so:
• Reduce fuel load.
• Control the draft (open the vent slightly if necessary).
• Do not leave the oven unattended.

For coal, it is better to modify the stove: install a grate and strengthen the bottom (coal burns out faster than firewood).

How to dispose of a stove at the end of its service life?

If the oven becomes unusable:

1. Take it apart (use a grinder if necessary).
2. Hand over the metal to a scrap metal collection point.
3. If the discs are still in good condition, they can be reused (for example, for a new stove or other DIY projects).

Don't throw your stove into a landfill - it's a valuable metal that can be recycled!