How to make a fireplace from a washing machine drum?

Many useful devices can be crafted from old household appliances. For example, it's easy to make a fireplace out of a washing machine drum—just turn the container upside down and secure it to the ground. The stainless steel cylinder walls will withstand high temperatures, and the perforations provide the necessary air conditioning. The smooth edges of the container are also useful, as they accommodate cooking utensils. Furthermore, such a stove can be easily upgraded with a few modifications.

The simplest lesion on legs

It's quite easy to make a DIY fireplace for your dacha from a washing machine drum. If the machine isn't already disassembled, you'll first need to remove the cylinder from the housing, removing the plastic tank, drain pipe, and other components. Then, gather the consumables and equipment. You will need the container itself, as well as the crosspiece that comes with it.The tools you'll need are a grinder, a screwdriver, and a drill.

The hearth is made from a drum according to the following instructions:

• prepare the drum (remove plastic fins, bearings, shaft and other elements);
• clean the container from soap scum and dirt;
• use a grinder to cut off the crosspiece so that the longest possible rectangular pieces of metal remain;
• use a grinder to grind down the remaining parts of the crosspiece on the bottom of the drum;
• trim and grind the crosspiece sections with a grinder - these will be the future legs of the fireplace;
• drill holes in the top of each leg for subsequent attachment to the drum;
• Using a screwdriver, secure the legs to the bottom of the drum.

Only heat-resistant paints and enamels are used to decorate the fireplace made from a washing drum.

That's it! All that's left is to place the fireplace on its legs and paint it. The walls of the fireplace are prepared for painting: dirt and dust are removed, rust is removed, and the surface is sanded and degreased. Then, the fireplace is coated with heat-resistant paint rated for temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius. We recommend choosing products from Termika, Dufa, Elcon, and Tikkurila. Dark colors, such as silver or black, are best.

The resulting fireplace can be further improved. Adding a door will make adding firewood to the firebox easier and more convenient. To do this, cut a rectangular hole in the side wall, screw hinges to the opening, and then reinstall the firebox door. This will create a special "window" for accessing the stove, eliminating the need to add fuel from above while removing cookware or the grate.

Different designs of fireplaces

If a simple fireplace on legs seems too boring, you can improve the homemade product. Decorating the “base” is simple: just experiment with the base, the top, or the entire surface of the drum. The most suitable option is selected depending on personal preferences, available materials and desired functionality.

• An unusual base. Unsightly legs made of crosses or metal plates can be replaced with delicate stands made of twigs. For example, a fireplace placed on S-shaped poles looks impressive. Elongated or asymmetrical supports, as well as bricks and even an iron base from an old chair, also look beautiful.
• A grate on top. You can not only build a fireplace in your dacha, but also turn it into a barbecue. All you need to do is find a metal base for the future "lid" of any shape: round, rectangular, or square. Then, all you have to do is cover it with rods, secure it with a stand at the bottom of the drum, and sand down any uneven areas.
• "Stone ring." For a concrete "foundation," you need to calculate the required diameter, construct the formwork, and fill it with heat-resistant cement mortar, adding reinforcement with rebar or stones. Then, we dig a hole, install the rim, and secure the drum to it. A "curb" is made similarly from rock or brick.

A fireplace made from a washing machine drum can also be used as a barbecue.

• Well. If you plan to use the fireplace outdoors, it's recommended to consider a roof. A great option is to build a "well" grill. Simply weld two metal supports to the side walls of the drum and attach a gable roof to them.
• A "two-tier" fireplace. If you have a second washing machine or another similarly sized metal container, you can easily upgrade your stove with a second "tier." Simply weld the found container to the lower cylinder. Then, place a cauldron or saucepan directly in the upper opening—the generous distance from the fire will ensure the ideal cooking temperature.
• Table with a fireplace. An interesting solution would be to install a “fire pit” directly into the tabletop. The material doesn't matter: wood, metal, or concrete are all acceptable. The main thing is to ensure there's a gap between the fire and the wood, and secure the drum with strong iron pipes or profiles.
• Gas fireplace. If desired, the fireplace can be heated with gas instead of wood. However, you'll need to be able to run pipes to the drum, make connections, and connect the system to the gas cylinder, all while following safety precautions.

A fireplace made from a washing machine will not only be a place to cook or warm up, but also an unusual decoration for your garden. Thanks to the perforated walls, the flames look stunning in the dark, especially after decorating the fireplace with legs or a border.

   

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