Thursday, August 25, 2011

Caulking for Cast Iron Stove

Today I went into town and bought a tube of cast iron and fireplace caulking. To my surprise the stuff cleans up with water. I clipped the end off the tube and applied it with my finger.

The directions say to remove all loose debris first, wet with a bit of water, then use a putty knife. I found it easier to smear it into the grooves with a finger. After it cures, it directs you to use a low fire to help it solidify rock hard. The manufacturer claims it withstands temperatures of 1,000 degrees. You may not think so, but wood burning stoves can generate some serious heat, so this rating isn't as overkill as one might imagine.



The finish of this caulking is a grainy blackness, much like the stove itself. I made circular motions to improve the randomness, and found it very pleasing. The old cast iron lid was used as my palate, and intentionally became black as well. Sort of a two birds with one stone.

The simple tools I always keep around help in these projects. Metal shears, needle nose pliers, hammer, both kinds of screw drivers, a caulking gun, and scraps of pliable metal. Outdated licence plates are ideal.

Tomorrow we will lay the cement blocks I also bought today. Each one is 12 x 12 and my protective area will measure 2 feet wide by 3 feet deep, a lovely terracotta. Stay tuned.

4 comments:

  1. Looks good. I wish I was making as much progress with all the things I have to get finished as you are there.

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  2. Thanks Arsenius, I had to use this same hard as rocks caulk to solidify the legs on the stove. While I was moving it, I found myself holding a one legged stove. :(

    This was no doubt one of the reasons it was cheap. But, now, the caulk is curing. We've had some rain up here, how about you? I think Irene's casting some Pearls our way, just outter bands, or maybe not.

    Anyways, life is good, I read that you're getting clothes on the line like I am today.

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  3. Nothing but some wind here. I wish we had a little rain, but not much as I am in the process of reroofing my porch. I haven't spent a farthing on propane since I put up the two clothes lines. I'm sure it has helped my electricity bill too. Just as well, as this roof business is costing me more than I thought by a long shot. I did get a good electric drill out of it though, which I need. Swinging a hammer with arthritis in your wrists is not a pleasant experience.

    Yes, Life is good.

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  4. I know what you mean about the arthritis! I get really sore hands when I cook alot, all that chopping and dicing.

    Seems like at our age we just manage the pain, it never totally goes away.

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