Building a wood-fired stock tank hot tub - Boiler and firebox fabrication (Ep.1)

In Episode 1, I get started on the fabrication of a vertical fire tube boiler for a wood fired stock tank hot tub. This video details the construction of an ash-catching chamber, air intake, and latch handles for the firebox made out of scrap propane tanks. This project put a lot of old machines to use- this includes some turning on the 1930s LeBlond Regal 10" lathe, the 1918 WWI-era Buffalo Forge drill press put to good use, and even some homemade tools got used, like the ring roller and plasma cutter circle guide.
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I'm Chris, and welcome to the shop. Here on this channel, I post videos of my machine work, fabrication, welding, vintage tool restoration, and industrial history, produced in my 1930s-themed home machine shop. Through building and working in this vintage-inspired space, I hope to conduct a little bit of experimental archaeology by using tools, equipment, and methods found in pre-war American manufacturing. Along the way, I'll also show some clips from my side projects and day job too.

[@kevindouglas8768]

I bought a wood stove/boiler for $250. Looked great inside, so I lined it with fire brick. I didn't want to reinvent the wheel. However, your welding and fab work is incredible. Wish you were my neighbor :)

[@marknaglreiter9330]

Ingenious young man. You're going to do great things. Praise God.

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks!

[@sebastiandelamaza8440]

wow please keep uploading !

[@PeeWeeHenson]

THE WAY YOU WORK I THOUGHT THIS WAS YOUR DAY JOB. DAMN, YOU'RE GOOD

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Wow, you are a true craftsman.

[@douglasmcleod7481]

i guess this vid is not so much about making a hot tub as it is about watch me use all the cool tools i have . good job , i like your shop

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

It definitely has been a lot longer-term project than I planned. But that’s life in a hobby shop. Thanks!

[@runningwithscissors3280]

Cool tools and process. I like the clamps you used when tacking the rings at the ash collection area. I have NEVER waited for a video from anyone but I am waiting for your next episode. Thank You. Subscribed!

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks! Been busy working on the next one and it should be up soon!

[@herrickelias6742]

@@DuluthMachineWorks Anny update on this project ?

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

@@herrickelias6742 it’s on its way! Had to figure out the details of the next steps, and then got held up due to high steel prices. A small update is coming soon, with a longer build video to follow.

[@stocktankpools4980]

Love it, can’t wait to see the finished product in action!

[@jwatkins98]

Very detailed! Great looking and fun project!

[@bc-guy852]

Hey Chris, WOW. What a fantastic thing you've got going! So much I want to chat about with you. I think you're very talented and I love the 1930's shop theme. I think you will and should soon have many, many more subscribers! Since the pandemic I've been watching a lot of YT videos - and have been noting a few things that the ones who become really successful all seem to have in common. Lots of ways to make the YT thing work for you, particularly at your age. And maintain your passion for the art you are creating at the same time. I think you've got nice manner in front of the camera and you don't talk too much; letting the fast-motion video show what you're doing. I really like how organized you already are - with the neat intro and great graphics for your shop and channel name. You're on the way! I note that what you have written at the end of your video description here, would be a great intro to each of your videos (with a bit of tweaking). And of course - the length. I know guys like "Everyday Astronaut" now has millions of subscribers and has done very well but he admits his really long episodes are super-long - and he now has a staff to assist him. (Plus - he cleverly includes a legend of timestamps to take viewers to particular chapters)... I think YT will tell you that 10 minutes is the butter-zone. That maximizes your audience and your revenue. I want to discuss other YT'ers with you - so much out there to view and when you're both an artist in the shop - AND you have a day-job, hard to concentrate on YT material as another business - and it is! So I am hoping we can connect - and my email is [e-mail]. I do not do Instagram or FB but I think I can help you really launch your presence here. I will cite chapter and verse on a few superstars of YT, (in my opinion) who have used the platform in a classy manner and are doing good out there - - as they MAKE HUGE $$. I refer to: Mark Rober, Destin of (Smarter Every Day), Derek of (Veritasium), Will Prouse of (DIY Solar). Each of these guys does it differently. But in 9 years Mark Rober went from a few subscribers to breaking the internet when a video release hit 15 million views in one day!! (He can make $ millions in a year - just from views!) Will does not have any sponsors and does not make 'fancy highly produced videos' but has great reviews and tells of his affiliate-links that make him TONS. By being honest the whole time. I'd be happy to share more if you contact me. And all I want - when you get rich and famous - - is the SECOND one of those fabulous heaters you are creating. I hope you don't mind the intrusion and the opinions. I see a LOT of talent on your channel and most of the essential bits - are already there - you're ready to launch!! Nice video! Zed

[@batchrocketproject4720]

Nice build and well presented. I appreciate the details of the range of tools and techniques. Well done and thanks.

[@edwardmcmurray9764]

Very awesome indeed .

[@nicholasself8161]

Dude your awesome .... I have the coil setup in my stock tank hot tub but this ... this is epic

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks!

[@dr.tamiej.jovanelly698]

Great cinematography! Very informative!

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks!

[@everydaywithmenick]

Great build video with plenty of detailed footage of your build. You've earned yourself a sub from me buddy 👍

[@masterdarth]

This is great. Can't wait to see the final product. I have so many questions! I'm really curious what you are going to use to transfer heat. I'm looking into building a tub myself, but alas, I am not a metal worker. I will probably end up going with the coil inside a fire pit, even though it has lower efficiency.

[@232Stangpwr]

Subbed sweet build!

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks!

[@strangescience3414]

Those people🙄🤣😂 Why they care how we live and manage our own space.

[@adventuresincampingwithcar8622]

terriffic video. The only comment i Have is that you really should grind a "V" into those Butt welds. I am the mainternance Blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg.I do a lot of different types of fabrication. I've seen that type of weld fail that wasn't V'd out.

[@DuluthMachineWorks]

Thanks! I agree, not the best. We’ll see how it holds up during a hydrostatic pressure test.