First spring report on the Rocket Mass Heater after 6 months. Thumbs up across the the board and almost all my concerns were unfounded. This thing is a masterpiece of economy of firewood and comfort long term. I had no problem maintaining 50 degrees or more over most of the winter in my 1700 square foot shop. I didn't use the metal shop heater any more and maybe less than when I used the wood stove each winter for the last decade. This first picture is the wood pile behind the shop. It was 6 feet high and 40 feet long and I started heating off this pile early October. The square footage equates to 2.5 cords and I fed off the pile down 3 feet to make measuring easier and as you can see, it is down almost to the 1.25 cord level. This is no bull, math on my side, proof of this heater. Last year I burned over 4 cords in the wood stove in that same spot.
![Image](http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/gobblerforge/100_2066_zps6zdqqcah.jpg)
The next picture is the over all of the heater. Though it does go from wall to wall it doesn't use any more space than the wood stove and wood pile used to. The wood box on the right is about 4.5x5 feet and is split so I could measure each load. I burn one side and when it's empty I load it and burn the other side that is warm and room acclimated. To burn for 6 hours under normal winter days one side would last 12 to 14 days. Yes you read that right, for moderate temps that's better than 2/3 of a month's heat in that box.
![Image](http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/gobblerforge/100_2068_zpsb0xzijwu.jpg)
This next is the winter Man Cave spot. the dogs and I take our breaks and lunch here. The spot where Scooter and Frankie are sitting is the warmest floor in the 80's and 90's. The radio up top plays both shops. The wood in the heater is one 5 inch locust log split in 4 pieces and will burn for 2 hours which is about max.
![Image](http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/gobblerforge/100_2071_zpshi7wxagf.jpg)
This last one is in the other shop under a bench where the end of the heater comes flush with the wall. I dressed it up like a fireplace and the dogs bed fits perfect. This brick face is 70 + regardless of outdoor temps. This is Gizmo's favorite spot.
![Image](http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/gobblerforge/100_2073_zpsfwlcwpny.jpg)
My recommendation for any one interested in using less wood and staying warmer is to learn about this design. I can tell you this, there will be one of these in my home next winter.
Staying warm on the ridge,
Gobbler.