Door size

[Grabouss]

What’s everybody’s thoughts on door size? Smaller to not lose heat while stoking it or bigger for better access to firebox? Do bigger doors amount to considerable heat loss to actually hinder the boil? My thoughts for my oil tank build is to have the door as wide as possible to have the sides flush to the inside bricks. This would keep me from bricking both sides of the doors on the front and provide better access to the firebox. This would give me a door roughly 18-19” wide.

[mol1jb]

That size sounds good. I think most like larger doors to get wood in as quick as possible. The longer the door is open the more heat loss you have. You can insulate a door to minimize the heat loss. Weld on some bolts to the door and bolt through the layer of insulation with grade 8 bolts. My bolts are on season 3 with no signs of wear.

[Grabouss]

Yes for sure the arch will be fully insulated, including the door. Like you said I think I’ll Just load quicker.

[Sugarmaker]

I think you will like it a little larger. Its closed more than open when running and the larger size will allow you to add wood and position wood in the fire box too.
Regards,
Chris

[maple flats]

It also helps to have the wood set up, ready to go in before you open the door.

[snakes14009]

The bigger the better. If you add a little insulation to the door it won't lose any heat. The bigger the door the less chance of an issue when firing. Just my two cents

[tcross]

+1 for the larger size... however i like two doors (if the arch is big enough). makes it easier to stoke one side at a time without loosing the heat!~