So I burned up the test stove in 2 burns.

[pyrocasto]

I've been trying to decide on materials to use as everyone says steel burns out, and bricks crack and crumble. I built a test stove out of stove pipe and she worked awesome for 2 burnings. Took it apart and the steel was brittle enough to flick a finger through.

Donkey, you said you use steel pipe for your riser at least, but what about your burn tunnel? I would love to use 3/16"-1/4" steel for the entire thing as with a plasma torch it's easy to fabricate and adjust. Would it be wise to at least line the burn chamber inside with firebrick instead of bare steel?

Would cast iron hold up any better, though it's a pain to weld?

I'm a junkyard guy so metals are easier to come by than brick, which I'll be paying $2.50 each for. I plan on encasing the stove in 1/8" steel plate to look nice and hold the perlite/vermiculite. 8" stove with probably 3-4" on each side of insulation.

The exhaust flows into my heat exchanger to heat my shop.

[Deleted]

Better stove pipes are made of 2mm steel, but not intended for use above 600°C.
Cast iron will resist longer as it is a lot thicker.
There are reasons why burn chambers are usually build of high-alumina refractory material.
It is not only the heat itself but also corrosion of metal under very high temperature conditions.

[pyrocasto]

Stumbled on this: www.bigceramicstore.com/Supplies/ITC.htm

"ITC 213 Ceramic Coating for Metals
Protect your elements even more. ITC213 will protect all metal parts from oxidation or reduction and other harsh environment such as high temperatures and proximity to molten metals, molten glass or glazes. "

I wonder if a coating like that could make something like a metal riser work and protect it for longevity.

After research and high prices all together, I'm thinking stainless from the scrap yard, and a $120 stick welder from harbor freight will be the best idea. I've always wanted to be able to weld alum and stainless without gas so it's a win-win. Plus stainless should hold up much longer in the high heat corrosive environment.

[Deleted]

One could try VHT FLAMEPROOF™ COATING
The manufacturer claims protection for 1300°F-2000°F (704°C-1093°C)
www.vhtpaint.com/products/flameproof/

[Deleted]

Some more high heat protection.
www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=371
www.helixracingproducts.com/Helix-Racing-Products-HELIX-VERY-HIGH-TEMP-EXHAUST-PAINT-detail.htm?productId=-179126
www.zypcoatings.com/Datasheets/BnAerosol/Bn-4oz.htm

For even more heat.
High Temperature Refractory Coatings
www.aremco.com/product/a5-s/

[landcraft]

new at this Landcraft : I have tried in the past two layer forms, two layers of hi temp refractory materials. The key to the different rates of expansion is a space between a high temp and a reflective type refractory. The other difference is density of materials. Thanks for the suggestions of new materials. We had a new blast furnace installed and completed 2010 in Sault Saint Marie Ont. Ca. I don't know allot about the materials used. But this subject stirs the enterest