hot water heater to heat conventional kiln

[brdmkr]

A friend has given me a 50 gal gas hot water heater 8).  He was going to throw it out, so I figured I would get it for the burner and tank.  I thought I would make a fish cooker out of the burner and a grill out of the tank.  Well, I got it today and it is only 4 years old 8).  It got me to thinking (dangerous).

Would it be possible to use this heater to heat water for a conventional kiln?  I know it would not get into the 200 + degree range, but would it generate enough heat to hit 160 or so?

I was thinking that I might circulate the water through some car radiators in front of fans.  Dumb idea? 

[Don_Lewis]

good for about a 500 BF kiln.

[TexasTimbers]

Good enuf then for a DIY.  Good on ya breadmaker! 8)

[brdmkr]

At least I have something to think about :P.  I just hate to tear it apart if I can use it in its present condition.  500 bdft is right on the edge of being enough to make it worthwhile.  So.... More of that dangerous thinking :P :P :P :P :P :P.

[Den Socling]

You will need to modify the control a little. Water heaters are limited to 115 to 125'F depending on local code.

[scsmith42]

You could also use the water heater to make bio-diesel...

[brdmkr]

Scott,

I appreciate the suggestion of an alternative use 8)


SO...

Here are my options

1.  Grill and fish cooker.
2.  Small conventional kiln
3.  Biofuel processor (note: I have a diesel tractor but a flexfuel truck and the truck gets more use)

Any other options?

Jeff, should I move this to another area???

[TexasTimbers]

Oops wrong thread.  : Scuse me.

[Max sawdust]

So how do you make bio fuel with a old water heater ??? :P
max