Thanks Blacksmith, I learned some blacksmithing techniques from my grandfather years ago, always on the lookout for old ironworking tools and wish I had more free time to do this kind of work............hippyengineer--thanks, I just followed the instructions on the fireclay bag, but added about 25% more portland to make it harder and of course the stainless needles, last one I made(20 yrs ago) I used rebar to reinforce(and not enough portland) and the heating and cooling expanded and contracted the masonry and caused cracking but still heated great.............have built about 8 small fires so far in the new one and the stack draws excellent, the masonry is slow to heat up but slow to lose heat also....I'll get it all cleaned up and post some pics in a few days(with it burning)
"Associate yourselves with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company" George Washington