The Mortar Board (MHA News) - Summer/Fall 2022
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Well, everyone seems to be busy. Several people ask me to call them for any workshops I could present. I called, but they are too busy now! That's a good sign. In the spring, there were three meetings at the HPBA in Anaheim, California. There was a Board of Advisors meeting, chaired by Paul Tiegs of OMNI Test Lab. We talked about ways to get more exposure or recognition from the EPA and local regulators on air quality for masonry heaters. We sort of drew a blank, but we are working on a consumer survey which should help. The count of total heaters built to date is 11,262 plus. However, all is not lost. We also decided to work on a test protocol for masonry heaters as part of the ASTM Standard Practice. This will cover masonry heaters as well as masonry fireplaces.
The second meeting, chaired by John LaGamba, was the HPBA Masonry Products Caucus. The basic goal we discussed was to push for an acceptable test protocol and finalize the user survey, still ongoing but getting closer.
The third meeting was the ASTM E 6.54 Committee Meeting, chaired by Rod Zander. Tina Subasic, MHA's hired consultant, was present and we discussed fueling protocol in depth. It was decided Paul Tiegs would work out the actual details, which are near completion. To be discussed at the next ASTM meeting at Norfolk, Virginia, on October 13, 2002.
Because of these three meetings, Rod Zander and I missed the first two days of the MHA meeting at Wildacres, North Carolina (Little Switzerland). I had asked Pat Manley to cover for us and start the workshops, which he did very well. Thanks, Pat. This year, we built the 24" x 36" small Finnish Heater. Plans will be for sale shortly. We did make a few revisions to these plans to make them ready for prime time. There was a good turnout of Heater Builders, who together made this all happen. We had a good showing of new members, all excited to get their hands-on experience.
We had a successful oven workshop (le Panyol), led by Albie Barden of Maine Wood Heat. The workshop was followed by a pizza party (pig out), a great success and always educational. We, as usual, invited the Mineralogists who share the week at Wildacres. They seemed to like the oven and heater education (just more people spreading the word).
At the end, we had a business meeting (the boring part). Rod Zander presented a financial report. We are still in the black. Bev is making us money on book sales, etc. Way to go, Bev!!! It was suggested next year we do a workshop on the Swedish Heater, based on the plans we will have for sale.
Gary Hart (MHA Secretary) offered to present a chimney building and flashing workshop next year. If there is anyone interested, let Bev know. Or, if you have any other ideas for workshops, let Bev know.
Other action: Ernst Kiesling offered a workshop seminar in Nova Scotia (See attached article). I was able to attend. It was 5 days of intense therapy and hands-on working. The only way to do this is at a dedicated week workshop.
If Ernst offers this workshop again, I highly recommend you do whatever it takes to attend. Ernst's calculations are something every heater builder should know. At some point, this may become a part of the MHA.
FYI - Rod Zander and I did a joint workshop at the MHA Headquarters (Bev's home and her daughter's home): an oven at Bev's and a custom design soapstone heater by Rod at her daughter's home. They had one season to try them, and all seem to be more than excited about their new toys.
I have built more ovens in the last 1 ½ years than the previous 5 years (looking good). I was given a good chicken recipe from a gas BBQ, but it works well in a brick oven. I will get it to Bev to put on the website. Anyone with a good recipe, please send them to Bev to put online for all to try.
Hope this finds everyone busy and healthy with plenty of Heater/Oven business. Our next meetings will be ASTM on October 13th in Norfolk, VA, the HPBA Expo 2003, March 5-8, 2003, in Nashville, TN, and the MHA annual meeting in April 2003 (date to be established soon) at Wildacres, Little Switzerland, NC. Hope to see you at one or all – plan now, book early, don't miss out.
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