Insulation and paranoia

[taheckler]

I have recently gotten very worried about the insulation in my 1939 Model B. I took the oven door apart and discovered that the insulation inside of it was in pretty bad shape. Much of it had crystalized, so started looking for replacement insulation for the part that I had to throw out. Two stove restoration guys that I called told me that it was likely that my stove insulation has asbestos in it. Others have told me that the rock wool used by Chambers did not have asbestos. I don't know who to believe now.

So, I am wondering: has anyone had their insulation lab tested for asbestos? If so, what were your findings? I am considering sending a sample of mine in for testing, but that will cost $65. And if they tell me that it has it, then I'll be obligated to remove the last layer of this big onion to replace the insulation. If they tell me we're good, then I will feel soooo much better about "Miss Elvia" (that's what I named my bucket of rust.)

So, am wondering if anyone else has had theirs lab tested?

Thanks for your comments.

[stoveman]

Hi Tura, Maybe this note will put your mind to rest. Chambers used Rock Wool to insulate ALL their ranges. They did not use Asbestos. In my 1922,27,36,39 Chambers Catalogs, They brag that there stoves are insulated with Rock Wool. They used 50 pounds around the oven and 20 pounds around the Thermowell. Rock Wool is a man made product made at a very high temperature in a device kinda like the machine at the state fair that spins out the pink "Cotton Candy". It is made of Slag (byproduct of the steel mills), Basalt and Limestone. No Asbestos! It has been used for 125+ years with no problems. In fact, If you ever eat vegetables grown in a Hydroponic green house, It was probably GROWN in Rock Wool. If you have one of those "Gas Log" fireplaces, The glowing embers are Rock wool. It is safe and I beleive Chambers when they say that they used it exclusively. Besides, If your insulation in your oven has signs of being melted into little round balls, It must be Rock Wool, because these ovens are not capable of temperatures that would melt Asbestos!......But, there MAY be a source of Asbestos in your range. It could be located on left and right sides of your range. They sometimes put a sheet of Asbestos between the outside Porcelain cover and the frame of the stove. It will be about 10" X 20" X 1/4" and white in color. I hope you find this information of use. Regards, Sam

[vtran265]

Sammy,

Not to sound like a broken record, but where can I get some Rock Wool for the side panels and oven door? Check your [email][email protected][/email] email since I just sent you a request for literature.

Victor

<font color="#FFFFFF"><font size="1">[ February 23, 2005 01:59 AM: Message edited by: vtran265 ]</font></font>

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ February 23, 2005 02:01 AM: Message edited by: vtran265 ]</font>

[stoveman]

I am working on a source of new Rock Wool, goin' to bed now, will follow up more tomorrow.. Sam

[vtran265]

Excellent, I'm sure most of the other board members can benefit from this.

Victor

[stoveman]

Good news! There is a truck with 200 pounds of Fresh-Out-Of-The-Factory Rock Wool headed to Uncertain, Texas. When It arrives, I will be sharing it with Board Members at a Reasonable Cost. Then I will put it on Ebay for the world of non-members and make a buck! Let me know if you want some! Regards, Sam

[taheckler]

I need some, so please e-mail me off-line and let me know the cost.

Also, is it loose cotton-like stuff, or is it formed into a blanket? (sorry, I know you hate non-book descriptions!) :-)

<font color="#FFFFFF" size="1">[ February 25, 2005 10:53 PM: Message edited by: Tura Heckler ]</font>

[nufan]

i'm interested too, if it's a blanket-style.. i'd love to be able to take apart my well but as-is, i'd never get all the wool back in right.

[stoveman]

OK Tura, I will let you know when the truck gets to the Lake, Sam

[taheckler]

Stoveman, I know how much I need now - here it is:

1. Enough rock wool to totally repack my oven door.

2. Enough rock wool to totally repack my thermowell.

I think that's all I need. Just let me know costs and I'll mail you a check. I'd like to get it as soon as you have it available as I'd like to get these parts reassembled. Thank you!

Tura