Learn how to build a wood gasifier
Wood gasifier plans in action
Simple DIY wood gasifier plans that won’t break the bank and don’t compromise performance are finally here in step by step detail. Now you can make energy at night, during the winter, when the sun isn’t shining and when the wind doesn’t blow. This is the reliable energy source that completes your off-grid plans.
Read feedback from the new book the Wood Gasifier Builder’s Bible
Have you read the book too? Leave your review below. Based on your feedback we have added more valuable information to the book owners area as well, so don’t miss that. A metric version of these wood gasifier plans are coming in the near future.
Steve U. Review
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Summary
Steve U. (WA)
I am on my third read through of the new Wood Gasifier Builder’s Bible book that I bought from Ben Peterson for silver. Why silver, because I only trade value for value. This is real value.
When I want to master a new field of information I immerse myself into it. That’s why I have well over 1000 hours of woodgas operating on at least 12 different system types matched to at least 20 different engine platforms. Going out in the world and operating others systems hammered into me the importance of a systems heats/flows/balancing, insulation and grate design. I have with much blood, sweat and tears crafted myself to be a woodgas system operating expert.
My library has just about every wood gasification book you can get your hands on. From free downloads that cost $30 in ink to print on loose sheets, to archival quality books that run up to $180. I have an original gasification book that pre-dates the German invasion during WWII and books that teach you very well how to drive on wood, so I am uniquely able to compare Ben’s book to the established literature.
The first thing that sticks out is the sheer volume of pictures. As many as any several books combined. And typeface that is large and so easy to read you could enjoy the book by candle light. Why is that important? Because if you build with “free” garbage can plans and kitchen strainers you are going to foul up your generator and be right back in the dark! Ben has walked the path and he sees your way forward better than you do. He’s looking out for you.
The gas producer is the highlight reel of his build experiences. I see influences from at least 5 different gasifier systems woven together in a seemless, sturdy, thick DIY propane tank design that will save you time and money. Lot’s of engine knowledge in the Electronic Carburetor book too.
The book gives you at least FOUR of his patent level 21st century woodgas system upgrades. It shows you in patient, clearly pictured step-by-step detail all of the sequenced hidden welds to make up an advanced five walled heat conserving and recycling gasifier hearth system. Nowhere else in book form will you get this. He even shares his “best in the world” Victory active grating system with it’s char-gentle, unique, three piece sifter-action linkage.
This is a sane, sensible, solid design you can count on, unlike some of the youtube woo-woo stunting crapola! That’s the problem with youtube. You get your 5 minutes of video, but you don’t see the 5 hours of engine repair. There ARE a handful posting-up there with good systems out of the thousands. How would you ever know which is which without getting your hands on some char?
I see a design that is thermal-chemically very balanced and adaptable for the widest range of engine usages. Home generators, tractor saddle mounted and mid sized power equipment (think sawmill). It is designed to be built in a home garage shop. He gives you a three level tool list and his own proven supplier sources by NAME.
I am now buying extra copies to gift to all of my true off-grid and solar friends to fill promises I made years ago. That day has finally come thanks to Ben’s gift of knowledge and experience in this DIY book system. Thank you for this gift Ben. And to any one reading this… BUY THIS BOOK!
Washington State Steve Unruh
Woodgas contributor to: Drive On Wood, MicroCogen, the old Victory community site, Lister Engine Group, and GEK Owners forum.
More early reviews of the Wood Gasifier Plans.
This is what people are saying about the Wood Gasifier Builder’s Bible:
This is an amazingly valuable book. Ben has boiled down his many years of R&D into a very well written book that makes it clear how anyone can make a wood gasifier. Thank you Ben! I’m particularly interested in this concept because the work I do is focused on ways to compost materials (including wood chips) while capturing heat from the process. So with this gasifier any farm/homestead that has a few acres of forest can make all their own fuel for hot water/winter heat and electricity/transport, out of one simple sustainable easy-to-harvest renewable resource: solar power contained in wood.
Wow. Thank you Ben. I know you’ve had your ups and downs over the years with the research and blood/sweat/tears you’ve invested. Thank you for your perseverance and for making this resource available to us.
Gaelan Brown
Author of the Compost Powered Water Heater
http://compostpower.org
I have to say it is an honor and a privilege to able to review Ben’s plans. Keep in mind I am one of Ben’s competitors, so this really is a privilege. This is a straightforward approach with zero guess work to building a high quality gasifier from what I can see. Not only that but the advanced features and build techniques are the stuff we manufactures are using today. These types of systems are a must and Ben lays all this out for you.
Only few have done what Ben has done in this book. I am one those people, I have not created a book; however, I have created our manufacturing plans and built our manuals. This is a lot of work!!
Get the book, get the parts and build a gasifier that will work and provide the builder a great sense of accomplishment. Plus you are getting something that has been fully developed and will work if you build it.
Again in my opinion this a great book, at a steal of a price and will for sure live up to its name.
Cheers!
Matt Ryder
CEO Vulcan Gasifier LLC
http://www.vulcangasifier.com/
This is the book I’ve been waiting for. I have followed wood gasification since the 2009 Victory woodgas BBQ. Seeing is believing! Going off grid is a key part of my retirement plan. And gasification is a key part of my off grid plan. There is no one I trust more than Ben for this information. Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed manual. My hats off!
David P.
Track Engineer, BN Santa Fe
Hey Ben I was running the generator today and admiring the electronic carburetor. It was really just ingenious how you set up the whole system. I’m also super impressed with the run time of the gasifier. My kubota 3 cylinder purrs like a kitten- the carb balances the air/woodgas ratio perfectly. I probably have 7 solid hours of Generator run time on one batch of wood chips / charcoal bed.
You truly have something special here, I pray others can benefit from your dedication to this underrated technology!
Godbless sir –
David, Victory Owner
Well done on the book bro! The design is so advanced and yet so simple. You literally spelled out every step.
Ever since we graduated welding school back in the day, I have always been impressed by your fab skills. You care about quality like no one else I know.
I’m going to build one of these wood gasifiers for my dad’s ranch. He has so much wood. It’s going to be fun. This is the ultimate off grid tool. Make the trip over the mountain and see if our work passes muster 🙂Issac S.
Underwater welder, Gulf coast
Well done. This takes wood gasifier design to the next level. Very high quality and well thought out.
R. MacGregor
Machinist
This is the best DIY wood gasifier plan available! Great book. Easy to fabricate and quality most manufactured machines can’t touch. Well done. I am getting extra copies for gifts.
Jim
Back to the land’er
Order your wood gasifier plans and experience the thrill of making your own free fuel at home. Self reliance is the best investment you can make in your future and a powerful way to make your voice heard. Vote with your dollars and get off the grid today.
I really enjoy the video tutorial explain everything step by step!
I am a visual and that why i bought that digital book and video!
Its really well done just can’t wait to build my own !
Thank you very much for that novel
I have been studying wood gas, and building gasifiers for years. I have stacks of books, and plans, this is the best plans I have seen. Ben hit a home run with this book. It is an easy, very good read.
I am a metal fabricator and artist living in Alaska. Our gas prices here have always been high and to be able to supplement it with a machine like this is going to be great. I plan on using the book to it’s full potential this winter. To start, The book is great. Easy to follow and explains every step clearly. The large print is nice when you set it on the shop bench and are reading the steps with your grinding hood on. This is no tin can cook pot. Its a well designed machine that if your build it to specks it should last u years of regular use.
The one thing I was disappointed about was that it did not elaborate more on the general basics of wood gasification. This book is strictly a step by step guide to constructing a well designed gasifier. For most people that are interested in wood gas they have already done the research so this is not a problem. I also would suggest any one interested in making your own gas that one book is not enough. Don’t get me wrong, I already have a pile of steel tanks ready to be cut into to build one of these and it’s a very good book. Ben has given us a wood gas design that has very nice features and ..It Will Work.. after hours of construction and cash spent. If you have tried to make a wood gasifier on your own, you would understand.
Thanks Ben
Chris,
Thank you for your feedback. It is appreciated. You are correct, this is a step by step builder’s guide only. The basics of wood gasification are something that I wanted to cover in a free format with the “Wood Gas Crash Course” videos on Youtube and the “Primer on Wood Gasification” pdf. That way people can see if it’s for them before they buy the book.
If there is some information you would like covered specifically, then please send an email to info@gasifierplans.com and I can add that to the Builder Resource webpage. It’s more interactive and easy to edit. Print books are great, but once they are out they are basically set in stone. I am taking reader feedback and collecting it for the next edition, released at some date in the future (definitely not this year)
I will also be adding to the Primer on Wood Gasification pdf periodically, which is a free resource to email subscribers. Having done this whole path I know people tend to get information overload and stall out, so I am trying to walk them down a path that delivers actionable bite sized chunks along the way.
Cheers,
Ben
I’m just getting started building and am collecting all the parts. I already had the propane tanks and all the tools I need. I’m looking forward to starting it up.
This is the best book for the DIYer, step by step instructions with one or more pictures to help you understand what is being described. There are options for how to buy the parts you need off the shelf from a hardware store or how to manufacture the parts you need if you are an advanced builder with better tools. I am looking forward to building my own Gasifier.
Great books and videos Ben! I think anyone with basic mechanical skills could build one. It is nice to have some key parts available too.
I am really looking forward to building one of these. After all, what’s a good home project without your local Fire Department involved? LOL
Kidding aside, I want to go with some advanced arduino modules for fuel feed automation on mine. I’m hoping there will be a forum so we can share ideas.
Nothing gives me more pleasure than having my neighbors say “What the heck is that???”
PS I think you are a stainless steel Junkie LOL : )
Thank you for the review! I am a stainless steel junkie. Coast Aluminum & Stainless is my dealer. Don’t think I will break the habit. It was hard doing this in mild steel, but I took one for the team.
As far as forums and ideas goes, I would be happy to publish things in the owners area for you once they are tested solutions (if you want to share), but I’ve done the “forums and ideas” thing and it becomes more about entertainment than getting things done after a while. Not all ideas are good ideas and too much info can stop some people cold or just lead to bickering and the need for moderating which isn’t my gig.
But putting together community solutions is cool and you could even publish an ebook to share what you’ve learned and recoup some of your r&d costs. If it worked nice I would happily link to it.
Ben
I Travel around and see very many interesting ideas people come up with to use in times of need. I am so thankful that you have taken the time to put togethor this great book to help me and others like me to get throught any type of sitituations we may encounter in the future. Keep up the great work.
Thanks.
Trucker
Thank You!
The book creates a possible path for anyone with the tenacity to become energy independent.
Hi Ben, the book is awesome, I am half way through building . Could you give me more info on the controller and relay, can’t seem to find it on the website in the book. I received the up date on the relay specs but the #341-3000-007-1043 is not on the web site in the book. Thanks so much for what you have done for the average guy! Steve
I posted a pdf of the purchase invoice you will need from customerelays.com. Look for the link in the builder area toward the bottom.
They know that some of our readers will be contacting them, so it should be no problem with the info on that invoice.
Thx,
Ben
Ben
I’m a big fan have been for years; have not purchased the manual yet. Will soon.
Glossed over a friends copy and it’s arranged and set like military tech manual.
Simple, concise and straight to the point. I’m more interested in the carb manual.
Will be making my purchase soon.
Thanks. I tried to only print what I did in the build.
I have a video coming out soon where I start the build using cardboard templates. This can help people start “building” for under $6 and it’s a good way to see how the parts fit together for anyone reading this that is maybe not a fabricator.
Great job done, Ben. I am profoundly inspired with your work. I will get this book with your signature.Also admire your family for the kind of support , it is rendering….
I did a lot of research on woodgas but was discouraged about building a gasifier until I read the Wood Gasifier’s Builder’s Bible and watched the companion video. (I was so happy I bought the Carburator Workshop book and video also!) The excellent visual descriptions gave me the confidence to pursue building a system for electricity generation. The books and videos together gave me the understanding about how a gasifier system is designed, which I was missing in the technical journals that I had been reading from the Internet. I look forward to reading more from Ben Peterson on the subject – performance enhancements, CHP add-ons, feedstock preparation (a screwchipper build perhaps?)… Thanks!
Great read and easy to understand. I have been interested in this for years and this is the only way to go to build your own unit. As a welder fitter I am pleased to see instructions that the average person who has some knowledge of welding can produce a safe and efficient unit. Well done, your research is top notch and your books are worth every penny. Thanks.
I heard about wood gasification a few years ago, read a few articles, ordered some plans from Mother Earth News (I think), then the interest simply slipped away as a curiosity story. In the mean time, I tried to figure out how I could use the typical alternative sources of energy of solar and wind.
When I lived in California in the 70’s and 80’s, I built an elaborate concentrating solar collector. Plenty of sun in CA., I moved to Vermont in 1984. I’ve been wanting to get back into solar, but Vermont is just to cloudy and the days are shorter.
Then I thought about wind energy. Living in a forest area doesn’t allow good wind flow, so that was out as well. I just figured any alternate energy source wasn’t available for my situation. Then, about two months ago I saw some videos of a guy using a Vulcan Gasifier. Very impressive. Cost was ok, but there was a link to Ben’s book.
Ordered the books for the gasifier and the electronic carburetor. Finally, some actual good “how-to” information. I now knew my alternate energy source. I already owned a MIG welder, so instead of spending the money buying a Vulcan Gasifier, sorry Matt, I decided spend the money on turning my garage into a small welding fabrication shop. I bought a plasma cutter and a TIG welder, plus other tools. Allows me to build other things as well as Ben’s gasifier.
In a situation where electrical power may be down for long periods, I’ll have the gasifier to run my home generator, which will power my home and shop. All on wood. Remember, I live in a forest area.
Ben’s gasifier book is a fantastic guide, step-by-step, for building a complete, reliable, gasifier system. I’ve already acquired all the parts. Just re-organizing my garage now to get building. Since this is Vermont, it’s darn cold and snowy outside.
Also, if I may suggest, get Ben’s machined parts gasifier kit, especially for the blower and the jets.
I have been studying gasifiers for the last 2 years and have read/viewed just about all the information that is available from web sites, Youtube and written books. My interest has always been a gasifier for a stationary generator; I purchased the Drive on Wood materials and had planned to adapt a Keith gasifier for a gen set. Then I found Ben’s materials — what great job!! Without a doubt Ben’s books and videos are simply the best products available if you want to build a small to medium size gasifier. If you are serious about building a gasifier I think the whole series including the Electronic Carburetor materials are the best investment you can make — well worth the price. I’ve already started the build — thank you Ben!
I love this book. There are a few measurement that were left out of the detailed plans. (Mostly hole placement for drilling) But if you are considering building a gasifier you should be able to figure these out. I have recommended this book to everyone I know who is interested in thriving not just surviving
Excellent service “after the sale”. Ben continues to impress.
I might try the pizza / stainless steel scrap technique : )
I have collected everything available that I could find on the Internet as I have a Survival Plan the revolves around complete Electrical Independence without Solar Panel Fields , Battery Nightmares and Wind Turbines that are prone to storm damage. So Wood Gasification is my way to go. When I run across Ben Peterson’s Plans, Videos and Material, I bought both his books right away. “Wood Gasifier Builder’s Bible” and the “Electronic Carburetor Workshop” are fantastic works in progress. I see the genius in the Products and Ben’s Genius. I have rewritten a couple “Prepper” articles on Wood Gasification, especially one Titled “Can a Wood Gasifier Really Be A Reliable Energy Source” from http://www.ready4itall.org. A total idiot wrote this piece and it to be corrected. I also added a plug for Ben’s fantastic System. If by chance you want a copy of this word doc contact Ben as I am sending him a copy.
After studying gasification for many years and looking at most alternatives, undoubtedly Ben is way up there amongst the best, if not the best! I have already made a prototype with a lot of help taken from Ben´s book, which gives the most concise instructions I have ever seen. Everything worked great and successfully run a small engine generator set. I´m now ready to graduate to the model described in the book and can thoroughly recommend ANYONE who is interested in this technology to throw away everything else you have been tinkering with and get Ben´s book. now! You will definitely not regret it.
hi Ben, this sounds great, i have been thinking of this for a number of years now but still haven’t decided on a solution, have you explored the possibility of making this a continuous operation rather than a batch fed type system.
PS will be purchasing the books and drawings today