Wood stove fan for Mr. Heater?

[On The Lam]

I've been looking through various threads discussing various ways of using USB/computer and other adaptations for using 12-volt fans to circulate warm air from heaters in shanties.  I'm curious if anyone is using a wood stove fan for their Mr. Heater?  It requires no power and runs almost silently...just needs a few mins to start.  I can't claim credit for the idea (found it on Youtube) but I purchased one, tried it on my Mr. Heater in my garage and it works great.  Given the creativeness I've seen on this board, I'm surprised this hasn't found its way into more of the discussion unless I missed it.  Sure, it's a tad pricey at $50, but pretty reasonable compared to some stuff we justify to ourselves. 

My power needs are pretty basic when fishing...just my Garmin unit.  I use a headlamp in my one-man if needed and a small hanging LED in my pop-up.  I was looking for a no-frills way to circulate warm air and this seems to fit the bill, but to be fair I have not tried it on the ice yet.  Am I missing something?

[adkRoy]

Actually sounds like a good idea.  I would love to know if it works.

[Zeker259]

Great idea.

 

[Chili]

Saw this video a few weeks ago. He goes into pretty good detail on it.

[RStock521]

For the guys that have used this, does this eliminate/reduce the heat rising to the ceiling and being cold down below?  Currently, I use a large computer fan in the center of my hub ceiling to push air down, but It'd be easier to just use these if it works.  Thanks!

[Rebelss]

I be danged!!!!!!!

[slipperybob]

I've always wanted to get one too.

[Raquettedacker]

Should work fine.  Have one on each wood stove at camp and they get spinning pretty good..

[Pudsky]

I have one of those I got for the barrel stove in the tent at deer camp.  I also planned on using it in the ice tent.  The only thing I am not sure about is the blades are very light and fragile.  I am kinda concerned about bending them. Possibly a transport issue. But it worked well when I tested it in the garage.

Currently I use a cheap battery powered fan I hang from the ceiling of the ice tent.  That works awesome and the batteries last a long time on a usb power supply.

[Skywagon]

It is amazing how they work.  I use one of these on the wood stove at the cabin, two have gone bad in the last 3 years (they were the more expensive ones).  They do the job when they work, but are so fragile it would take some very careful packing around the blades/shaft mechanism to safely haul them back and forth on the ice on a frequent basis. In my opinion a small energy efficient fan would be much easier to transport (would not require a special packing container to keep it safe) and would hold up a lot longer, in a permanent shack where the stove fan was not being jostled around it would be a more viable option.

[P Meyette]

intresting

[Pilatusbahn]

I use mine in deer blind and on ice.

I bought the "mini" fan on Amazon. But not sure if have this style. Has wider base but 4" is perfect size.

Save the box, put it back in for travel. Just takes couple minutes to cool and definitely saves the blades from any damage.

Then  box goes into plastic ammo can in the tub of shanty.

Haven't cut slits to slide onto grill but that is soon to come. Otherwise just sits on top panel and rack.

Really works to move air

[On The Lam]

Thanks, everyone.  Appreciate the responses.  A small notch in the base with an angle grinder allows it to be easily slid onto the grate and helps hold it securely.  The overall premise is great, and it works great.  But the biggest issue I have found so far is exactly what was mentioned above...the fan blades are fairly fragile.  It's obviously designed for stationary use, not jostling around in a sled.  I've got it wrapped up in a thick stocking hat for now and stuck in my rod bag, since I'm naturally more careful with handling it.  I think for now, the intended use would be my pop-up shanty, when I'm hauling more gear and planning to be more stationary.  For use in my one-man flip, I'm going to stick with my Portable Buddy, the small one with the angled face.  It does alright.  I find as I get older, I get colder easier.  Getting older sucks...

[Sylvanboat]

This is what I use. Compact & light. 3 speeds & a built in light too. Available on Amazon.

[wygeargeek]

Hadn't used it at the time of the photo but it has worked well so far. Still working on the best way to secure the fan better.