Hello.  Im new here.  Had a bit of experience moving metal with a hammer with raw wood in either a wood stove or pile of red bricks.  Old school true 2x4 solid ones.  

Been doing some research the past few hours and there is little information I found on an open fire as with the box of dirt or brake drum or a closed fire with gas.  Would a closed fire with solid fuel be any more efficent with trapping heat?

 

Solid fuel doesn't usually have any problems with not enough heat, remember conduction is the best way to transfer heat, and as you need access to the fire to clean and feed and arrange it; a cover may make it less time efficient.

Edited January 29, 20188 yr by ThomasPowers

14 hours ago, Nikkoli said:

Hello.  Im new here.

Welcome to IFI... What Thomas said, no advantage for solid fuel.