Well I've finally completed the pressure vessel for my 8' diam by 8' high VFT. It has 34 1/2' tubes.. Time for some hydraulic testing. The next step is to build the shell. I'm building this on the fly and am interested in suggestions as to how much height should be allowed between the grate and the bottom of the vessel. Solid fuel firing of course. Also I'm considering running the boiler at about 3/4 height water level. If anyone has any ideas on this I would be grateful.. Best wishes from downunder.. Geoff.