This is the beast I used to have, the Sotz. You sent in mail order for the door, legs and pipe kit and you were off and running. You could build up a wood stove in about an hour, for $45.
Dry wood, green wood, the Sotz didn't care it burned 'em all. No problem getting a 12 hour burn with that huge fire box.
I kept the same drum for 4 years, but, I knew guys who used the same drum for 20 years.