Minimizing Ash Dust on Emptying - Bucket vs Ash Trap

There are some that are fine with warm ash. I push the coals to the back, rake the ash forward, vac up the ash, and then rake the coals back forward. But that's after pretty much letting the fire go out and I'm just dealing with the coals buried in the ash.

[quote author="Beek" date="1326753157"]I use a coal scuttle because it has a slanted side, but a bucket will work if you tip it.
The trick is to lower your shovel full of ashes to the bottom of the bucket, and rather than dump the ashes off the shovel, gently slide the shovel out from under the ashes.
If the ashes never get airborne, then they generate very little dust.[/quote]

+1 This is what I do also just with a bucket

For what they charge for the Ash Dragon, you may as well just spend another couple of bucks and get an ash vacuum.

I use a five gallon metal trash can with a tight fitting metal lid. I sprayed it black with stove paint. I find the best way to avoid mess when removing ashes is to pick a time when the stove is dead cold. I use an ash shovel and move VERY slowly. When the ashes are warm they are too fluffy and the ash dust rises and spreads all over the place.

Also, as some others have noted, I only empty my ashes when the bottom of my stove is two inches or more deep in ashes.

velvetfoot said:

It's hard to get it stone cold in the winter, but that gives me another idea. How about, if it is stone cold, spraying some water on it to keep the dust down?

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:bug: :exclaim:

Warm regards to all...
I have been reading many of the posts here about the Ash Dragon and would like to weigh in. I appreciate all questions, comments and critiques. I have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the new design of the Ash Dragon Scoop and the introduction of its companion Ash Sifter.

The most common positive comments I receive refer to the quality, precision, and sturdiness of the Ash Dragon and how well it works.
The most common negative comment I receive is that is too expensive. I am constantly seeking ways to contain production costs, but never at the expense of quality. I realize this is a substantial investment for "dustless...ness" , but I believe you will be convinced the first time you use one.

Kurt Schwab
The Ash Dragon