'greasing' the hopper

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briansol

briansol

Minister of Fire
Jan 18, 2009
1,916
central ct
Like many, I have the issue where the auger digs down the middle and can leave almost 1/2 a bag in the sides but the stove thinks it's run out of pellets because they simply just don't fall. A simple spoon in the hopper to move around clears it up right quick, but I'd like to address this if possible.

I've done the wax paper trick. It worked for about 2 days but then was back to square one after all the fines got into it.

using a flammable grease isn't a smart idea.... duh.

What about actually waxing the SS inside? has anyone done anything like that to get it slippery? I don't believe wax is a flammable substance (thinking about a candle)
 
I like that idea.
 
Silicone spray is great and or automotive wax.

I use the silicone spray every so often and it workls well.

Spray it on and wipe it off.


Snowy
 
Kill the power then empty and clean your hopper. Take some fine sandpaper (180-220 grit) and lightly sand down any rough areas. Place the hose of your vacuum at the bottom of the hopper to catch any fines. Once you have everything smoothed out, wipe it down and apply a light coat of a dry silicone spray. Wipe it down again. Simply reapply each time you clean out the hopper. Worked fine on my stove.
 
tchdngrnby said:
.... Take some fine sandpaper (180-220 grit) and lightly sand down any rough areas.......
Click to expand...
I might suggest trying 400 grit wet/dry paper after that to get it really smooth.
 
I was thinking of wiping the hopper down with a light coat of molybdenum-disulfide powder.
 
Never had the problem with my quad....will I ?
 
briansol said:
I don't believe wax is a flammable substance (thinking about a candle)
Click to expand...
Sorry, but wax is flammable. Think about your candle for a minute. Notice that at the base of the flame there is a little liquid. That's the melted wax which is then the 'oil' (if you will) that fuels the wick. It's kind of like how an oil lamp or lantern works. As time goes by the the flame burns off the top of the wick because the liquid fuel is lower and burned off before it can make it up the rest of the wick.
All that said, I don't know if you'd see any 'effect' from the little amount of wax that would end up in the burn pot. Hey, maybe you could use some wax that has the additions in it so you can have colored flames!
:lol:
 
Nothing, just gravity, it's called engineering.
 
Great, something I've never had a problem with that i am now going to think about all the time.

I check my stove from time to time and either scoop the pellets toward the hopper or add more.
 
fishsniffer said:
....I check my stove from time to time and either scoop the pellets toward the hopper or add more.
Click to expand...

Me too. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. :cheese:
 
Use the stuff Griswold Clark used in Xmas Vacation, as Randy Q says....................Bingo!
 
I have been running softwood pellets and had the sticking in the hopper issue. I vacuumed it out as usual and wiped it down but this time I used some really good glass cleaner and a residue came off that was kind of sticky. I guess it was from the pine and the heat in the hopper. It was almost like someone spilled a pop in the hopper and only wiped the pop out.
 
Here's what's used in agriculture: http://www.crownplastics.com/Applications/Gravity_Box.htm

"The Problem: Typically, a graphite paint is sprayed or rolled onto the interior substrate to provide a slick, non-stick surface. After one season, the paint is usually worn away, requiring the farmer to reapply the treatment each year."

"By applying 1.3 - 1.5mm adhesive-backed UHMW, farmers get a durable lining that provides better release of materials. "
 
I sprinkle a lil' powdered graphite in the empty hopper as part of my weekly cleaning routine.....and I also just open the lid from time to time and mound the pellets up in the center just to be sure ;-)
 
I use a little corn with my pellets, keeps the auger turnng smoothly and the pellets slide much more easily, a couple of measuring cups per bag does it. and corn here is about the same price as pellets.
 
fishsniffer said:
Great, something I've never had a problem with that i am now going to think about all the time.

I check my stove from time to time and either scoop the pellets toward the hopper or add more.
Click to expand...


Great... Now i have to try something New.........( asked wife for furniture polish,,,, got that funny look) :-/
 
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