Backwoods Savage" date="1321211266 said:
inspector, that is highly unusual to have to clean ashes that often and very undesirable for sure. We've burn a lot of wood for this early in the season this year but still have yet to empty any ashes. During the winter months when we are burning the most wood we empty ashes perhaps every 4th day. As for the coaling, excessive coaling is usually a hint that the wood is not as dry as it should be. Another thing on the coaling, just before our wood gets down to nothing but coals, we open the draft full. This will help to burn down the coals and works really well.
Yes, I know that pulling ashes out daily is not the best thing. I've discovered that this stove is simply too small to heat the area that I am heating. As a result, I have to run it as hot as I can to keep the space warm. Basically, I'm running it as hot as I can get it 24/7. So, by doing that, I get coal buildup. I know my wood is dry (with an occassional wet piece once a week or so), so know that isn't the problem. Current wood has been C/S/S for 2 years, starts like a dream and gets the stove plenty hot.
I considered upgrading to the new, larger Woodstock stove, but thought it over and I'll stay where I'm at. I just don't want to spend another $1800-2K on a stove. My wife would shoot me!