Thoughts on Burning nut coal and wood

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George S.

New Member
Feb 19, 2021
2
SE PA
I have a 1970's era L. Lange 6303 wood stove. Obviously cast. I am contemplating supplementing wood , not using coal alone, with Nut Coal (anthracite) along with the wood. I realize I will need a grate for updraft but am unsure about sulfur dioxide production and how it might deteriorate stove, stove pipe and flue. Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated.
 
Wood adds a lot of water vapor from combustion. When combined with the ash it makes a mess. Any fly ash that sticks to the pipe and flue needs to stay dry like a white powder from a coal stove. (and removed before the higher humidity gets in the pipe during summer months) Heavy bottom ash is alkaline. Fly ash is acidic. When dry it's not bad. The water activates the acidic fly ash in the vent system.

Even if you had a combination stove, never mix the two fuels at the same time.
Australians have a thing about burning a wood /coal mix but I think it's only soft coal.
 
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Very few combination stoves work well with both fuels.
The best solution is using a coal stove as intended, or wood stove as intended. Some coal stoves work burning wood with the grates covered with brick. Close bottom primary air and use upper secondary air as the only (primary) air intake. It will not have good air wash over glass and if it has a large banking plate that will be in the way loading and removing ash. No substitute for the correct purpose built stove.
 
Thanks Coaly, as I said, I was just considering it and with so many different viewpoints and videos out there as well as my gut feeling, I thought I would come here and get something more definitive. Thanks again for your great explanation.
 
Thanks Coaly, as I said, I was just considering it and with so many different viewpoints and videos out there as well as my gut feeling, I thought I would come here and get something more definitive. Thanks again for your great explanation.
Your stove is not meant to burn coal at all trying to do so will not work well and could be dangerous