I have a buck model 74. As some of you know it does not have an ash pan. What is the best method for removing ash without removing hot coals. Do I have to go through the process of letting it go nearly ou tso most of the coals are reduced to ash? Or, is there a better way to do it while still maintaining a relatively hot coal base?
Ash removal
- Thread starter Flame Monger
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kennyp2339
Minister of Fire
rake to one side scoop, rake to other side scoop again
I like my coal sifter shovel. There's a recent thread with a home made one that's better than the one I bought.
Simple enough solution. I had to think about it for a minute because I thought I tried this and it didn't work. But the key word here is rake not move with shovel/scoop. Thanks!
I tried drilling holes in the bottom of a shovel and using it as a sifter but it didn't work as well as I hoped.
More of a wire mesh design. Slide everything to one side and only scoop 1/2 full and shake it. Ash in front, coals to the back.
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Ash removal sucks, tried everything from slotted shovels to ash vacs. Gave up, bought a PH with ash pan and never looked back. Best money ever spent, makes ash removal a breeze, couple passes with the rake, ash falls through grate into pan, empty pan twice a week, done
Grizzerbear
Minister of Fire
I have the same stove. I wouldn't get too carried away with keeping all the ashes out. I personally like about a one inch layer left in mine all winter to keep coals while I'm away at work for a relight when I get home. Just shove coals to the back, scoop your ashes out and pull the coals back forward for your relight. Hold your bucket up by the stove door when dumping ash in and the majority of the ash dust will fly up the chimney. I'm not a fan of ash pans myself....one less gasket to go bad. My 2 pennies.
When removing your ash does a lot of it escape into the air. When I shovel it out of the box I find lots of fine ash floating into the air.
Grizzerbear
Minister of Fire
Yes when taking out ashes it is inevitable that some ash will escape. It helps if you hold the bucket in the door of the stove and gently dump it into your bucket. The draw will usually help pull a good majority of the ash dust up the chimney and outside.
paladin252
New Member
I have never used my ash pan. I use it the same way I used my fathers when I was growing up. I let it burn down, scoop almost everything out, and build a fresh fire. Take the ash bucket out and leave it sitting on stone pavers in the back yard for a couple days while it cools off then dump in the compost.
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