If any part is glowing red then it is too hot, but these tin stoves stood up pretty well to the temps you are seeing.Some people are saying that since it’s not fully cast iron that I risk damaging the metal and ruining the stove. Do you agree?
If any part is glowing red then it is too hot, but these tin stoves stood up pretty well to the temps you are seeing.Some people are saying that since it’s not fully cast iron that I risk damaging the metal and ruining the stove. Do you agree?
The coal bed is typically in a refractory, firebrick or cast iron chamber inside at the lower part of the stove. This protects the outer jacket. The surface temps you are seeing are not too high. Keep them under 750º and it should be fine.In this thread, people say that their coal beds seem to burn between 1000-2000 degrees F: https://coalpail.com/coal-forum/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=488
Why would a wood fire burning cooler than that be dangerous to the stove?
Everyone keeps recommending I burn coal, and I’m willing to try that as an experiment, but here’s the problem: I can’t find anywhere to buy coal here. I live in Fayetteville, AR. A search for “coal for sale” shows me two options: Tractor Supply, which sells a 40 lb bag of nut coal for $10 (including tax), or coalforsaleonline.com, which sells a ton for $1,200. Those are my only options.
From what I’ve read, people are saying they go through about 50 lbs a day. Let’s assume I use 40 lbs because my house is small. That’s $300 a month, which is more than my highest cost for electric heat. Plus the cost and hassle of driving to the store, buying it, bringing it home in my car, etc.
Maybe I need a modern stove. But I don’t have one, and I can’t afford one right now, so its more helpful to discuss whether I can do anything to improve my wood burning experience.
Not trying to be grouchy, just trying to explain my situation. I really appreciate all of the help and information.
The coal bed also has LOTS of air coming up through the grate to keep it cool. Other wise the grates warp and melt. Coal uses tons of air compared to wood.In this thread, people say that their coal beds seem to burn between 1000-2000 degrees F: https://coalpail.com/coal-forum/viewtopic.php?f=67&t=488
Why would a wood fire burning cooler than that be dangerous to the stove?
Thanks, I try to explain how things work as simple as possible so people know WHY they need to do what is necessary, not just remember what to do. Something out of the ordinary is always going to happen, so if you know the basics and physics of what makes something work, you can operate it or know what to do to fix it.coaly i love reading your posts. i learn quite a bit each time.
thanks
frank
There are plenty of class a chimney systems that are coal gradeYou will certainly need a pipe damper to slow the draft having the proper size and insulated pipe.
Use a magnetic thermometer on the single wall pipe. That will read about 1/2 of actual flue gas temp. The object is to keep the chimney flue temp above 250* to the top. This is only when smoke is present. Over that is wasting fuel up the chimney. Below that allows water vapor from combustion to condense on flue walls which allows smoke particles to stick. This is creosote.
Just as well they don’t have coal. Expect to replace stainless chimney parts every few years burning coal. The top cap rots right off in a couple years. That is the price burning the cheapest fuel. It is even corrosive to masonry over time. They consider Class A “all fuel” chimney, but it doesn’t have the corrosion resistance of liners made for coal, or the cost.
I’d try the pipe damper about half closed once up to temp. You’ll find stove temps moderated and much more controllable. Fires will last longer, but still be short. A wood stove will carry a fire overnight. You burn on an inch of ash and it slows the fire so you have a pile of coals in the morning. You won’t do that burning on a coal grate.
Newer EPA stoves burn smoke at the top compared to burning wood with flames, completely different than older cheap stoves. But you can’t burn anything partially seasoned. Only premium fuel for them. You have the right chimney for a new or older stove.
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