Tricks or Tips

[wporter4]

This is my first winter with the pellet stove and I have learned more about this type of heating from this forum than I ever imagined. I appreciate everyone's openness and willingness to assist. As a "professional tinkerer" I am always looking for ways to get more our of an investment and do things better. From reading the posts I have picked up a number of tricks for cleaning the stove. On lunch today I bought the parts required and this weekend I will build a pellet fines vacuum apparatus to lessen the dust caused by loading the pellets.

Any other tips or tricks - different tools or ideas folks have come up with over the years are greatly appreciated.

 

[GrahamInVa]

Have you checked out the leaf blower trick? :coolgrin:

http://youtu.be/3SNnlXewOCQ

 

[mroletta]

I tried the leaf blower trick AFTER giving it a good cleaning, and it worked wonderfully to clean out any residuals I had missed. Note to disconnect the vaccum sensor tubing so you don't accidentally blow the diaphragm.

I'm building that pellet/fines separator this weekend too!

 

[abrucerd]

Graphite powder is a great way to get rid of squeaks and squeals in your auger. Always try using some first before you go crazy trying to take your stove apart.

http://www.google.com/products/cata...9&sa=X&ei=hOSATu8ag_bSAb71vRQ&ved=0CGAQ8wIwAA

 

[DexterDay]

Use some type of thermometer to measure your heat output. I use a magnetic stove thermometer on the side of the stove (inside the side panel/on the firebox) and also a digital electronic meat cooking thermometer. I have this placed inside of a heat exchange tube. To read the actual air temps. Make sure its not touching the steel. It will give a false reading.

This is the best way to tell which pellets burn hotter than others. Also X10 on the Pellet fines vacuum and leaf blower. I will never go back.

 

[wporter4]

I have watched a number of videos on the leaf blower cleaning trick and will be trying that in the spring.

Good information on the graphite powder.

I saw another post this week about the thermometer - I will have to try that. Right now I only have one brand of pellets but I am sure that will change.

 

[rideboard147]

I tried the leaf blower trick AFTER giving it a good cleaning, and it worked wonderfully to clean out any residuals I had missed. Note to disconnect the vaccum sensor tubing so you don't accidentally blow the diaphragm.

I'm building that pellet/fines separator this weekend too!

thanks for the heads up on the vaccum sensor. I was about to try the leaf blower trick out

 

[jtakeman]

Don't be afraid to try the pellet brands available in your local area. Some brands may disappoint you, But every now and again some will surprise you!

I think it's good to know whats available just in case there is a pellet crunch. Having some first hand knowledge about the brand before hand is priceless. Hunting pellets in the dark is frustrating!

 

[Don2222]

Hello

Here is what I learned on the yearly cleaning with pics!

Wood Pellet Stove Yearly Cleaning - Convection Blower
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/60351/

Wood Pellet Stove Yearly Cleaning - Exhaust Blower
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/60251/

Also see all our cleaning tools of the people in this forum
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/63564/

Good luck