Vacuum Attachments for Cleaning My Stove

[Atomicskr]

Hey all, this is my first time owning a pellet stove. My Englander 10-CPM came with a house I bought back in May. So far the thing has been amazing and I'd like to keep it that way. I tried cleaning the stove last week and got a good amount of ash out but had some trouble getting in all the little knooks and crannies. I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks? I saw this kit on amazon and it looks like it should do the trick. Anyone have experience with this kit or similar?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8C9J8O/?tag=hearthamazon-20

 

[bill3rail]

Looks easy enough to make that yourself with items in the garage. I see no need for the brush attachment but the rubber reducer and smaller hose look like it would come in handy. I can see a piece of garden hose doing that exact job.

Bill

 

[articcatbill]

I have that kit, along with the PowerSmith Ash Vacuum. It does work pretty well and I use it along with the attachments that came with the Vacuum. It is useful and I am glad that I have it. I use the brush on the exterior of the stove when cleaning up. Sometimes on the interior as well around the stove.

The tube is nice for cleaning under the burn pot in my harman. One problem is mine has a little bit of a kink in the clear tube, so sometime when using it I have to squeeze the tube open to get best suction, but not a huge problem. It will plug up with pellet pieces if I use it to clean my fines box at that kink, but if I squeeze it I can get them to pass.

The kids got me the vacuum and kit for Christmas after I got the pellet stove, I have been happy with it. The kit is not necessarily a "must have" but since I will be cleaning a pellet stove for many years, it makes it a little easier so it is nice to have.

 

[chamas]

Yes, and also a cheap paintbrush, piece of wire coat hanger, small hammer to bang on the metal panels causes clumps of ash to drop off.

 

[nailed_nailer]

I made a bunch of Vacuum reducer tubes for folks on here several years ago.
Basically all you need is about a 8-10" length of Braided fuel line hose (or any other tough hose) and a means of reducing the vacuum diameter to the hose size.
I turned the hose reducer from some leftover project wood on my lathe. Used RTV to hold the tube into the reducer.

Here one of the ones I made. It is on the Left.

Works great for getting into the deep dark small corners.

One Tip if you make one.....use tubing that will allow a pellet to pass thru easily otherwise it will plug up.

---Nailer---

 

[Atomicskr]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I bought the kit and it's been working pretty well. Definitely worth the $20 or so.... especially since my shop vac didn't come with the narrow attachment or a brush attachment

 

[Tonyray]

I have that kit, along with the PowerSmith Ash Vacuum. It does work pretty well and I use it along with the attachments that came with the Vacuum. It is useful and I am glad that I have it. I use the brush on the exterior of the stove when cleaning up. Sometimes on the interior as well around the stove.

The tube is nice for cleaning under the burn pot in my harman. One problem is mine has a little bit of a kink in the clear tube, so sometime when using it I have to squeeze the tube open to get best suction, but not a huge problem. It will plug up with pellet pieces if I use it to clean my fines box at that kink, but if I squeeze it I can get them to pass.

The kids got me the vacuum and kit for Christmas after I got the pellet stove, I have been happy with it. The kit is not necessarily a "must have" but since I will be cleaning a pellet stove for many years, it makes it a little easier so it is nice to have.

Pertaining to the fines box, I don't like to use that tube since it sometimes will suck on to the wires. Had a bare spot on one of the wires and it shorted when I pushed it up against the metal. Might have been hitting it all the time with that tube. I just use my forefinger and dig it all out now.