Melting Bollts on Grates

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xaos
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Posts: 163
Joined: Sat. Nov. 22, 2008 9:38 pm
Location: Elizabeth TWP. Pa.
Hot Air Coal Stoker Furnace: Alaska 140 Auger
Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Alaska Stoker 1
Coal Size/Type: Rice

Post by xaos » Sun. Dec. 20, 2009 8:39 pm

On my US Stove the stub between the two grates (I know you are all surprised) broke last season..
Since then I have drilled out and using 1/4 20 bolt to secure..
Problem is they only hold about 6 - 8 weeks and burn/melt out..
What type of bolt/metal will be a permanent solution..

 
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LsFarm
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Posts: 7383
Joined: Sun. Nov. 20, 2005 8:02 pm
Location: Michigan
Stoker Coal Boiler: Axeman Anderson 260
Hand Fed Coal Boiler: Self-built 'Big Bertha' SS Boiler
Baseburners & Antiques: Keystone 11, Art Garland

Post by LsFarm » Sun. Dec. 20, 2009 8:50 pm

That environment is very tough on just about anything but cast iron, or some Stainless Steels.. The AA boilers use some kind of fancy SS bolt for the fan to hub bolts..
If you have an airport near you, maybe it has an aircraft hardware retail business.. try to get a bolt/nut for the exhaust of an aircraft engine, they run cherry red, and have special hardware for these temps.

Hope this helps..
Greg L


 
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gitrdonecoal
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Location: Elba, NY
Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker 90

Post by gitrdonecoal » Sun. Dec. 20, 2009 8:56 pm

the only metal good for coal heat is cast. steel will warp, or burn out as you have found out. how did it break in the first time? shake carefully and as soon as you feel coal or a cliker get stuck, poke it from underneath, or wait a few hours and let the coal burn out. I broke off the front nub on mine for the third time and I turned the grates 180 degrees so that the female end stuck out instead of the male. I then constructed a male shaker handle instead of a female shaker handle. this has worked GREAT. my advice is to get a new grate and drill and tap the middle section where they meet. then tighten it down snug so they shake together and the slop is gone, which is probably another reason why people break them, a lot of torque. if you ever have problems feel free to pm me.
John

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