This may have been discussed in the past but it's working so well for me, I thought I would past it along.
The problem with my Hitzer 354 is (a problem most of my non-coal burning friends would love to have) my house is too warm in the early Fall and now with the still cool nights. The other day I disconnected the linkage that connects the front and rear shaker grates and covered up the rear grate with 2 layers of fire brick. I used some ash to fill any voids in the rear brick to prevent and air leaks.
It's been two days and it is working very well. I think in the Fall I'll do a better job fitting the rear brick and may even step them back so I can bank the fire a little. This should cut down on coal usage and the need to leave the windows open (that really bugs my friends).
Larry
Running My Hitzer 354 at Half Capacity
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CapeCoaler
- Member
- Posts: 6515
- Joined: Sun. Feb. 10, 2008 3:48 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: want AA130
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
- Coal Size/Type: Pea/Nut/Stove
Search for firebox reducer in the coal forum search box...
**Broken Link(s) Removed**
You may get some ideas how to better design...
The larger capacity firebox of these and other stoves will make the use of windowstats sometimes necessary...
A firebox reducer is in my summer to do list...
My Basement #4 holds 175 lbs even on low temp 180* it still warms the house too much in this between season weather...
I hate the temperature swings when burning wood to take the chill off...
King Coal has spoiled me...
**Broken Link(s) Removed**
You may get some ideas how to better design...
The larger capacity firebox of these and other stoves will make the use of windowstats sometimes necessary...
A firebox reducer is in my summer to do list...
My Basement #4 holds 175 lbs even on low temp 180* it still warms the house too much in this between season weather...
I hate the temperature swings when burning wood to take the chill off...
King Coal has spoiled me...
This has been my second season burning coal (after 30 years of wood) and I feel I'm still learning. I have never really pushed the burn times with my 354.
I shake it down and stoke it at bedtime and in the morning. I work at home so I also salt it during the day. If I've learned anything with this Hitzer, it's that I sometimes don't shake it down enough (hate to waste coal). I read posts that said to shake until you see a few embers but if I do that, it's a bear to get fired back up the next day.
I did email Hitzer in the fall asking if they offered or may consider creating a firebox reducer but didn't hear back from them.
Larry
I shake it down and stoke it at bedtime and in the morning. I work at home so I also salt it during the day. If I've learned anything with this Hitzer, it's that I sometimes don't shake it down enough (hate to waste coal). I read posts that said to shake until you see a few embers but if I do that, it's a bear to get fired back up the next day.
I did email Hitzer in the fall asking if they offered or may consider creating a firebox reducer but didn't hear back from them.
Larry