Noobie needs advice

Hi, I'm New to this coal burning and have gotten my Harman sf 250 fired up a few times. But I'm losing the fire. even when its been burning for hours, it starts to fade from the corners and works its way in. I've tried adding coal but still lose it. tried giving it more air and still lose it. I really want to make this work this winter, but shoveling out unburnt coal out of the box and starting over again is a time consuming pain. I was wondering if there are some tips u guys might have for me. The chimneys clean, using Kimmels nut coal, and have to give it more airflow than what the manual says. Thanks--Joel

P.S. It burns wood real well!

Hi Joel, I sent you a PM with my phone number.... We will have you burning anthracite in no time.

1) After you have a good wood fire going in the stove with a good bed of embers, add about an inch of coal to the fire. The coal has to cover all of the grates.
2) 98-99% of the air has to rise up through the grates and coal bed. Just have the air control on the loading door open about a 1/16th of a turn. Start the ash door air control nob open at 1 1/2 turns.
3) After the first inch of coal is burning well add another inch and let it get burning. Repeat this untill the coal is up to the top of the fire brick.
4) Coal burns from the bottom up and likes a deep bed of coal.
5) Coal reacts VERY VERY SLOW to a change in the air control. It may take a 1/2 hour. I think running the stove at this outdoor temp, 30* F at night and 45* F in the day, 3/4 of a turn on the ash door will heat the house to 80* F

Eddie

Edit: Shake the stove every 12-18 hours untill you see a few red hot coals fall into the ash pan.
I hope this helps.....

It appears "The Airman" has your issues well in hand ! Remember,your only debt to those who help you here on this Board is to help those who come after you. Your knowledge and experience will brighten someone else's day down the road ! Stay with it !