Common Stoker Terminology

stockingfull wrote:...Of course, my personal terror has to do with finding spares when necessary and making the replacements on a unit no longer in production.

No worries I think Greg and I have enough parts to keep you going as long as the grates hold up.

Matthaus wrote:

stockingfull wrote:...Of course, my personal terror has to do with finding spares when necessary and making the replacements on a unit no longer in production.

No worries I think Greg and I have enough parts to keep you going as long as the grates hold up.

Thanks, looks like the "Dodge Boys" gots the parts!

Did the description of the feed mechanism make sense?

Yep, made sense to me, the rod attaches to the grates, probably some kind of a grate 'bed' or framework that either rolls or swings on a pivot or something similar to reduce friction...

The back and forth action creates a 'pumping' motion that feeds fresh coal, and shoves the ash off the end..

Maybe this spring when you shut it down for the summer and do your spring cleaning and maintenance, you can get some photos so we can all learn how it works..

Greg L

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LsFarm wrote:Yep, made sense to me, the rod attaches to the grates, probably some kind of a grate 'bed' or framework that either rolls or swings on a pivot or something similar to reduce friction...

The back and forth action creates a 'pumping' motion that feeds fresh coal, and shoves the ash off the end..

Maybe this spring when you shut it down for the summer and do your spring cleaning and maintenance, you can get some photos so we can all learn how it works..

Greg L

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Yeah, I haven't figured out how it reciprocates so smoothly in such a hostile metal-to-metal environment. But somehow it does. I do have about 5/8" "throttle control" (adjustment of the throw on the grate), which is great for getting the most out of the fuel at varying temps. When it's mild, I shorten up the throw and trim the flue damper to maintain a lower vacuum, when it's real cold, I lengthen the throw and move the flue counterweight in to allow a faster fire. Keeps about 3900' pretty toasty even down to 0°. (But this place was built all-elec, so it's pretty well-insulated.)

I'll try to get some shots this spring but it's not the best "studio" in there, lighting-wise.