Most Important Things Learned Here

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Devil505
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Post by Devil505 » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 6:22 am

Another thread got me thinking about what I have learned from participating in this forum & I thought it may make a decent thread.
I would say the two most beneficial things I have learned from this forum, so far are these:

1. Being convinced to add a blower to my Harman. (I never thought I needed one but after trying it my home is much warmer & I am using less coal than ever before. I would say I am able to keep the house at least 6* warmer with about 25% less coal)
2. Starting coal fires with charcoal. (much easier & my stove window doesn't blacken)

 
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coalkirk
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Post by coalkirk » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 2:06 pm

Just wait until you learn to use lump charcoal instead of match light! :idea: You'll really be happy! :D

 
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Dallas
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Post by Dallas » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 2:53 pm

coalkirk, I don't understand that.

A dozen Matchlight briquettes, one match, no paper or wood, will usually do the trick starting most hand fired stoves. I can't imagine anything any easier. One of the 10 pound bags should last all season, even taking into account, dumping the fire pretty often to get the rocks out of the grates.


 
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coalkirk
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Post by coalkirk » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 6:00 pm

It's a subtle difference but the lump charcoal seems to burn hotter, quicker. It is also much cheaper. The matchlight is so dense that it takes awhile for the whole briquet to get going. The lump stuff is actual charcoal from a wood fire and not a compressed product. I as well as some others here have found it works alittle better. Plus, I have it on hand anyway because I use it in my weber grill. You might try it the next time and see what you think.

 
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tvb
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Post by tvb » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 6:12 pm

My most important thing I learned here is that coal rocks as a heating fuel.

You guys really rock for teaching me the fine details of burning coal from starting it to maintaining the fire as I pored over old threads and asked a couple questions. :notworthy:

It's all your fault I felt compelled to go out and buy a real stove - I can't wait for it to be installed later this week or early next.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Mon. Feb. 25, 2008 8:53 pm

This site is what convinced me to give coal a try. I read the tutorials on starting the fire, shaking it down, and the golden rule of not stirring a weak coal fire. I also had no idea coal required a deep bed to burn properly. Now I have it down to a science.

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