Wood or Switch to Coal in Heatmore 400 Dscc?

 
Sixkids
Member
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat. Feb. 08, 2014 2:24 pm

Post by Sixkids » Fri. Nov. 06, 2015 7:50 am

I will update to let others know our findings. We are waiting for colder weather as so far this fall we haven't had to use our OWB at all, (except to burn papers! :) Our log cabin, built with full logs, hold the summer heat and insulate quite well until late into the year. :) Living up near Erie, PA we will be turning on the OWB all too soon unfortunately. :(

 
User avatar
McGiever
Member
Posts: 10130
Joined: Sun. May. 02, 2010 11:26 pm
Location: Junction of PA-OH-WV
Stoker Coal Boiler: AXEMAN-ANDERSON 130 "1959"
Hand Fed Coal Boiler: BUCKET A DAY water heater
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Warm Morning 414A
Coal Size/Type: PEA,NUT,STOVE /ANTHRACITE
Other Heating: Ground Source Heat Pump and some Solar

Post by McGiever » Fri. Nov. 06, 2015 8:15 am

If/when burning anthracite bagged coal in your unit, place the pallets close to the boiler loading door, as it is not necessary to even open the 40 lb. poly bags...just open the door and toss bag and all right on top of the fire. :)

 
Sixkids
Member
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat. Feb. 08, 2014 2:24 pm

Post by Sixkids » Fri. Nov. 06, 2015 8:57 am

Thanks! You sound like you have done this before? What kind of OWB do you have and how did it work for you? Do you burn both wood and coal?
Thank you!


 
User avatar
windyhill4.2
Member
Posts: 6072
Joined: Fri. Nov. 22, 2013 2:17 pm
Location: Jonestown,Pa.17038
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1960 EFM520 installed in truck box
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Crane 404 with variable blower
Coal Size/Type: 404-nut, 520 rice ,anthracite for both

Post by windyhill4.2 » Fri. Nov. 06, 2015 11:01 am

When we still had our OUTDOOR WOOD MONSTER , we burned several tons of coal in it,we used mostly bulk, but did buy some bags & threw 4-6 bags in at a time. The firebox was 60"L x 26"Wx30"H,the "grates in it were 3" water tubes that went front to rear & we raked the ashes from the top. Coal burning in ours just did not work good enough to be worthwhile. If yours has a better grate system & or you can rake from below, you may get reasonable results from burning coal. You might also consider disabling the combustion fan while burning only coal,as coal likes a constant air supply. OWB's are set up to force the fire when the fan kicks on,& then shut off when the temp high point is reached. I did not think to unhook the fan in ours when we tried coal,but have read of other's who have & that works much better for burning coal.If the draft flap is hooked to the water temp control,it would still close to prevent over fire. Good luck with the experiment. :)

 
Sixkids
Member
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat. Feb. 08, 2014 2:24 pm

Post by Sixkids » Fri. Nov. 06, 2015 11:41 am

Thank you very much for the tips! We plan to try it and will report back! I'd like to go cheaper but warmer if possible! :)

Post Reply

Return to “Stoker Coal Furnaces & Stoves Using Anthracite (Hot Air)”