It There Coal That Wont Burn
I am new to burning coal and just purchased a coal stove that also can burn wood. I can no longer pay $10,000 in oil to heat my house and more important I don't want my money going to oil producing nations . I would rather support an American industry. I am not afraid of hard work even if thats what it takes. I have recieved mixed opinions when asking around about the feasability of burning coal in the Southern NH area. A few people have told me now that there is no source of good coal in our area. One experienced person (a stove restoration company) told me the last coal they bought around here burned like gravel so they switched to wood. I have also read alot on this forum and have heard a lot of talk about bad batches of coal. My question is this. Is there such thing as bad coal or coal that will not burn? Or will all coal burn but just not as hot and as perfectly as we would like it. I speak of anthracite only. Could it be possible to buy a batch of coal that is useless.
- Dallas
- Member
- Posts: 746
- Joined: Mon. Nov. 12, 2007 12:14 pm
- Location: NE-PA
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Modified Russo C-35
- Other Heating: Oil Hot Air
There are probably several different opinions on this.
I'd say, it will all burn, however it can be a PITA, if it won't burn correctly (as you are accustomed). It might not make as much heat, burn up quicker, have more ash, have more rock and shale, not shake through the grates, etc..
Bottom line: "Some is better than others".
I'd say, it will all burn, however it can be a PITA, if it won't burn correctly (as you are accustomed). It might not make as much heat, burn up quicker, have more ash, have more rock and shale, not shake through the grates, etc..
Bottom line: "Some is better than others".
If it isn't burning there could be a few things wrong.
It might not be actual coal. I know this sounds silly but I know atleast with bituminous coal, there is a layer right on top of it that is called "Bone" it looks like coal to the untrained eye but it is really just mostly rock. However, I'm not sure if this is the case with anthracite coal.
Or, you simply are not taking the right measures when it comes to burning the coal. Obviously your stove is a hand fed wood/coal stove. So, you really need to get a VERY hot wood fire burning with PLENTY of red hot coals before adding ANY anthracite at all. This takes time and really can't be rushed.
Hopefully the members here that burn anthracite in their hand fed stoves can answer this for you...
It might not be actual coal. I know this sounds silly but I know atleast with bituminous coal, there is a layer right on top of it that is called "Bone" it looks like coal to the untrained eye but it is really just mostly rock. However, I'm not sure if this is the case with anthracite coal.
Or, you simply are not taking the right measures when it comes to burning the coal. Obviously your stove is a hand fed wood/coal stove. So, you really need to get a VERY hot wood fire burning with PLENTY of red hot coals before adding ANY anthracite at all. This takes time and really can't be rushed.
Hopefully the members here that burn anthracite in their hand fed stoves can answer this for you...
- Scottscoaled
- Member
- Posts: 2812
- Joined: Tue. Jan. 08, 2008 9:51 pm
- Location: Malta N.Y.
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520, 700, Van Wert 800 GJ 61,53
- Baseburners & Antiques: Magic Stewart 16, times 2!
- Coal Size/Type: Lots of buck
- Other Heating: Slant Fin electric boiler backup
Scottf, chances are the coal dealer who got the last batch of coal that burned like gravel was having his loads hauled up as cheaply as possible. Maybe he got a "good deal" on a load. Most likely his supplier could read the writing on the wall and saw that there was no market with the guy and got the most he could on the last load, which would mean inferior coal. Seems like if I was in the coal supply business the last thing I would want would be someone saying my coal was bad. And the guy whose business is restoring woodstoves is never going to say that wood isn't the best. Funny thing, I read more people heating the bejesus out of their houses with coal than anything. Happily heating their houses. If poor quality coal is the issue, then just control the issue. Post in the looking for coal thread. scott
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- Member
- Posts: 6445
- Joined: Mon. Apr. 16, 2007 9:34 pm
- Location: Central Maine
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine 1300 with hopper
- Coal Size/Type: Blaschak Anthracite Nut
- Other Heating: Oil hot water radiators (fuel oil); propane
I have burned bagged Blaschak, Kimmel, and "unbranded" from a bulk dealer. So far most has burned very well, all of it at least "pretty well".
- coal-cooker
- Member
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Sat. Feb. 23, 2008 12:18 pm
- Location: Coopers Mills, ME
I have to go along with rberg. I have burned about every brand I could get my hands on and all of it burned. Some not as good as others and some that looked like there was as much ash as coal when I was done, but it all burned. I am burning a bunch right now that is 13 plus years old, that a guy gave me and it seams to burn just fine. My brother in law lives in Raymond NH and burned coal for years. He used to have someone deliver bulk. Post on here under the looking for coal thread and someone will point you in the right direction. Also call around to agways and feed supplies, they seem to most all carry coal here in Maine.