With the Harman boiler I have to poke at each reload. If I don't I get dead spots real quick front and back. I poke & rake first to get the ash to settle, Then shake about 3 to 4 times.
Jim
Poking
- hotblast1357
- Member
- Posts: 5657
- Joined: Mon. Mar. 10, 2014 10:06 pm
- Location: Peasleeville NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: 1984 Eshland S260 coal gun
- Coal Size/Type: Lehigh anthracite pea
- Other Heating: air source heat pump, oil furnace
with the new yorker boiler I have to poke and rake every re-load also, or else I get dead spots, and then when I shake it falls through and create's a cavity and fresh coal falls to the grates.
my routine is, shake a little, add coal, let it ketch, then poke and rake, then shake, then top off with coal.
my routine is, shake a little, add coal, let it ketch, then poke and rake, then shake, then top off with coal.
- Badger Freezer
- Member
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Fri. Feb. 27, 2015 12:57 pm
- Location: Southwest Wisconsin
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Orbon #244 Tileona Circulator
- Coal Size/Type: pea/nut
- Other Heating: LP Gas furnace...back-up only
I'm not against anyone poking at their fire. I guess it depends on the type of stove you have and what quality of fire you desire. Poking can lead to clinkers, but not always. I was told that not enough ash on the shaker grate tends to warp or embrittle them from too much heat, as will too much ash in the pan. Again, shaking until you see embers in the pan may or may not be too much. I shake my ashes down 2-3" depending on how long it's been since the last shakedown. I don't necessarily look for embers. My stove is old and no parts available anywhere. I don't want warped, broken or burnt out grates. It would defeat the purpose of having such a nice antique to warm my home.
To each their own.
To each their own.