lowfog01 wrote:I used to add coal, shake and leave the ash door open until the blue ladies were dancing but I don't do that anymore. I always set a timer I pinned to my shirt or hung around my neck but my new way makes that unnecessary.
Now about 30 mins before I'm going to shake I open the air valve a little and add fresh coal. Then I go do something else like make lunches or get ready for work. After 30 mins I'll come back and shake. The coal I added has warmed up and the influx of air due to the shaking lets the fire take off. I very rarely see the blue ladies dancing but the stove front thermometer and the glow in the ashpan tells me the fire is just fine and will recover quickly. I close the air valve to the desired setting and go about my business. I know longer worry about leaving the ashpan door open.
It's been working well for me this year. Lisa
I'll try this Lisa. I will move into the house hopefully first week of March. I don't tend the stove very much, most of the time 16 hours goes by before I get to it.
