Bells & Whistles

This past summer, as I was preparing to get ready to heat with coal for the first time, I chose to also install a generator. We have a new granddaughter (born 8/28) that will be living with us for an indefinite period of time. I suddenly found myself worried about losing power, a shivering baby and worst of all....an upset wife. A simple 7500W portable generator became a modified Suncast GS2000 garden shed, a PowerShlter kit and a remote shut off switch. (When power is restored, I can shut down the gen from my basement) My neighbors thought we were friends with the uPS driver because he was dropping off some component for this project almost daily.

Now, on the corner of my dining room table, a collection of small boxes is starting to form. Each time a new item is added, my wife says, "is that for the Koker.....what is it, another man-o-meter? You just have to have your bells and whistles, huh?" Despite being legally blind, I love gadgets. Between my neighbor and CoaLen (a forum member), we've all logged a lot of time with that "beast in the basement". It's the other woman in my life.....or so I've been told.

I just finished my favorite addition to my new furnace. I really wanted to find a way to avoid hauling ashes out of my basement. Several months ago, I met a local plumber and inventor, who also runs a Koker. ere. He had built a vac system to suck the ashes out of the basement, expelling and dispersing the fly ash out to the back forty, while the heavier ash fell to the bottom of the box. I had to have one! It' was an awesome gadget that served a great purpose. Now I have a 4' almond painted cube just outside my office window, piped into the basement with 2" PVC. A flick of the switch and volla, empty ash pan. The thing actually worked. I sound surprised because I'm not handy whatsoever. I pretty much bought the pieces-parts and told my future son-in-law what to do, making it up as I went along. I'm not accustomed to these things having a happy ending but the stupid box works. (as does my quasi-kinda-sorta standby gen) I'm 2 for 2!

Sorry for the saga. Hey, I'm a writer and words are my thing. I have really enjoyed reading all the posts, getting to know a few of you and most of all, I've benefited so much from the advice and help. I wanted to make the journey to the meet and greet this weekend but my obligations with the music ministry at my church trumped the trip. I hope you all have a great time. If you tour the Keystoker facility, grab a spare DV motor/blower for me!!

t.mccann

Hi, mckoker. If your willing to give up your secret and don't mind posting your plans for your ash removal system, I'm sure others here would like to give it a try also. Many members here are always looking for something new to try. I don't think this would be an option for myself due to the proximity of the neighbors. I don't think they would like the flyash on their cars and houses.

Jeff