Introduce Yourself

I live in Easton, Maine County of Aroostook. I am 42yo and served 6 years in the Navy, got out and earned a bachelors degree before going to work in federal law enforcement. I am a single father of two young teen boys and we enjoy hunting, fishing, atv rides, snowmobiling, etc. My first experience with coal was in the mid 90's and really enjoyed the heat that it provided. When I built my second home in 2005, my spouse at the time, did not want coal or wood in the house. So, I installed an outdoor wood boiler that heats 3 of the 4 homes here on the family "compound". Needless to say, I want to burn coal! And will come hell or high water! I have not been a member of this site for very long, but am very impressed with the wide variety of knowledge that is spread around by all of you experienced folks!

DEFINETLY burn coal!!!! you will be so happy you did!

I'm Brian and I have been lurking around this site for years... I burn a Franco Belge 475 on Long Island - this is my 5th season on anthracite - sure beats paying large for heating oil, and the house is warmer than the oil burner makes it, unless I turn the thermostat up to EXXON Valdez range. I'll never return to straight oil: too expensive and the price is too volatile. I'm "hands on", repair and rebuild most things I need, and even a few that I don't. I'm into old cars, old motorcycles, old houses, and MATURE women (see, I didn't say "old", hey, I'm eccentric, not dumb).

Welcome HF!

Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the hand fired coal stove world. I grew up burning wood. I just bought a house with a Baker stove in it. Seeing how we just got 8 inches of snow last night I figured I better get it started tonight. Any good tips out there?

welcome to the forum. Any pic's we love'em, don't think I've seen a Baker stove yet.

Yo nvs, finish your profile. I promise, nobody'll steal ya.

Hi, my name is Scott. I live in the finger lakes region of Central NY. I've heated my house with an Alaskan Channing stove for the past 4 winters, using approx 3 tons a year. Found this forum a few weeks ago and saw a lot of good info. Hope to learn more.

Welcome to the FORUM Scott. Remember, the only stupid questions are the one's we don't ask.

Like to say hello to all the new members of 2012, sorry but it's time to bring in the new members of 2013

Howdy folks, My name is Eric. I've been looking around here for a while and now "joined up" I'm currently burning wood in an AHS Woodgun boiler. I have a big pc. of ground here, all woods therefore the WoodGun. Moved up here 4 yrs ago from central MD, (in the mountains near Camp David) to get away from all those people! If I had stayed south, I'd for sure be burning coal, but for now the wood cutting keeps me active and I do enjoy it. My thinking is that eventually, my WGun will die & I 'll be hard pressed to cut wood and I'll go to coal, maybe a coal gun? I look forward to asking you guy's stupid rookie questions about coal.
We have a nice big shop with a little attached house, all radiant heat and It is very comfortable. I have been a bldg. contr. all my life and built this place by my self except for the concrete work. Not sure if I'm retired or unemployed, but with this JOKER currently in office in DC, my plans are deffinetly on hold, hoping the real estate market will limp back to life but that's tough with no jobs. sory for the mini rant, it does make me feel better though. We'll be talkin'

Welcome SD, voice your opinion. I'm in the same boat! as too life!

Coal a new thing as I burn Bit and some $$bagged ant. To the shame... I still burn wood here, and I love for the smell, flames, heat, but not too cut.split or stack.