Sampling Various Coal

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Ashcat
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Posts: 419
Joined: Mon. Aug. 18, 2008 10:29 pm
Location: West Chester PA
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 983
Coal Size/Type: Nut/Blaschak

Post by Ashcat » Wed. Dec. 17, 2008 9:18 am

I currently have a supply of coal from South Tamaqua and I am reasonably happy with it. In preparation for next winter, I'm interested in sampling coal from different suppliers and am considering a trip to the coal region between Christmas and New Year's. I'd like to purchase small quantities, such as 150-200 pounds, from three or four different suppliers. What I'd like to do is either buy bagged coal or bag it myself if the supplier sells only bulk coal. My question is whether I could do so, or whether I would be laughed off the breaker for buying such small quantities. From reading this forum, the coal that appears to get the best reviews are Superior, Summit, and Lenig. Harmony also gets good reviews but I understand that this mine will be closing if it hasn't already done so. All three of those suppliers are fairly close to one another according to my map.

If I find a brand that really sets itself apart, I'm considering asking if my current supplier would be agreeable to making a run to one of these breakers over the summer in order to pick up my "special supply". From where he is located, it would be about a 1 1/2 hour trip in each direction, and I would of course pay him adequately for his trouble in doing so.

I'm not sure whether any of this is reasonable and would appreciate any input on this.

 
mike
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Joined: Mon. Apr. 16, 2007 5:46 pm
Location: NEPA

Post by mike » Wed. Dec. 17, 2008 4:59 pm

Most breakers would probably sell you a small 100 or 200 lbs, just call ahead and ask before making the trek in. Give Sherman coal a try to if you are coming in. There was another member here that burnt some in a hand fed and liked it. It does shake down easy and gives good heat. It's not high in volatile gases either so it's not as prone to puffbacks like some coal is.


 
User avatar
Ashcat
Member
Posts: 419
Joined: Mon. Aug. 18, 2008 10:29 pm
Location: West Chester PA
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 983
Coal Size/Type: Nut/Blaschak

Post by Ashcat » Wed. Dec. 17, 2008 10:58 pm

Thanks, Mike. Good idea about calling ahead. I'll add Shermans to the list if they're close enough to the others. Do you know what town they're in?

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