Coalpail.com Forum

I am new to coal burning (2 weeks) . If I understand right on coal you only need enough draft to remove fumes and keep flames ? It has been in the 40s-low 50s for past week, but blue flames look good and stove is burning well. But I have had dampner closed all but 90deg.. Now there is a 1/4in gap around flap even when closed and there are some small holes as well. Do you need a higher draft for better burn? Am I doing it wrong?

You want to get yourself a manometer so you know what your draft is and can regulate it properly. If your draft is to low you can get CO in the house (very very bad) if it is to high you are wasting your coal because the heat is being sucked up your chimney. Thermometer on the top front of stove and another on the chimney pipe below your MPD will also help with running the stove properly. With out a manometer all you are doing is guessing and if the chimney stops drafting CO can kill you and your family. CO detectors 1 in stove area and 1 near bedrooms is a must. Hope this helps to get you on the right track.

ridgeracing wrote: If I understand right on coal you only need enough draft to remove fumes and keep flames ?

I would say this is accurate..

ridgeracing wrote:It has been in the 40s-low 50s for past week, but blue flames look good and stove is burning well. But I have had dampner closed all but 90deg..

Normally in warm weather the damper should be open to help keep the chimney drafting. Sounds like your chimney is drafting well but like fastcat said, without a manometer permanently installed its just a wild guess. And the Carbon Monoxide detectors like he suggested are a must have.

ridgeracing wrote:Do you need a higher draft for better burn? Am I doing it wrong?

No, actually a consistent draft between a .02" WC and a .04" WC is perfect.

Please keep us informaed of your progress

Yes, I need to get a manometer

I like your original post-- makes sense. But now if you believe everything you read on this forum you are on your way to become a theoretical coal burner. Next you have to get a baro and only burn certain types of coal on Tuesdays. Was more fun before, huh?

LOL, I don't believe I need a manometer BUTTT being mechanicly backgound I would just like to see what draft I am pulling.
Now I have to bullshit my wife into getting one!!

lobsterman wrote:I like your original post-- makes sense. But now if you believe everything you read on this forum you are on your way to become a theoretical coal burner. Next you have to get a baro and only burn certain types of coal on Tuesdays. Was more fun before, huh?

I burn red ash on Monday - Wednesday - Friday and white ash on Tuesday - Friday - Saturday Then on Sundays I like to add in some extra fines split half and half red and white ash..... Really??

Lightning wrote:

lobsterman wrote:I like your original post-- makes sense. But now if you believe everything you read on this forum you are on your way to become a theoretical coal burner. Next you have to get a baro and only burn certain types of coal on Tuesdays. Was more fun before, huh?

I burn red ash on Monday - Wednesday - Friday and white ash on Tuesday - Friday - Saturday Then on Sundays I like to add in some extra fines split half and half red and white ash..... Really??

Stop lying. We all know on Tuesdays and Sundays you burn nothing but green pine. You claim, 'It just burns so nice.'

I'm On Fire wrote:Stop lying. We all know on Tuesdays and Sundays you burn nothing but green pine. You claim, 'It just burns so nice.'

Shhhhhh.... You weren't suppose to tell them!!!!

Lightning wrote:

I'm On Fire wrote:Stop lying. We all know on Tuesdays and Sundays you burn nothing but green pine. You claim, 'It just burns so nice.'

Shhhhhh.... You weren't suppose to tell them!!!!

Oh, sorry I let the cat out of the bag.