southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 7:24 pm
1st question..lol- what is the easiest way to start a coal fire?
I like the hardwood lump charcoal because it burns really hot and ignites the coal quickly. Lay down a 2-3 inch layer of it and give it a squirt of lighter fluid. Light it, let it get burning good. Then add 2-3 inch layers of coal let each layer get burning good. Continue with that until the entire fuel bed is built up to the tip top of the fire bricks.
southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 7:24 pm
2nd question- Once I've established a good bed of coals and Ive filled the box up..do I then play with upper combustion air controls to get blue flame burning off gases?
Yes, keep the secondary air controls open while building up a new fire and also keep them open after adding a fresh batch at tending. I also keep my load door cracked open a sliver to prevent puff back while a fresh batch is lighting up. To speed up the ignition of a fresh batch I also have the ash door open, but do not forget it's open.
LouNY wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 8:08 pm
I noticed that some of the previous posters wanted the mechanical dampener prior to the tee with the barometric dampener.
I find that to be counter intuitive to me, I'd prefer the manual after the barometric.
I don't like to see the barometric being sucked open any more then necessary, I'd prefer to pinch down on the mechanical a bit then fine tune with the barometric.
I'm just adverse to sucked heated air out the chimney any more then necessary.
I agree with that line of thinking but it's not recommended. Especially if there is some kind of forced combustion air.
southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 9:27 pm
hell most are saying not to install a manual dampener..just a barometric.
I would just use a baro if there is no thermostatically (is that a word? lol) controlled primary combustion air.
southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 9:27 pm
They say since my coal stove has sealed feed/ash doors I don't need it or want it since it will could stop the flow of co out the flue.
I'm not sure what's going on in this statement.
southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 9:27 pm
.I tried this tonight to see on my coal stove outside and when i closed all knobs for air the coal fire did burn out...
You lit a coal fire in your stove outside? Without it connected to a chimney?
southbound1777 wrote: ↑Tue. Oct. 23, 2018 9:27 pm
.I'm gonna keep researching before I install tomorrow but I think I'm leaning towards just a baro dampener..