Reading Coal

This is my first year of burning coal, I have a Harman Mk2. Ive been burning Blaschak nut from Jokers in Wellsbouro, about 1000#. I went up to Homestead Coal in Bath. I got 160# of Reading in buckets to test their nut coal. I am impressed so far, easier ash cleanout, hotter fire (actually had to turn down the damper a 1/4 turn) and a "flatter" burn temp before dropping off. I chart the temps via the automation I installed on the stove. Hopefully I still see the same results in a week or two of burning.

Oh and its cheaper!

What say you?

Hi Trimixdiver,
Please make sure to report your observations after you burn Reading for couple of weeks. I wonder how the ash acts and if you’ll have more or less klinkers.

I prefer reading bulk ,

Yes, bulk is preferred.

Bagged Rice is great though...and same stuff you get a TSC.

Bagged Nut...forgetaboutit..........even the TSC is crap...
Reading better pull their heads out of their you know where and get in the game.

Buy an ad from the site here too.

So second day, burned about 100# in my mk2, damper 1 1/4 open, stove walls at 400-450. Weather has been cold, maintaining 72-73 in a 3400sqft log home, my boiler only fires for hot water.

Shaking is much more productive, get a complete good glow with a little poking and shaking, after putting more coal on, recovery time is half. Definitely burns hotter than Blaschak at the same damper position. Ash dumping is easier and more complete. Its cheaper per lb, 10cents vs .16cents. Only issue is amount burned is a bit higher, but the colder nights may be the reason. So far so good. I have about 900# of Blaschak left and will go through that and verify again before I make the switch.

When it comes to Reading coal, most people either swear by it, or swear at it. They produce some vary good coal, but it seems like the sizing and characteristics can vary quite a bit. If you are happy with it that is all that matters.

Yea, Im back to Blascalk coal and to get the same heat, Im open 1/2 turn more. Recovery after adding coal is half with the Reading. The Reading seems more consistent in size though. Now to burn though the 800# of Blascalk coal.

I used to work for Consol in SWPA, so even though it was bit coal, in a 1500'x12000' longwall panel, the coal could vary its sulfur content 5-8 times. So I understand that depending on where they are mining and what died there in the area, can change the way the coal burns. Going forward, I guess I should get a sample of each, before buying a larger amount.

I burn bulk Reading coal, buckwheat in my KA6 Keystoker. Very, very consistent sizing and performance. I can't say heat content because I don't measure it, but haven't had to change anything between loads or years.

I get it from Harper and Gallo in Ebensburg. Top notch people and service, too!