New User- CRANE 404 needs help!
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- New Member
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 11:31 am
- Location: Elmira NY
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: CRANE 404
Hello all!
I've been lurking around here for about three years ...
I have a CRANE 404 and I desperately Need a new firebox. I {unintentionally} overfired it a couple times; it warped, but i kept using it until it disintegrated. I'm now using the small one that came with it, but not only is it Not up to the job on my 150 year old house in upstate NY, it requires Constant attention - All day and Especially All damn night to keep going.
Does anyone have one - or have any ideas for a low cost alternative? I overpaid for the thing - and am living solely on Social Security. I just placed a wanted ad, and sent a pm to dcrane - but I see he's not very active anymore. I just don't know what to do; without the stove going the place is Cold, and the gas bill is crazy ...
Many thanks in advance!
I've been lurking around here for about three years ...
I have a CRANE 404 and I desperately Need a new firebox. I {unintentionally} overfired it a couple times; it warped, but i kept using it until it disintegrated. I'm now using the small one that came with it, but not only is it Not up to the job on my 150 year old house in upstate NY, it requires Constant attention - All day and Especially All damn night to keep going.
Does anyone have one - or have any ideas for a low cost alternative? I overpaid for the thing - and am living solely on Social Security. I just placed a wanted ad, and sent a pm to dcrane - but I see he's not very active anymore. I just don't know what to do; without the stove going the place is Cold, and the gas bill is crazy ...
Many thanks in advance!
- keegs
- Member
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Sat. Dec. 24, 2016 7:38 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, ME
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby (main floor)
- Coal Size/Type: nut
Check out a used Coal Chubby. They're pretty bulletproof and can throw a lot of heat. If you shop around on CL and/or FB Marketplace you should be able to pick one up for about $300. Be selective, there's many out there to choose from. Good luck.
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- Site Moderator
- Posts: 11417
- Joined: Wed. Nov. 05, 2008 5:11 pm
- Location: Kent CT
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: V ermont Castings 2310, Franco Belge 262
- Baseburners & Antiques: Glenwood Modern Oak 114
- Coal Size/Type: nut and pea
In the past I remember someone making a replacement firebox from split firebrick.
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- Member
- Posts: 6515
- Joined: Sun. Feb. 10, 2008 3:48 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: want AA130
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
- Coal Size/Type: Pea/Nut/Stove
Hitzer or DS Machine...
Both solid stoves...
The cast fire box for the 404 are no longer made...
Might be able to get one cast from an unused core...
But long term a stove that has a large following and parts availability is best...
Both solid stoves...
The cast fire box for the 404 are no longer made...
Might be able to get one cast from an unused core...
But long term a stove that has a large following and parts availability is best...
- warminmn
- Member
- Posts: 8189
- Joined: Tue. Feb. 08, 2011 5:59 pm
- Location: Land of 11,842 lakes
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby Junior, Riteway 37
- Coal Size/Type: nut and stove anthracite, lignite
- Other Heating: Wood and wear a wool shirt
Dont be scared to put links to stoves you find on here for our opinions before buying. There are many stoves sold as coal stoves that arent very good for anthracite.
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- Member
- Posts: 6515
- Joined: Sun. Feb. 10, 2008 3:48 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: want AA130
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
- Coal Size/Type: Pea/Nut/Stove
Several hand fed coal stoves in your area on Facebook marketplace...
A step up from most Craigslist postings...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/434859764076580/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/348160932805601/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2144502219185949/
The nicest of the bunch and parts are readily available...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/525335074910589/
Should be able to pickup with cash $400-500...
The hopper front is eroded and will need replacing...
From the MFG...
https://hitzer.com/our-products/stoves-furnaces/model-30-95
http://www.woodmansforgefireplace.com/25938/24735 ... eater.html
A step up from most Craigslist postings...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/434859764076580/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/348160932805601/
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2144502219185949/
The nicest of the bunch and parts are readily available...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/525335074910589/
Should be able to pickup with cash $400-500...
The hopper front is eroded and will need replacing...
From the MFG...
https://hitzer.com/our-products/stoves-furnaces/model-30-95
http://www.woodmansforgefireplace.com/25938/24735 ... eater.html
- Rob R.
- Site Moderator
- Posts: 18004
- Joined: Fri. Dec. 28, 2007 4:26 pm
- Location: Chazy, NY
- Stoker Coal Boiler: EFM 520
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby Jr
Info Sought on Crane 404 Coal Wood Stove
Unfortunately Beemerboy passed away about 5 years ago, so we don't be able to ask him any questions about his firebox design. I was also wondering if a firebox could be made out of refractory cement, similar to what some of the antique stove owners have done.
- keegs
- Member
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Sat. Dec. 24, 2016 7:38 pm
- Location: Bridgewater, ME
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Chubby (main floor)
- Coal Size/Type: nut
They'll probably want you to cart it away but it's free
https://maine.craigslist.org/app/d/portland-free- ... 26583.html
https://maine.craigslist.org/app/d/portland-free- ... 26583.html
- Hambden Bob
- Member
- Posts: 8549
- Joined: Mon. Jan. 04, 2010 10:54 am
- Location: Hambden Twp. Geauga County,Ohio
- Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Harman 1998 Magnum Stoker
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Blower Model Coal Chubby 1982-Serial#0097
- Coal Size/Type: Rice-A-Roni ! / Nut
- Other Heating: Pro-Pain Forced Air
Miracles Can And Do Happen In Elmira,New York! Stay On and Stay Active here. Get Your Catcher's Mitt on,and be at the ready! Being stranded on Your Social Security Check alone can really put You in a bind! We Understand! Are You on Your own? Can You start by closing off a floor or areas of Your Big 'Ol Draftmaster House to start minimizing Your Heating Area?? That's Free,and You can start now! Let's see what develops here while Your getting started!
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- Member
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sun. Nov. 17, 2019 2:17 pm
What are your thoughts on this 404?
- freetown fred
- Member
- Posts: 30300
- Joined: Thu. Dec. 31, 2009 12:33 pm
- Location: Freetown,NY 13803
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: HITZER 50-93
- Coal Size/Type: BLASCHAK Nut
Not a big CRANE fan--BUT, she looks good enough--do grates move smoothly??--gaskets probably need replacing--get her hooked up & workin!!!
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- Member
- Posts: 673
- Joined: Sun. Nov. 17, 2019 2:17 pm
I am going to see it in detail this weekend.
- freetown fred
- Member
- Posts: 30300
- Joined: Thu. Dec. 31, 2009 12:33 pm
- Location: Freetown,NY 13803
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: HITZER 50-93
- Coal Size/Type: BLASCHAK Nut
Kinda looks it from my lookin!! or is that a hopper?
- artbaldoni
- Member
- Posts: 199
- Joined: Sun. Feb. 02, 2014 7:46 am
- Location: Newville, PA
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Alaska Kodiak
- Other Heating: O W/C B
What is the price?
Where are you located?
Firepot is warped in the rear. If it can be removed you may be able to turn it around. I have a 404 with a bad firepot. Mine is also cracked and will not come out. I used it as is for a couple months with some Kaowool stuffed behind the firebox where it is warped. Sadly a piece has broken out of the firebox now. I am still using it on and off, but am looking for a replacement stove. The shaker grates on these are also weak, make sure they function. Here is a link to my story: My $50 Crane 404 Adventure.
Where are you located?
Firepot is warped in the rear. If it can be removed you may be able to turn it around. I have a 404 with a bad firepot. Mine is also cracked and will not come out. I used it as is for a couple months with some Kaowool stuffed behind the firebox where it is warped. Sadly a piece has broken out of the firebox now. I am still using it on and off, but am looking for a replacement stove. The shaker grates on these are also weak, make sure they function. Here is a link to my story: My $50 Crane 404 Adventure.