New User- CRANE 404 needs help!

darkey · Post by **darkey** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 12:17 pm

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!

keegs · Post by **keegs** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 3:01 pm

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.

Post by **franco b** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 3:49 pm

In the past I remember someone making a replacement firebox from split firebrick.

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 7:44 pm

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...

warminmn · Post by **warminmn** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 9:34 pm

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.

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 11:50 pm

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

Post by **Rob R.** » Fri. Nov. 15, 2019 9:08 am

franco b wrote: ↑
Thu. Nov. 14, 2019 3:49 pm
In the past I remember someone making a replacement firebox from split firebrick.

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 · Post by **keegs** » Fri. Nov. 22, 2019 5:51 am

They'll probably want you to cart it away but it's free

https://maine.craigslist.org/app/d/portland-free- ... 26583.html

Hambden Bob · Post by **Hambden Bob** » Fri. Nov. 22, 2019 6:05 am

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!

Holdencoal · Post by **Holdencoal** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 5:39 am

What are your thoughts on this 404?

.JPEG | 119.6KB | D4C66B32-DCE0-4C2E-8156-4EDA38D90075.jpeg

.JPEG | 109KB | A8FA5DD0-9483-4055-BEFF-CDD04B6E076D.jpeg

.JPEG | 125.1KB | 8AC85ACE-F5D2-499A-894D-257A960CDBAD.jpeg

.JPEG | 102.9KB | 7985B799-2FEC-4B7C-9B6A-13C36F8E14F9.jpeg

.JPEG | 114.7KB | A7B48B77-A6B4-41C3-9628-5AA5A8DB8F81.jpeg

.JPEG | 117.1KB | EFA8287F-C65B-4818-9335-9006E3F077A1.jpeg

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 5:53 am

Not a big CRANE fan--BUT, she looks good enough--do grates move smoothly??--gaskets probably need replacing--get her hooked up & workin!!!

Post by **franco b** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 8:55 am

Is the fire pot warped? That is the weak point.

Holdencoal · Post by **Holdencoal** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 9:30 am

I am going to see it in detail this weekend.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 9:31 am

Kinda looks it from my lookin!! or is that a hopper?

artbaldoni · Post by **artbaldoni** » Fri. Jan. 03, 2020 9:44 am

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.