Unknown Furnace Model and Need to Fix Shaker Grates - Help
Posted: Tue. Aug. 19, 2008 4:30 pm
Hi,
Bought a huge old house (5000 sq. ft.) 3 years ago. First month in (November - December) we used the old gas furnace not wanting to deal with coal. The first month's gas bill was $1600. Needless to say, we dropped the temp the rest of the winter and ended up at about $3600 for the season. We vowed to try the coal furnace and the next season, after alot of trial and error on building and maintaining a fire, I learned well and could hold a nice bed of coals for 12 hours while we were at work and overnight. Local coal delivered and dumped by conveyor belt into the coal bin for $68/ton in Western Maryland (this year I've heard it went up to about $80/ton) but that second and third year we heated the house for $800 and about $1100 respectively. Now my problem. I've been dealing with shaker grates that are worn and fly off when rocked to far or too hard. Makes for a difficult time keeping a fire and cleaning out the ash drawer. I need to get replacements or have them fixed but have no idea where to try. Can cast iron be welded (or brazed)? And how can I determine the make of the furnace? There are no identifiying names cast into the door or anyplace. All I can find are what I think are part numbers on the door and shaker arm. I need to get things ready for November but I need some guidance. Any help or direction would be appreciated.
Mark Slider
Westernport, MD
Bought a huge old house (5000 sq. ft.) 3 years ago. First month in (November - December) we used the old gas furnace not wanting to deal with coal. The first month's gas bill was $1600. Needless to say, we dropped the temp the rest of the winter and ended up at about $3600 for the season. We vowed to try the coal furnace and the next season, after alot of trial and error on building and maintaining a fire, I learned well and could hold a nice bed of coals for 12 hours while we were at work and overnight. Local coal delivered and dumped by conveyor belt into the coal bin for $68/ton in Western Maryland (this year I've heard it went up to about $80/ton) but that second and third year we heated the house for $800 and about $1100 respectively. Now my problem. I've been dealing with shaker grates that are worn and fly off when rocked to far or too hard. Makes for a difficult time keeping a fire and cleaning out the ash drawer. I need to get replacements or have them fixed but have no idea where to try. Can cast iron be welded (or brazed)? And how can I determine the make of the furnace? There are no identifiying names cast into the door or anyplace. All I can find are what I think are part numbers on the door and shaker arm. I need to get things ready for November but I need some guidance. Any help or direction would be appreciated.
Mark Slider
Westernport, MD