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fishhunter
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Post by fishhunter » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 7:27 pm

i am new to this coal burning thing and have a pretty odd question. I cannot get coal to burn. I bought some of those bagged firestarters and tried 2 tonight to light for my first time (stove came with house I just bought) it burned and got hot until the firestarter had burned out and that was it what is the proper way to use a firestarter when lighting a stoker?

 
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coaledsweat
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Post by coaledsweat » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 7:40 pm

Some details about your unit would help. There are a variety of stokers, each has its quirks. Coal is a little grumpy at first, but once you get to know it you will fall in love. Post up what you have, someone with a similar appliance will give you the lowdown for it.

 
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fishhunter
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Post by fishhunter » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 7:44 pm

i have an alaska channing III. looks to be quite new.


 
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Devil505
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Post by Devil505 » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 7:46 pm

Do a search on how to light a coal fire in the stoker forum.

 
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CoalHeat
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Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
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Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 8:05 pm

Tell us about the coal you have...size, where it came from, etc.

And yes, it is hard to light at first. A few pointers here and some practice and you'll be a pro in no time.

Lighting a Stoker

 
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fishhunter
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Post by fishhunter » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 8:16 pm

the coal I am using now came from peoples coal.bought from agway it came in the garage with the house. I just ordered 3 ton from my dealer and he would not say where it came from.the dealer is CSM in monson,ma .
it is rice coal.
do I cover the bag starter with coal or surround it? I bought a dozen of those bag starters and thought they would last the year not tonight!


 
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CoalHeat
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Location: Stillwater, New Jersey
Stoker Coal Boiler: 1959 EFM 350
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harman Magnafire Mark I
Baseburners & Antiques: Sears Signal Oak 15 & Andes Kitchen Range
Coal Size/Type: Rice and Chestnut
Other Heating: Fisher Fireplace Insert

Post by CoalHeat » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 9:27 pm

the coal I am using now came from peoples coal.
In Stroudsburg?

 
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gambler
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Post by gambler » Thu. Sep. 25, 2008 10:56 pm

fishhunter wrote:do I cover the bag starter with coal or surround it?
Yes

You do both. But don't cover it too much and smother it.

 
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ceccil
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Post by ceccil » Fri. Sep. 26, 2008 2:27 am

I seem to have pretty good luck using the starter bags, others like the mice better. When I'm lighting up I put a small layer of coal on the grate towards the back of the burn area, place the bag on top of the coal and put a little coal on top of the bag. I use a propane torch to start the bag just so I can light all around the bag without keeping door open to long so I don't get to much smoke out of the door. As soon as its lit I close the door and plug it in. After it gets burning I put a little more coal on top of it. Good luck.

Jeff

 
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fishhunter
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Post by fishhunter » Fri. Sep. 26, 2008 1:25 pm

i finally got the stove lit. should have dusted first though, got that smelly dust burning thing going on right now. I got one stater bag lit it started to die down then I put on another one and fed some coal on it every few minutes about 5 times and it is a roaring blaze now.
thanks for the help

jeremy

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