New guy with an Alaska.

Just got handed down a stove that I hope to heat my shop with. Before I start cutting holes in the wall I hope to get some help checking it over and making sure its even worth it. I have exactly zero dollars into it so far. I have been pulling it apart and cleaning it the last week. Looks like it possibly had a small hopper fire. I don't think the direct vent was doing much because it was completely packed with ash. The glass front is also broken but I think I'm just going to cut some sheet stock to fill the hole. I need to get the model but I will get some pictures of the issues I have seen so far. Also looking for suggestions on how to go through the wall of my pole building. Does this take the "rice" coal or "nut"? Thanks!

Add some pics and the model number when you get time. Kinda hard to know without them as many models will have different answers

If it';s a stoker type stove, has a pusher plate/motor, with a blower under the grates, then it would take RICE.
Since you say it has a direct vent for the exhaust, it's probably a stoker/Rice type stove.

Def. Post up some pics and more of the members can help you out.

they take rice coal. you can burn buckwheat in the older models with the carpet, not sure about the newer alaska stoves.

There are no tags on this stove with and model numbers or anything. Can you do direct uploads to this forum?

yes you can, click on full editor & preview then add your attachments.

Looks like you have a channing III direct vent. They have the paddle feed and larger burn grate, 85000 btu's i think. You are missing the top lid over the stove, you will need to buy or make one. It does two things. It directs the air from the blower to wash across the top of the stove and heat up then blows it out of the front to heat your space. As the air gets travels over the top of the stove it robs the heat from the steel and actually cools the stove in the process. If you run it at a high stoke without the lid you can potentially over fire your stove.

I do have that top lid, just didn't get picture. Does this thing look good to go?

I have an Alaska in my other house.
Once assembled and you are sure the grate and doors are properly sealed, then you have to figure out how to control the fire.
First year I used the Thermostat system that came with the stove. But a relay in the main control box failed and appeared to be unobtanium. Prices for a new controller box would have cost almost as much as a complete Coal-Trol system.

I ordered the Coal-Trol and it now runs much more efficiently and requires less attention.

xackley wrote: ↑

Wed. Dec. 02, 2020 9:44 pm

I have an Alaska in my other house.
Once assembled and you are sure the grate and doors are properly sealed, then you have to figure out how to control the fire.
First year I used the Thermostat system that came with the stove. But a relay in the main control box failed and appeared to be unobtanium. Prices for a new controller box would have cost almost as much as a complete Coal-Trol system.

I ordered the Coal-Trol and it now runs much more efficiently and requires less attention.

There is another controller of some type there, I guess I failed to get a picture of that. Hang on, I'll get one.

. Looks like fan speed control I guess?

That setup appears to have no thermostat, so it will be up to you to adjust the setting for coal feed (first pic) and convection fan (second pic) as heat requirements vary.
For convenience you should investigate the coal trol system once you know the stove is functional.

And if you can hook the stove to a chimney, eliminating the direct vent, your coal heating life will be much simpler.

Don

xackley wrote: ↑

Thu. Dec. 03, 2020 11:45 am

That setup appears to have no thermostat, so it will be up to you to adjust the setting for coal feed (first pic) and convection fan (second pic) as heat requirements vary.
For convenience you should investigate the coal trol system once you know the stove is functional.

And if you can hook the stove to a chimney, eliminating the direct vent, your coal heating life will be much simpler.

Don

This is in a garage/shop. Any benefit to the coal trol in this usage?
How will a chimney help?

For a garage it might be perfect. Turn it down when not there, then crank it up a half hour before you want it warmer to change the vehicles brake pads.

A chimney removes another possible point of failure and the need to tune and maintain the direct vent. As you said, it was packed full when you got it.

For a garage any stove pipe could work as a chimney
A friend of mine has been heating his cabin for years with no more than black pipe passing thru a wall and then up. you could also do it more right with stainless chimney pipe on the outside.