Coalpail.com Forum

First of all, is DAKA still in business? I have a 521 (about 10 years old) that I would like to burn coal in to heat my shop. I have a local source for bulk bituminous. I know coal grates used to be available but I'm having no luck finding them now.
The last time I was around a coal burner was many years ago when it was my job to keep the coal bucket full for our combination wood/coal propane cook stove so my experience is definitely dated.
Do I need the grate modifications? What issues would I have without a grate shaker?
I'm getting too old to cut all the wood this hungry furnace will go through.
Thanks in advance for your help!

South Dakota? Lignite coal? Your going to want a shaker grate as lots of fluffy ash. Im not familiar with your stove though.

They're still in business.

https://store.dakacorp.com/mobile/Product.aspx?id=37340

So what is the difference between bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite? It's Wyoming coal and I know it's not as good as anthracite. Our school still uses it as their main heat source and I haven't noticed any complaints from the community. I remember Dad less than happy when he couldn't get the "hard coal ". Just tired of cutting wood. Other than the school, I don't know of anyone burning coal but it seems like a good alternative. Thanks to the previous poster I see I can get the proper grates. What is going to happen if I try a few pounds in my stove before I get the proper grates?

Bituminous is a different animal than anthracite, so I'm moving this thread to tbe Bituminous Forum. You should get a better response there by the resident experts in the field.

Ok. Thanks!

Just in case you have not seen this post I am adding a link to it. in a different post they said they started burning un-oiled coal (maybe from the same mine as you) and it was working out good. Post by longears9 - Bituminous Coal use here in Montana