Clinker formation

I can’t seem to get my Iron Fireman to clinker up nice for me making the fire harder to clean and creating lots of ashes. I had an older Will Burt that wore out and it would clinker real nice. Any suggestions on how to achieve a good clinker? I have just moved the air to high in an attempt. Thx.

Some coal just doesn't want to make a proper clinker. Don't turn up the air too much it can damage the tuyere. Toss some glass in there, it will help stick the ash together. It might do better when it gets cold again.

Ok thx. I turned the air down some. Wonder if a little sand would help it clinker some? Thx for the comments.

See you have a combustioneer. I recent ran across a decent one. I’m gonna but it for a spare. How do you like yours?

JMetz wrote: ↑

Mon. Jan. 02, 2023 10:34 pm

Ok thx. I turned the air down some. Wonder if a little sand would help it clinker some? Thx for the comments.

Sand might help, I think they sell some sort of blasting media in Menards that's ground blast furnace slag. Although I don't know if it would work.

JMetz wrote: ↑

Mon. Jan. 02, 2023 10:35 pm

See you have a combustioneer. I recent ran across a decent one. I’m gonna but it for a spare. How do you like yours?

It's wonderful, I've had a few problems with mine but they are all because it's a 40 year old stoker (rusted out hopper, cracked heat exchanger, crispy wiring, faulty motors) I have had a couple outfires because of bridging but, all in all I like it. I'd like to get one for mom an dad. They get snapped up quickly.

I struggle with getting it to clinker in this mild weather where furnace is idling along without long heat cycles.
I get a lot of coke production during these times.
What do you have hold fire timer set at. Possibly try longer cycle to get it hot enough to fuse?