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1
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: MARTY'S BRUSH
« on: March 06, 2014, 06:30:10 AM »
Marty,
Thanks for taking the time to send to me. I do appreciate!
Bill
Thanks for taking the time to send to me. I do appreciate!
Bill
2
Portage & Main / Re: Soon to be owner
« on: February 28, 2014, 07:21:15 AM »
Marty,
Got your pic's on cleaning tool, and Thank-you for that. If you get chance to send diagram/sizes of fittings and hose, etc., I'd sure appreciate that as well.
KarlK,
Hello neighbor, it has been awhile.
Could you please cast me one of your nozzles? Ring up the bill of sale and I'll pay you upon pick-up. No big hurry, as can't see any down time for furnace in near future! Thanks in advance, Karl.
Bill G.
Got your pic's on cleaning tool, and Thank-you for that. If you get chance to send diagram/sizes of fittings and hose, etc., I'd sure appreciate that as well.
KarlK,
Hello neighbor, it has been awhile.
Could you please cast me one of your nozzles? Ring up the bill of sale and I'll pay you upon pick-up. No big hurry, as can't see any down time for furnace in near future! Thanks in advance, Karl.
Bill G.
3
Portage & Main / Re: Soon to be owner
« on: February 27, 2014, 06:41:51 PM »
hey Marty,
Yeah, still kickin here in PA. Been awhile. Hope all has been well for you since last spoke.
I'll send the phone number for wifey's phone as she has the fancy model, and I couldn't tell you what has become of my old flip open jobber!
Rough winter for you too I'm sure. Just so glad to beable to heat our house with wood as I could only imagine what the propane bill would have been for this year.
Still feel I should have went with a conventional P&M furnace. As you know, less than thrilled with 250. But, as stated, she does make plenty of heat, just maintenance intensive.
I recall you telling me about fabricating a cleaning tool for a drill, using flexible hydraulic hose? Never got around to making one and my knuckles sometime regret that.
Appreciate your taking time to send pictures of said tool. Thanks in advance.
pm sent to you, Marty
Still got your phone # and will call to further compare notes, one of these evenings.
Bill
Yeah, still kickin here in PA. Been awhile. Hope all has been well for you since last spoke.
I'll send the phone number for wifey's phone as she has the fancy model, and I couldn't tell you what has become of my old flip open jobber!
Rough winter for you too I'm sure. Just so glad to beable to heat our house with wood as I could only imagine what the propane bill would have been for this year.
Still feel I should have went with a conventional P&M furnace. As you know, less than thrilled with 250. But, as stated, she does make plenty of heat, just maintenance intensive.
I recall you telling me about fabricating a cleaning tool for a drill, using flexible hydraulic hose? Never got around to making one and my knuckles sometime regret that.
Appreciate your taking time to send pictures of said tool. Thanks in advance.
pm sent to you, Marty
Still got your phone # and will call to further compare notes, one of these evenings.
Bill
4
Portage & Main / Re: Soon to be owner
« on: February 26, 2014, 09:13:13 AM »
Hey Amer-Pace.,
My third winter heating with Opt 250.
May I strongly recommend going with a conventional, non gasser!
These 250's are maintenance intensive. Mine must be cleaned thoroughly every 7 to 10 days. It rarely if ever runs smoke free! For a very brief few hours, maybe after cleaning.
I, too, have problems with the airbox creosoting up. I grin and bear it while cleaning it up every so often.
Yes, the door gasket does leak slightly, but thats a recent event I can live with after 2 plus burning seasons. Will correct shortly.
Mine is the "first" generation of 250's. The floor nozzle is cratered big time and needs fix. In spring I will buy one of KarlK's home grown nozzles and cut it in. Can't be a fun job ahead.
I have tried 1" fire brick a top of blown out nozzle, lasted 1 week.
My idea of a "thorough cleaning" usually takes a bit better than 1 hour. Usually includes a skinned knuckle or 2 cleaning the verticle tubes in back. (think they rectified that in latter designs)
I'd be willing to drive my furnace to the factory, (from Penna.!) if the company would trade me, even up, on a non gasser???
Portage and Mane does do exceptional work, quality wise. The design of gasser's, maybe not so great.
Being honest, the 250 gets 2 1/2 STARS out of 5. It indeed makes heat, but, the cleanings are painful.
Bill
My third winter heating with Opt 250.
May I strongly recommend going with a conventional, non gasser!
These 250's are maintenance intensive. Mine must be cleaned thoroughly every 7 to 10 days. It rarely if ever runs smoke free! For a very brief few hours, maybe after cleaning.
I, too, have problems with the airbox creosoting up. I grin and bear it while cleaning it up every so often.
Yes, the door gasket does leak slightly, but thats a recent event I can live with after 2 plus burning seasons. Will correct shortly.
Mine is the "first" generation of 250's. The floor nozzle is cratered big time and needs fix. In spring I will buy one of KarlK's home grown nozzles and cut it in. Can't be a fun job ahead.
I have tried 1" fire brick a top of blown out nozzle, lasted 1 week.
My idea of a "thorough cleaning" usually takes a bit better than 1 hour. Usually includes a skinned knuckle or 2 cleaning the verticle tubes in back. (think they rectified that in latter designs)
I'd be willing to drive my furnace to the factory, (from Penna.!) if the company would trade me, even up, on a non gasser???
Portage and Mane does do exceptional work, quality wise. The design of gasser's, maybe not so great.
Being honest, the 250 gets 2 1/2 STARS out of 5. It indeed makes heat, but, the cleanings are painful.
Bill
5
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Optimizer 250
« on: January 27, 2014, 10:06:08 PM »
Hey,
It's been awhile!!
The thing still heats my house, but it's a pain in the ****. I got a soft ball or better size hole where the nozzle was. I clean every 7-8 days. But, it works. Thoroughly disgusted as far as that goes.
Sad thing is, I could have easily gotten away with a non-gasifier!
Spring of the year, I will make contact w/Karl K , (close by) and get a new nozzle. Cut it in, and replace as needed.
Maybe put some cut fire bricks in for temp fix.
I don't get around too many folks, or spend much time on this machine, but I suggest staying away from gasifiers, if you can. They are 100% a pain you know where! Maintenance intensive!
Don't wish to stir the pot, been burning wood all my life, properly! Dry, the best.
Sent water sample in first year, (2 yrs ago) still waiting on results! Must be good!
Not at all happy,happy, happy!!
I believe that I've got it beat lately, as I mix any and all wood, dry and wet together, loading whenever it needs, or when I'm near it. Half and half dry to wet. What's the difference, I figure, I got to clean it so often....tires and phone poles next!
I cover the big A** hole in the floor with a nice big chunk of green wood and she works OK. Even gasifies.
Thought I would cover the hole with a steel plate, never got around to it.
What it is, is a product brought to market without enough real world testing. We are the geaunea pigs willing to pay for thouroughly untested heating appliance. Heck, I feel I'm in seat#1 row#1. I don't have unlimited coin to play again.
I said on a post a few years ago, I'd rather cut and and stack 3-4 more cord a year, than go through this bull**** cleaning ritual every week. She get's very un-efficient anyway if I neglect cleaning, which I do, on occasion. Sooo I probably ain''t saving wood anyway.
Would have been so much better off with that ml-36. Anybody want to trade...opti junk 250 for ml-36?? Maybe the smoke cops are on ya?
Bill
It's been awhile!!
The thing still heats my house, but it's a pain in the ****. I got a soft ball or better size hole where the nozzle was. I clean every 7-8 days. But, it works. Thoroughly disgusted as far as that goes.
Sad thing is, I could have easily gotten away with a non-gasifier!
Spring of the year, I will make contact w/Karl K , (close by) and get a new nozzle. Cut it in, and replace as needed.
Maybe put some cut fire bricks in for temp fix.
I don't get around too many folks, or spend much time on this machine, but I suggest staying away from gasifiers, if you can. They are 100% a pain you know where! Maintenance intensive!
Don't wish to stir the pot, been burning wood all my life, properly! Dry, the best.
Sent water sample in first year, (2 yrs ago) still waiting on results! Must be good!
Not at all happy,happy, happy!!
I believe that I've got it beat lately, as I mix any and all wood, dry and wet together, loading whenever it needs, or when I'm near it. Half and half dry to wet. What's the difference, I figure, I got to clean it so often....tires and phone poles next!
I cover the big A** hole in the floor with a nice big chunk of green wood and she works OK. Even gasifies.
Thought I would cover the hole with a steel plate, never got around to it.
What it is, is a product brought to market without enough real world testing. We are the geaunea pigs willing to pay for thouroughly untested heating appliance. Heck, I feel I'm in seat#1 row#1. I don't have unlimited coin to play again.
I said on a post a few years ago, I'd rather cut and and stack 3-4 more cord a year, than go through this bull**** cleaning ritual every week. She get's very un-efficient anyway if I neglect cleaning, which I do, on occasion. Sooo I probably ain''t saving wood anyway.
Would have been so much better off with that ml-36. Anybody want to trade...opti junk 250 for ml-36?? Maybe the smoke cops are on ya?
Bill
6
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Newbie doing some research - where to begin?
« on: March 07, 2012, 07:18:54 PM »
Mack,
I have opt250 and heat the exact space you have. 11 yr old, well insul. home. A real easy walk-in-the-park for that unit. Never a problem with not enough heat, dhw, or burn time. This is my first year with it, and of course very mild winter. I will burn 6 cord this year in NEPA.
A bit of a learning curve to get optimal performance from my furnace, but we're gaining on it. Expect to perform regular cleanings to keep functioning properly. But, since both of us must have gassifiers, I suppose these units are at the top of the class.
Go for it, and enjoy telling the gas/oil man to take a hike!
I have opt250 and heat the exact space you have. 11 yr old, well insul. home. A real easy walk-in-the-park for that unit. Never a problem with not enough heat, dhw, or burn time. This is my first year with it, and of course very mild winter. I will burn 6 cord this year in NEPA.
A bit of a learning curve to get optimal performance from my furnace, but we're gaining on it. Expect to perform regular cleanings to keep functioning properly. But, since both of us must have gassifiers, I suppose these units are at the top of the class.
Go for it, and enjoy telling the gas/oil man to take a hike!
7
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Gasser
« on: February 24, 2012, 03:20:50 PM »
ijon,
In my opinion, you hit on the 2 best brands in the business. I have a PM250, as does Marty. Marty has/is doing his best to help me with the few small troubles I have with mine. It is well built, but if I had to do over, and could get away with it here in PA, I'd buy a conventional OWB. A P&M ML36 would probably be to my liking. I'll work through my small issues. When clean, they work as advertised. If you think you will not mind cleaning on a regular basis, then get a gasser. Every 4-7-and if your lucky, 14 days and then a thorough cleaning is required to keep burning clean. Excess smoke and poor heat transfer, ie long burn times all signal cleaning time. I also have a problem with creosote build-up and am burning grade A dry hardwoods.
I do regret spending the extra for the gasser. But, I have no choice but to live with it.
Do yourself a favor and stay conventional.
Bill
In my opinion, you hit on the 2 best brands in the business. I have a PM250, as does Marty. Marty has/is doing his best to help me with the few small troubles I have with mine. It is well built, but if I had to do over, and could get away with it here in PA, I'd buy a conventional OWB. A P&M ML36 would probably be to my liking. I'll work through my small issues. When clean, they work as advertised. If you think you will not mind cleaning on a regular basis, then get a gasser. Every 4-7-and if your lucky, 14 days and then a thorough cleaning is required to keep burning clean. Excess smoke and poor heat transfer, ie long burn times all signal cleaning time. I also have a problem with creosote build-up and am burning grade A dry hardwoods.
I do regret spending the extra for the gasser. But, I have no choice but to live with it.
Do yourself a favor and stay conventional.
Bill
8
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: You guys have to watch this!!!
« on: February 24, 2012, 12:37:51 PM »
Roger.
Myocardial Infarction....can be brought on suddenly, upon opening, say, an oil or propane bill!!!
Bill
Myocardial Infarction....can be brought on suddenly, upon opening, say, an oil or propane bill!!!
Bill
9
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: You guys have to watch this!!!
« on: February 24, 2012, 09:50:13 AM »
This lady needs a proper education and maybe somethin' else she hasn't gotten since Truman was in office!!!
I watched from the 14 min mark, and also learned I need to go wash my "vector control" house cats paws, and try to stop Jack the beagle from licking his B*lls! It's going to make him sick! But he soooo enjoys it!
Going out now to throw a couple more cartons a Lucky Strikes and maybe a Camel or 2 into my OWB! By the way, when our Gov. burns all that maryjuanny stuff they confiscate from the hippies, now that's the facility that old bag should live down wind from!!!
I watched from the 14 min mark, and also learned I need to go wash my "vector control" house cats paws, and try to stop Jack the beagle from licking his B*lls! It's going to make him sick! But he soooo enjoys it!
Going out now to throw a couple more cartons a Lucky Strikes and maybe a Camel or 2 into my OWB! By the way, when our Gov. burns all that maryjuanny stuff they confiscate from the hippies, now that's the facility that old bag should live down wind from!!!
10
Portage & Main / Re: Optimizer 250
« on: February 24, 2012, 07:22:05 AM »
Karl,
Good to hear from you again! I'll give you a call soon here, in the evenings, to compare notes.
Bill
Good to hear from you again! I'll give you a call soon here, in the evenings, to compare notes.
Bill
11
Portage & Main / Re: Optimizer 250
« on: February 23, 2012, 06:28:04 PM »
Hi Karl,
Mis-placed your ph # back around last April. My wife and I visited with you to look at your 250. We did get one and installed it. Been burning it since mid Sept, minus 2 wks in Oct when out of town.
We are 20 min N, across the river, that should jog your memory?
Any ways, definately thrilled with no more propane bill. But, if I had to do it over, I think a ML36 conventional job would have been more to my liking. Not too fond of the cleaning regiment needed to keep it burning clean. Nozzle in floor quite cracked/spaulded, creosote in airbox (even with my well seasoned PA hardwoods). I did drill small hole in bottom left corner of airbox, as you did, for drainage.
Been awhile, please pm me your phone # and so we can compare notes on these things.
Bill
Mis-placed your ph # back around last April. My wife and I visited with you to look at your 250. We did get one and installed it. Been burning it since mid Sept, minus 2 wks in Oct when out of town.
We are 20 min N, across the river, that should jog your memory?
Any ways, definately thrilled with no more propane bill. But, if I had to do it over, I think a ML36 conventional job would have been more to my liking. Not too fond of the cleaning regiment needed to keep it burning clean. Nozzle in floor quite cracked/spaulded, creosote in airbox (even with my well seasoned PA hardwoods). I did drill small hole in bottom left corner of airbox, as you did, for drainage.
Been awhile, please pm me your phone # and so we can compare notes on these things.
Bill
12
Plumbing / Re: Sidearm Plumbing Question
« on: February 22, 2012, 08:20:19 AM »
Steve,
Think you should "tee" off incoming main line to side-arm, then back into incoming main line down stream, using another "tee". This will allow the 1" to remain full ID and shouldn't affect flow. Just need to be sure pump will handle extra bit of load.
Hopefully, someone with more knowledge will chime in and offer a better explanation.
Bill
Think you should "tee" off incoming main line to side-arm, then back into incoming main line down stream, using another "tee". This will allow the 1" to remain full ID and shouldn't affect flow. Just need to be sure pump will handle extra bit of load.
Hopefully, someone with more knowledge will chime in and offer a better explanation.
Bill
13
Home Made / Re: to build a gasser or not?
« on: February 17, 2012, 07:43:07 PM »
Pain right in the N**ts cleaning a gasser. If I were you, and could have conventional, that is the way to go. I'd rather burn more free wood than put up with the time spent keeping it dead clean to function properly. If you are going to build, keep it simple. Tried and proven using what you think is a good blend of the designs out there. With easy access to all areas for ease of cleaning.
Best of luck to you, but either will send the propane guy packing.
Best of luck to you, but either will send the propane guy packing.
14
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: creasote removing
« on: February 17, 2012, 04:28:31 PM »
Rick,
You want to see creosote, you should of got a Opt 250...Mild weather, longer idle times, and I get creosote.
I'll trade you straight up if you want a gassifier. Been in service since Sept. I'll provide the trucking.
But, when clean, it is virtually smoke free.
My firewood is well seasoned, and dry. Oak, maple, black birch, ash, hickory. All good stuff.
Wonder if they sell Simple Green by the 55 gal drum?
Bill
You want to see creosote, you should of got a Opt 250...Mild weather, longer idle times, and I get creosote.
I'll trade you straight up if you want a gassifier. Been in service since Sept. I'll provide the trucking.
But, when clean, it is virtually smoke free.
My firewood is well seasoned, and dry. Oak, maple, black birch, ash, hickory. All good stuff.
Wonder if they sell Simple Green by the 55 gal drum?
Bill
15
Portage & Main / Re: Nozzle in firebox floor, 250
« on: February 17, 2012, 07:50:03 AM »
Jeff,
The blower is mounted under the airbox. Piped up into the box. It is stubbed up about 4 inches with the solenoid activated flapper atop the pipe. The entire affair gets coated with creosote, but doesn't appear any gets into the pipe. Now the channel leading up into the firebox, at what looks like 45 deg ang., gets loaded with soot/creosote mixture. Also a 1 1/2 pipe leading to secondary burn chamber also gets some gunk.
All requires routiine maint. Inside the firebox, is a piece of channel iron leading up the back wall and across top of box. Has 5/8" holes to supply air. They get punched clean just about daily. There is a low hole in the back of the box, in the channel, that should allow for drainage, but I think it is about the first place to get clogged. I do get after it often, but I can't always get in there w/shopvac, because of the obvious fire.
The floor of the P&M gasser's is re-inforced refractory cement. The nozzle is in the center of the floor, maybe 1 /1/2" wide by 7" long. Running front to back. It is tapered inwards toward the bottom leading into the secondary burn chamber. The top part is quite cracked/spalded enlarging the opening by a good bit. A definate problem area that needs addressing.
Live and learn, I suppose, but I do see a few upgrades.
The blower is mounted under the airbox. Piped up into the box. It is stubbed up about 4 inches with the solenoid activated flapper atop the pipe. The entire affair gets coated with creosote, but doesn't appear any gets into the pipe. Now the channel leading up into the firebox, at what looks like 45 deg ang., gets loaded with soot/creosote mixture. Also a 1 1/2 pipe leading to secondary burn chamber also gets some gunk.
All requires routiine maint. Inside the firebox, is a piece of channel iron leading up the back wall and across top of box. Has 5/8" holes to supply air. They get punched clean just about daily. There is a low hole in the back of the box, in the channel, that should allow for drainage, but I think it is about the first place to get clogged. I do get after it often, but I can't always get in there w/shopvac, because of the obvious fire.
The floor of the P&M gasser's is re-inforced refractory cement. The nozzle is in the center of the floor, maybe 1 /1/2" wide by 7" long. Running front to back. It is tapered inwards toward the bottom leading into the secondary burn chamber. The top part is quite cracked/spalded enlarging the opening by a good bit. A definate problem area that needs addressing.
Live and learn, I suppose, but I do see a few upgrades.