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[Scott7m]

I didnt narrate this video so ill explain what was going on!

I hsd burned some coal in the stove over our several days of -10 and colder weather.   Well coal builds a big coal bed and can still burn for days after you quit adding it, having not added coal for 24 hours I dug deep into coal bed freeing everything up and pulled some of the glowing red chunks up in a pile! 

Well, this is what burning coal can look like in an owb designef to do so, a huge amount of heat comes off the blue flames

[Roger2561]

My dad used to call those blue devils dancing across the hot coals.  Roger

[Boydz]

I really have been wanting to try burning coal, especially on these really cold cold days lately. When its -7 with a 30mph wind, I am loading the stove about every 8hrs depending on wood type and Coal would be so much nicer.
However, being in Northern IL, my options are limited. They have coal mines in southern IL for Bituminous coal but its 5hrs away. 70/ton picked up I think. I could try the bagged Anthracite from a local dealer but that's 300/ton.  Maybe Ill just get a few bags and see how it goes for grins
What kind of coal are you burning ? how large ?

Thanks for sharing Scott.

-Ryan

[fryedaddy]

I burned some coal mixed with wood last year.

It really gained heat quickly and cut on my wood usage as well. Haven't tried it this year
but I may look into getting a truck load next year.

[Scott7m]

This is just ky lump coal.  It varies in size from softball to basket ball or bigger.  I just set it on edge and split the big pieces with an axe.

So if I have a piece 12" thick ill split it into 1-2 inch thick sheets and throw them in

[juddspaintballs]

I need to experiment with coal again.  My first couple attempts didn't work out so well but I think I know why and how to fix it. 

[concordprof]

Some of you know that my burn times have been terrible lately so...

Could someone tell me why I couldn't add a small amount (shovel full) on top of my ash bed/wood coals and en add some wood to help my burn time in subzero weather. Btw, I have a cb 4030.

[Scott7m]

Wont help likely, coal needs to get air under it, not just around it.  What youll end up with is a firebox full of partially burned coal.  It cant burn smothered in ash, must have forced draft up from below

[Mountain Duck]

I know there are many variables, but if you had to take a guess, a pickup load of lump coal would = how many loads of quality seasoned hardwood?

I haven't looked around much, but found it delivered for $180/ ton.  I'm in Southwest VA, but still about an hour from coal country.  Need to research a little more.

[Scott7m]

I know there are many variables, but if you had to take a guess, a pickup load of lump coal would = how many loads of quality seasoned hardwood?

180 per ton is on the high side.

About double really

Let me pull together some numbers

I haven't looked around much, but found it delivered for $180/ ton.  I'm in Southwest VA, but still about an hour from coal country.  Need to research a little more.

[Scott7m]

Ok...  for example. 

Wood is roughly 8500 btu per pound, no matter the type whether its pine or oak

But figure in moisture content of 25 % and your quickly under 6000 btu per pound

With coal, it varies but some coal is over 15,000 btu per pound

Coal dont have the moisture issue so we could easily say pound per pound coal is at least twice as good

But it seems like more to be honest, its amazing how well it burns and how long and hot

[MD20/20]

Why can't I get coal to burn properly in the 325G? Whats the lowest I should set the differential? I only have access to 2-4 inch anthracite "stove" coal.

And Scott, my Broeder is squealing a bit, so I finally need to get a new pump.

[Scott7m]

Why can't I get coal to burn properly in the 325G? Whats the lowest I should set the differential? I only have access to 2-4 inch anthracite "stove" coal.

And Scott, my Broeder is squealing a bit, so I finally need to get a new pump.

anthracite is hard to get goin, but ur chunks are a little small. Owb like lumps.  If its mild and your stove is cycling a lot youd have to lower diff to 5 or less, and I always mix with Wood

Wont be long if its squealing!

[MiHawkeye]

Can you burn coal in a gassifier? I've read differing opinions on this.

[Scott7m]

Can you burn coal in a gassifier? I've read differing opinions on this.

no, what could you do with the clinkers?  With no shaker grates theyd instantly plug the nozzles