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1
Plumbing / Re: Hard Water
« on: January 27, 2016, 11:00:50 AM »
I too have extremely hard water. I went as far as putting distilled water in the system instead of my tap water, because if not my pipes would be corroded within a few years. My boiler pipes are still pristine after 3.5 years. I also had a 20 plate exchanger put in at the time of install, and the dhw side completely corroded shut after 13 months. I just put a new one in this season after going without last year, but also have a water softener now. When I did the plumbing for the exchanger, I made sure to put ball valves on all 4 intake/outtake pipes on it so I can take it off and easily clean it each year. Probably overkill, but I had the fittings and figured it couldn't hurt.
2
Plumbing / Re: 1" to 3/4" at DHW heat exchanger
« on: October 12, 2015, 03:11:33 PM »
Thanks. I was just worried about the flow rate going from 1" to 3/4" at the plate. But at the same time, with the plate having the diminished flow just being a plate, I didn't think it would cause too much of an issue...
3
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / 1" to 3/4" at DHW exchanger
« on: October 12, 2015, 09:00:10 AM »
I recently got a 50 plate 3X8 heat exchanger with 3/4" fittings on it. My pex tubing is at 1". How big of an issue is this going to be going down from 1" to 3/4" for this? I understand it is limiting the flow, but how much is the flow limited by the plate exchanger anyways, since it goes down to much less than 3/4" through the plate. There is a 5X12 50 plate exchanger with 1" fittings on it that I could possible acquire, but it won't be here until about halfway through the season, and I'd rather have this installed before starting up the boiler.
4
Plumbing / 1" to 3/4" at DHW heat exchanger
« on: October 12, 2015, 08:59:39 AM »
I recently got a 50 plate 3X8 heat exchanger with 3/4" fittings on it. My pex tubing is at 1". How big of an issue is this going to be going down from 1" to 3/4" for this? I understand it is limiting the flow, but how much is the flow limited by the plate exchanger anyways, since it goes down to much less than 3/4" through the plate. There is a 5X12 50 plate exchanger with 1" fittings on it that I could possible acquire, but it won't be here until about halfway through the season, and I'd rather have this installed before starting up the boiler.
5
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Temperature of door seals
« on: July 12, 2015, 05:48:01 AM »
Looking for a new rope seal for the door, and I'm wondering what temperature does it need to be rated at? There are some silicone only seals that are rated for temps up to 480degrees, and some silicone coated rope that is rated up to 500deg. Does it need to be higher than that, or will those work? Thanks.
6
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: What to do when on vacation??
« on: February 03, 2015, 07:14:35 AM »
I have propane back up heat. Everytime I have went away for more than a few days, I let the fire go out about 1 day before we leave, then shut the blower off, and re-wire the thermostat to run off propane as primary source (done it enough that it is a 2 second fix). I just use the time it is down as a mid-winter clean and when I get back shop vac all the ashes out and get it nice and sparkly. then fire it back up like its old times! I always leave the pump on the lowest setting too, that way the water doesn't freeze in the boiler. The heat from the furnace blowing over the heat exchanger in the plume usually keeps the water about 80-100 degrees when I get back too.
7
Equipment / Re: Accessories for Troy Built
« on: October 26, 2014, 04:50:10 AM »
Just have the one that came with it, looking for a larger one. I agree, the one thing I don't like about this thing is the log catcher is so small you might as well not even have it on there.
8
Equipment / Accessories for Troy Built
« on: October 25, 2014, 08:10:59 AM »
Just bought a new Troy built 27 ton splitter and love it. Having some trouble finding a larger log catcher. What other brands would fit this one? Also, anyone have any luck with a 4 way splitter head on it?
9
Equipment / Re: Bought a Troy-Bilt 27 ton splitter
« on: October 16, 2014, 01:54:53 PM »
I just bought one if these today. I ran it through its first tank if gas, then split for a good hour. Split every piece I threw at it, green oak and maple, even some nasty crotches thrown it to test it out! (Only in a medical forum or wood splitting forum can you get away with saying that!:)
10
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: Best Source For Water To Fill OWB?
« on: October 07, 2014, 03:01:44 AM »
when I filled mine, I used distilled water. Absolutely no minerals, just pure H20. It was a little more than what I was hoping to pay for water, at about $2 for each 5gal jug of it, and I got a few funny looks buying so much at the store, but I know that I am not going to cause any mineral build up due to my water. I do have extremely hard water, last check was at 220. It tastes great, but the maintenance on all our faucets is tough!
11
Fire Wood / Re: firewood storage
« on: September 20, 2014, 12:30:07 PM »
Here is the pole shed I just built with a ton of help from a friend. Sits about 20' from the boiler. Took a weekend and a little more here and there.
12
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Silicone rope for sale
« on: August 23, 2014, 02:11:00 PM »
I recently bought 25' of the high temp 5/8" silicone rope from this site http://www.firesleeveandtape.com/high-temperature-heat-flame-fire-resistant-silicone-rubber-coated-fiberglass-rope.html
For some reason my door is not shutting with this tape in, guess it doesn't compress enough for my burner, and I can't adjust the door either. Anyways, I paid $110 for the 25', and can't use it. I can sell it to anyone for $50, and I'll ship it included. It is cut in 3 pieces, one is about 1.5' long, one 3' long, the rest is the remainder of the roll.
For some reason my door is not shutting with this tape in, guess it doesn't compress enough for my burner, and I can't adjust the door either. Anyways, I paid $110 for the 25', and can't use it. I can sell it to anyone for $50, and I'll ship it included. It is cut in 3 pieces, one is about 1.5' long, one 3' long, the rest is the remainder of the roll.
13
Equipment / Re: Stihl MS 271
« on: August 05, 2014, 01:48:13 PM »
I have had a 271 for the last 2 years, and love it. I have the 20" bar on it. Running the more aggressive chain Stihl puts out it cute through anything I have thrown at it. No problems thus far with the mechanics either. My last saw was a cheapo from Lowe's that I got at a yard sale, so the weight comparison makes it feel heavy, but that's what you get with some balls behind it.
14
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / New Woodshed
« on: August 05, 2014, 01:05:05 PM »
Just built this dandy a few weeks ago. The one I was using previously was a cheap canvas temporary garage from Harbor Freight. It did the job, but couldn't hold a few years worth to season, only got about 1.5 years worth in it. So....a friend and I got together and out comes this monster. 32X10, and can stack it 5.5' in the back, and up to 7.5' in front. Since these pictures were taken, I've put a few inches of sand on the ground to help with drainage and keep the small plants from popping up, and lined the floor with pallets to keep the wood off the ground. Now its time to start cutting more. I've got about a years that is seasoned already, now time to get more cut for future seasoning!
15
General Outdoor Furnace Discussion / Re: replacing rope seal...silicone?
« on: January 29, 2014, 07:59:05 PM »
Slimjim, I'd love a sample. I cant find the silicone stuff around here anywhere, just the stuff online. Ill pm my address.