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[Mountain Duck]

Thanks Scott.  I think I will definitely have some coal for next year.  When you figure (even with the best of intentions) the typical OWB   wood quality may be less than optimal (at least part of the burn season), I'd say your 6000 btu/lb is rather generous.  I know I can really tell a difference when I load up high quality locust, oak or hickory.  It burns HOT, and will put those 12-15 degrees back in short order.

Where are you in KY?  Wondering how far I need to drive to find a reasonable price? 

[kybaseball]

I live in Shelby County and have found some really close to me and not a bad price.

[Scott7m]

Im in eastern ky, coal just to the east of me is $80/ton

[yoderheating]

 Hills trucking in Galax sold coal in the past. Not sure how far that would be for you.

[Mountain Duck]

Well, I've looked and called around local.   Seems a lot of people have quit selling coal in just the last couple years.  Found some in Bristol, TN.  It was $180/ton.  He said he was the only guy in town still selling coal.  I bought a ton just to see how it does so I can make plans for next year.    I'm going to expand my research.  If I can save $100/ton, I might can afford a little diesel to head to eastern KY. Talked to a guy at church yesterday who's business deals with mining.  He said all the active mines in VA right now are deep mines, with no strip jobs currently running, and that was driving the high price locally?

Anyhow....if I'm still mixing with a fair amount of hardwood, do I need to lower my differential significantly?

[Boydz]

Well I finally went and picked up the only coal they sell in my area. Its bagged Blaschak Anthracite (Rock hard and shiny) from North East Pennsylvania in the Nut size. 40lb bags and pieces are about the size of chicken nuggets
I bought 30 bags to play with and shook my ashes down pretty low, cleaned the ash tray, and threw on 2 bags to the hot coals. I lowered my Differential to 5deg swing from 180 and added a few pieces of wood on top. I will say that this coal lasts a very long time for the size of it but the issue Im having is that it seems to burn so hot that it fuses together and sealing off the grates if not shaken every 6-7hrs or so. I have very little smoke and the heat is amazing, almost so intense I cant keep the door open to long when its on the first couple cycles. I have had no issues with it going out but when it seals together and blacks the airflow, it slows way down and has trouble keeping temp until I still it and then it takes off again like rocket fuel. Im sure it can easily go 24hrs on a couple bags with my heat load, but trying to keep it stirred is a chore. Im wondering if a bigger size would be better ? Doesn't seem to leave many clinkers or anything.
Im also wondering if maybe slowing the airflow down might help it from reaching the fusion point ?

Maybe Ill try the softer Bituminous coal from southern IL and see how that burns. I've heard its more smoky, messy but cheaper too.

So far, not overly impressed but im sure I can make improvements. Plus it been in the Neg temps outside non stop pretty much.

[yoderheating]

 The best way I found to burn smaller coal like you have is to throw a couple sticks of wood in the middle and pile coal around. The wood will burn up and leave air "vents" by the time the coal becomes a solid mass and needs shaking up.

[CountryBoyJohn]

I'm excited to try some coal next season!  I'm going to make some calls around here to see what I come up with.  I think this area is all bituminous coal.  Heck, i may try to throw some in this year!  Glad I got this stove!

[Boydz]

Thanks Yoder - that's a great suggestion !!. Simple too 
Maybe Ill cut some blocks of oak and intermix them instead of just heaving it full on top.

John, I say go for it this season so your dialed in for next !!

[Mountain Duck]

Great balls of fire!!  Have been burning coal for two days now.  I can see how it would really cut wood consumption.  I put a 5 gallon bucket worth of softball size lumps in Monday evening, and half of bucket of the sweepings from my truck bed yesterday evening.  Just guessing, but I have probably only used a "half load" of wood over this period.  Running a 6 degree differential, but it seems to climb and additional 3-5 degrees after it shuts off.  Went out late last night just out of curiosity.  Opened the door to a HOT, blue flame fire.  I can't believe how much hotter it burns than wood!

Oh, you've never seen a "starved for air fireball" door opening, until you've seen a coal fired one!!  Very stupid, and very lucky on that one!   

[slimjim]

Glad you didn't get hurt!

[fryedaddy]

Be VERY careful, especially when opening the door during a burn or even loading the stove.

A had a few blisters after throwing some in on top of a burning fire. Almost looked like fireworks.

[Boydz]

I'm getting the hang of this. Not using any wood right now.
Pretty cool. Just experimenting.
The lack of smoke always makes me
Think it's out, but its not.
Also dialed my draft back to 1/2 way open and this has helped with it fusing together and sealing the grates.
Fun fun fun !!

[andyjs]

I have a 10000e what temp and diff should I run with coal.I'm getting some this week wanting to try it out.cold temps are eating up my wood!

[Mountain Duck]

Andy, I'm running 175 with a 6 diff. I think Boydz said earlier he was running a diff of 5. It does seem to go 3-5 degrees beyond set cutoff.  When I've been able to watch it cycle, it recovers very quick and does not run very long.  With an all wood fire, and a diff of 10-12, mine takes a while to get rolling, and often drops another 3-5 degrees before it starts raising the temp.