I am cold

[MissTaken]

and I have this coal stove in my family room.

I just dont' know how to light it.

Please, help!

 

[Jaybird3]

Okay.

Not many folks do the coal thing these days but I can give it a try and see if I can remember how it is done.

You have to put something in to start it if I remember correctly, like a woodburner. I think we used old paper and then some kindling wood, with the coal on top of that. Coal burns hot so be careful not to overdo it or it will be running you out of the house. lol.

Just put the paper on the bottom and then the kindling, and then the coal. Light the paper and hopefully the kindling (small sticks) will catch and then the coal will catch.

If anyone has better knowledge, please do share.

Miss Taken should never be cold.

 

[MissTaken]

Awww thank you....

for your warm sentiments!



There is a small shoot in the back of the stove. And what looks like a temp gauge on the pipel

I haven't burned anything before for fuel and am a bit nervous.

 

[Jaybird3]

Sweets, I just ask a older friend of mine and he said that you start it like you would a woodburner and then open the chute and let the coal fall in.

That you have to watch the damper and make sure that it is burning clean with little smoke.

Make sure that you have a good fire with kindling going so the coal will catch.

Jeeze, now I remember why I love older men. lol.

 

[Weird Harold]

and I have this coal stove in my family room.

I just dont' know how to light it.

Starting a coal fire is much like starting a barbque without using lighter fluid -- your kindling fire just has to be alittle hotter than it does for BBQ Briquets.

You can't use lighter fluid inside of a stove because lighter fluid can cause an explosion in confined spaces.

Jaybird's instructions are what you need: build a small wood fire and then add coal to it whenit's burning good.

Timing is everything, though -- if you add the coal before the wood is burning hot enough, you'll just put the fire out and have to start over.

 

[Jaybird3]

My great grandmother still uses the one in her kitchen to heat with. The only difference is that hers the coal has to be brought in with a bucket.

I had never seen one with a chute before. Thank you so much Weird Harold.

 

[MissTaken]

Hmm well I had these little "mouse" things that are supposed to replace kindling wood...they just aren't lighting though.

thanks jaybird and weird Harold.

 

[Jaybird3]

Try putting some newspaper or paper bags in first and the the pellets. Then see if they will catch.

 

[MissTaken]

Hmm I think I have the makings for a fire now.

But didn't use much coal as I guess I am just experimenting.


Hmmm we will see!

Thanks

 

[Jaybird3]

Let me know how it goes...I would be interested in hearing about this one.

 

[James G 5]

Told ya HowTo was the place to come MissT

 

[asenath]

Make sure you have it cleaned once a year.. or you can end up with carbon monoxide poisoning. I think.. but maybe I'm wrong. I don't know a lot about coal burning stoves and I never use my fireplace.. it's gas and I hate gas fireplaces. They don't have that nice smell.

 

[Weird Harold]

Make sure you have it cleaned once a year.. or you can end up with carbon monoxide poisoning. I think.. but maybe I'm wrong.

Well, you're close -- the chimney/flue does need periodic cleaning but it's a fire hazard if neglected rahter than a carbon monoxide hazard.

Carbon Monoxide is a hazard with any fire, but can be especially bad with a coal fire -- proper ventilation and a CO Detector are must haves when heating with coal.

 

[Lust Engine]

Well, you're close -- the chimney/flue does need periodic cleaning but it's a fire hazard if neglected rahter than a carbon monoxide hazard.

Carbon Monoxide is a hazard with any fire, but can be especially bad with a coal fire -- proper ventilation and a CO Detector are must haves when heating with coal.

Get one of those CO2 detectors! Why take a chance on something happening in the middle of the night when you're asleep. With the colder months coming up, it's imperative!