Operating Instructions
WHAT SIZE COAL SHOULD I BURN?
The air space between the furnace grates is 1/2 inch. Therefore, coal smaller than 1/2 inch can fall through the grates into the ash pan.
•Pea size coal ranges from 9/16 to 11/16 inch.
•Nut size coal ranges from
•Stove size coal ranges from
Nut size is preferred by most people and is recommended for use in this furnace.
Anthracite coal is hard and burns like charcoal that is used in your barbecue grill. The coals must touch each other to ignite. Therefore, the smaller the coal, the easier to ignite. Stove coal is not likely to touch each other because of its size.
Bituminous coal is soft and not as desirable as hard coal. It creates dust when handled. It also produces large amounts of smoke and soot when burned at a slow rate. Soft coal from some areas of the country contains higher sulfur content. A large portion of it may be removed if the coal is cleaned.
HOW TO START A COAL FIRE
Place a small amount of crumpled paper and kindling wood on the
Ignite paper and after wood is burning briskly, cover with a thin layer of coal. As first layer of coal becomes ignited, add more coal gradually. Add coal until fire bed is built up to approximately 6 inches deep. As fresh coal is added always leave some of the glowing coal uncovered.
Draw the top red coals toward the front of the firebox. Pile the fresh coals toward the back.
The grates must be protected from direct contact with the fire. This is done by placing a layer of ash, one
(1)or two (2) inches thick on grates. The ash left on the grate will help prevent overheating of the cast iron grates. It also keeps coal from falling through the grate's opening.
MAINTAINING A COAL FIRE
Bituminous coal should be built into a cone shape once the fire has started. When re firing, break up the cone a little using a poker. Especially if it has caked over to form a crust. Be careful not to mix the coal as this increases the chance of forming clinkers.
FIG. 34
Western lignite coal should be burned the same way you would burn wood. (Refer to wood burning instruction on previous pages.)
SHAKING THE GRATES
Shaking a fire should only be done if room is needed for fresh coal. Also, if the ash accumulation on the grates is excessive. Generally, the grates need only be shaken once or twice a day.
Shake the grates using a few short strokes. Stop when the first red coals appear in the ash pan. Under- shaking restricts the amount of air that reaches the fire.
CAUTION: Do not use kerosene, gasoline, thinners, etc. to start a coal fire.
A coal fire should never be poked or broken up. This causes ash to come to the surface of the coal bed. The ash may fuse into lumps or clinkers which interfere with proper burning.
Anthracite Coal - To bank the fire for the night, pile the coal higher to the back of the firebox. Allow it to slope toward the fire box door. Always leave some red or burning coals uncovered in the front of the firebox.
Bituminous Coal - To bank fire for the night, shake the fire and add coal, forming the center cone. Allow enough time for the volatiles to burn off before closing the fire door.
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