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Coal should never be added unless there is a reasonable hot fire. The coal bed
should be burning bright and vigorous.
If the fire is burning hot and there is a deep bed of coals, full loads of coal can be
added at anytime. However, if there is not a deep bed of coals, it is best to add small
amounts of coal at first.
When loading with coal do not bury all of the hot coals with new coal. As new
coal begins to ignite, it produces a lot of volatile gas. This gas builds up in the upper part
of the firebox. As the fire burns up through the new coal it can flash ignite those volatile
gases, causing the stove to puff. To help minimize this, leave a small area of hot red coals
uncovered in a corner. This will act as a pilot light and will help prevent flash ignition or
puffing. This is not an uncommon occurrence.
Increasing Heat From A Low Fire
Every effort should be made not to let a coal fire burn too low so that the fire has
started to die. This will cause the reloading process to take much longer, and there is a
good possibility of losing the fire.
Do not shake or stir with a low fire.
Open the draft control to full open to get maximum draft.
Run the stove with the draft control open until the fire is reasonably hot.
Start adding small amounts of coal. When the new coal is thoroughly
ignited or there is a substantial bed of hot coals, the stove may be shaken
thoroughly. Be sure to shake down all ashes (but do not over shake).
After shaking, keep the draft control open until you are sure that the fire is
continuing to burn hot, and then return the draft control down to the proper operating
level.
Shaking
Shaking should be done only when there is a hot fire.
The frequency of shaking will depend on the degree of burning. Shaking should
be done at least once a day and preferably twice a day.
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