Best results from shaking will occur when short “choppy” strokes are used rather
than long, even strokes.
The amount of shaking is critical. To little or too much can result in the
extinguishing of a fire due to air flow. The proper amount normally occurs when
small red coals start to drop through into the ash pan, the entire length of the
grate.
In the gravity fed hopper units (503, 50-93, 30-95) dead spots will start to develop
over time in the firebox. In the 503 hopper insert, the dead spots will occur along
the very front firebrick (below the door). In 50-93 and 30-95 freestanding units
the dead spots will occur along the side firebrick. Ash tends to build up in these
areas because they do not have the weight of fresh coal pushing down, which
forces the ash into the ash pan during shaking. This over time causes a reduction
in the size of the burning firebox which in turn, reduces heat output. To maintain
a clean firebox, before shaking take a poker and push down on the developing
dead spots. This helps the ash in the dead spots to be shaken out more easily. This
should be done several times a week, depending upon your burning rate.
Draft Controls
The heat output of the coal is controlled by the primary draft control, which is
found on the back of the unit and on the ash door slide of the free standing units. On the
fireplace units it will be found on the ash door slide. Experience and trial and error will
dictate the proper settings for your heat requirements.
Coal responds very slowly to changes in the draft settings. Because of this slow
response time, over-correcting is a common problem. When changes in heat output are
needed, make only small changes in the draft setting and wait for the temperature to
stabilize.
A poor drafting chimney could result in reduced heat output of the unit.
Hard pulling chimneys may require a damper to be installed in the stove pipe, on free
standing units.
Ashes
Ashes should never be allowed to accumulate in the ash pan, so that they do not in
any way impede the flow of combustion air to the fire. Excess ash accumulation can
cause the fire to go out and cause severe damage to the grates and grate carrier. This
happens because of the absence of a cooling air flow beneath them.
Ashes should be put into a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed
container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well
away from all combustible materials, pending final disposal.
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