Coal burning stove

[gontofe]

Hello all,

I need some advice on how to use a coal burning stove:

We've got it lit, it's burning fine, and stays alight all evening if we look after the fire. One thing, if we keep the bottom fully open, with the door shut the coal burns the best, though will burn out quickly. If we open the door at the front, it burns less well. I just want to know what the best way to get the most heat out of it is!

For reference, here is a photo:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gontofe/293783005 /

[PatriciaH]

Both doors must be shut- do you have dampers on the fire?its like a wheel thing -usually have one on the bottom door and one on the top door- if you have make sure they are both closed then open the bottom one ever so slightly just so a teeny bit of air gets in- hopefully the fire will stay in for a lot longer - let me know if its worked ! :)

[PatriciaH]

Sorry just noticed your piccy- the wheel thing on the bottom just needs to be open a teeny bit from what i can see- good luck

[woodchopper]

Eh up ! You're right pickle ! - good job there wasn't anything embarassing in them.

[muddie]

Being dead nosey I had to have a look. Some very nice pics; I did a double take at the multiple exposure one! Funnily enough I live VERY close to the castle in the painting on the wall at your Mum's party. Keep snapping!

[gontofe]

I don't mind, there's nothing interesting on the photos, and to be fair, they're all public on flickr anyway... BTW, tell me which castle it is, I'm curious now...

I think the fire is sorted now, thanks for your replies on and off-topic, hehe!

[muddie]

You might not think your photo's are interesting, but it is fascinating looking at other people's pics, especially when they are well taken. I thought you must be an art student!
The castle is Bodiam Castle in East Sussex.

[gontofe]

thought it was, I used to live in Robertsbridge, you see (my stepdad owns the motorbike shop, Robertsbridge Classic Motorcycles - http://www.classicbikes.freeserve.co.uk)...

[muddie]

Wow, that's amazing: know it well, never been inside, but like to look thru' the window!

[gontofe]

Well maybe you should one day, there's a lot more than you can see from the window ;)