2019-20 Blaze King Performance Thread Part 1 (Everything BK)

[Dieselhead]

Birds always appreciate when they can bypass cats!

 

[Highbeam]

In case anyone wondered how much and what kind of debris accumulates behind the metal internal side shields on a princess. It’s about a quart of flakes.

The firebricks really took a beating this year with the heavy clinkering Doug fir. Lots of the clinkers fused to the firebrick and then ripped the firebrick apart. It’s at least 1/4” eroded. More firebox volume! Starting to think I’ll need to replace some bricks before long.

 

[Highbeam]

I didn't realize that there was such a heated debate about bricks! Has anyone replaced the OEM pumice looking firebricks with regular off the shelf high density firebricks from stores like tractor supply? Our fireboxes run much cooler than a noncat which may or may not make the insulative value of pumice more important. My soapstone noncat stove, and almost all woodstocks, have actual soapstone in the firebox.

 

[Mech e]

I didn't realize that there was such a heated debate about bricks! Has anyone replaced the OEM pumice looking firebricks with regular off the shelf high density firebricks from stores like tractor supply? Our fireboxes run much cooler than a noncat which may or may not make the insulative value of pumice more important. My soapstone noncat stove, and almost all woodstocks, have actual soapstone in the firebox.

That would be an untested configuration and fall outside of the UL cert. I would be hesitant to do that.

 

[begreen]

Second that. They help keep the firebox hotter for a cleaner burn.

 

[Highbeam]

I'll have to see how hard it is to find pumice bricks.

 

[begreen]

They should be sold by the local stove shop in Lakewood or online.

Pumice Firebrick Splits 6-Pack

Pumice firebrick splits measure 4 1/2' x 9' x 1 1/4' ; the most common size for wood stoves.

www.stoveworld.com

 

[Highbeam]

They should be sold by the local stove shop in Lakewood or online.

Pumice Firebrick Splits 6-Pack

Pumice firebrick splits measure 4 1/2' x 9' x 1 1/4' ; the most common size for wood stoves.

www.stoveworld.com

That's a good price and source. The bricks on the sides of a princess, due to the weird shape of the steel firebox are not supported from behind. The side bricks sort of bridge that weird void created by the big mac box shape of the stove. This means that when you pack the stove full you are depending on the brick's strength while only supported on each end like a bridge. Further, stuff seems to accumulate behind the bricks in that void space. One of my side bricks up front is very broken but stays put so does not need to be immediately replaced. I pulled it out and cleaned behind it. No corrosion but lots of creosote flakes.

I might make it one more year. The BK part # is PP1901 for the bricks. Several sources but none as cheap as the one you found. I will also try "my" BK dealer when it's time. There are many bricks and supposedly 2 layers on the floor. My theory is that it helps them maintain the no R-value spark protection only hearth requirement, plus maybe some quicker warm up so yeah, I'll spend the extra bucks for pumice. I'm counting almost 40 bricks in this thing if all needed replacement!

Be careful with the bricks folks.

 

[begreen]

Can you take the broken bricks and swap them with floor bricks?

 

[Highbeam]

Can you take the broken bricks and swap them with floor bricks?

I’m a frugal guy but not cheap! Lots of bricks are cut in this stove so I’m not sure. In an emergency or if the virus stops all shipping this winter then yes, I would make a floor brick work.

Right now my wood stacks are being used to dry garlic!

 

[begreen]

There'll be no vampires stealing that wood! Reminds me that I need to harvest ours too.

 

[webby3650]

How many of you guys have filled out the new EPA survey?

Free Online Survey Software by SurveyMonkey: Closed Survey

This survey is currently closed. Please contact the author of this survey for further assistance.

www.surveymonkey.com

 

[charger4406]

How many of you guys have filled out the new EPA survey?

Free Online Survey Software by SurveyMonkey: Closed Survey

This survey is currently closed. Please contact the author of this survey for further assistance.

www.surveymonkey.com

Just did

 

[webby3650]

You are entered for a chance at a $100 gift card, it can help with epa testing methods as well as other decisions the EPA makes that don’t really add up in the real world.

 

[Poindexter]

The end is near!

I donned my first flannel shirt of autumn today, wore it all day. The air had the little icy blades of cold air in it that go with Old Man Winter waking up.

Won't be much longer till we have a new thread going.

 

[Alpine1]

8 deg C yesterday morning. Winter is coming (quoting Game of Thrones)

 

[kennyp2339]

The end is near!

I donned my first flannel shirt of autumn today, wore it all day. The air had the little icy blades of cold air in it that go with Old Man Winter waking up.

Won't be much longer till we have a new thread going.

You know what you got to do, its waiting for you, be the first again.

 

[BKVP]

100F in shade here....on my Fairbanks thermometer.

 

[begreen]

Looks like this thread is baked. Starting up for a new season soon:

2020-21 Blaze King Performance Thread (Everything BK)

Time to start a new thread for the upcoming season.

www.hearth.com