Everything Drolet Tundra - Heatmax...

[Mrpelletburner]

Definitely think it’s the wood as I just raked the 3” bed of hot ash forward and the rear bottom layer was black and not that red glow that I have seen in the past.

Another question... do you clean out the air inlet in the front? Noticed that it tends to fill up with ash dust.

 

[brenndatomu]

That's open quite a bit more than mine... try it and adjust as needed.

I agree...that's alot...or at least it appears to be in the picture.
The problem with raising the draft is it affects the secondary air too...can really run away on you in the right scenario.
I much prefer to crack the damper to feed a bit more primary air. Keep in mind that if you feed too much primary air it will really limit how much secondary air gets pulled in...life is just all about balance, isn't it?!

 

[Case1030]

Definitely think it’s the wood as I just raked the 3” bed of hot ash forward and the rear bottom layer was black and not that red glow that I have seen in the past.

Another question... do you clean out the air inlet in the front? Noticed that it tends to fill up with ash dust.

Every morning I use the poker to lift the bottom ash plug out (while coals are in the back). I use a mini hand ash shovel to drop them into ash drawer. That way the pilot always stays clear.

 

[brenndatomu]

Another question... do you clean out the air inlet in the front? Noticed that it tends to fill up with ash dust.

Yes...I had a piece of 1/4" rubber fuel line that I used to stick in there to blow it out...don't inhale!

 

[brenndatomu]

Every morning I use the poker to lift the bottom ash plug out (while coals are in the back). I use a mini hand ash shovel to drop them into ash drawer. That way the pilot always stays clear.

You might be the first person I have heard of that ever used that dumb thing...more than once!

 

[Case1030]

You might be the first person I have heard of that ever used that dumb thing...more than once!

Lol it seems perfect to hook onto the ash plug. I'd much rather it come with a proper rake to make bringing the coals to the front easier. But yes I see your point.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Man both tools are handy. Only wish they also provided a flat tool to rake forward.

 

[Case1030]

Man both tools are handy. Only wish they also provided a flat tool to rake forward.

Flat tools seem to bring to much ash with the coals... unless your lucky and have an ash grate.

 

[brenndatomu]

My Ash rake is an old yard rake cut in about half, then a 3' long piece of rebar welded to it for a handle...works good...even with a grate

 

[Case1030]

My Ash rake is an old yard rake cut in about half, then a 3' long piece of rebar welded to it for a handle...works good...even with a grate

Might have to send us a picture. Will have to start mass production.

 

[brenndatomu]

Posted this once already... seems like cyberspace ate it...

 

[Gearhead660]

Man both tools are handy. Only wish they also provided a flat tool to rake forward.

I use the heat exchanger cleaning tool occasionally to move ash and coals around.

 

[Socratic Monologue]

Flat tools seem to bring to much ash with the coals... unless your lucky and have an ash grate.

Just bought one of these -- really useful!

Wood Stove/Fireplace Combo Ash & Ember Rake 27" or 36" Made by a Blacksmith | eBay

It can be used for your fireplace or wood stove. It's a little longer than most on the market. The rake is made out of 3/8" round steel. It has a wrapped handle and a hook, making it easier to hold and with more stability.

www.ebay.com

 

[Case1030]

Just bought one of these -- really useful!

Wood Stove/Fireplace Combo Ash & Ember Rake 27" or 36" Made by a Blacksmith | eBay

It can be used for your fireplace or wood stove. It's a little longer than most on the market. The rake is made out of 3/8" round steel. It has a wrapped handle and a hook, making it easier to hold and with more stability.

www.ebay.com

View attachment 252470

That seems like a good simple design. Could whip one up in 15 mins with the old arc welder.

In my spare time I'm going to try both @brenndatomu and the design you sent. See which one does the job. (Need one for the cabin anyway... im sure both do a good job.

Thanks for the link!

 

[brenndatomu]

I liked mine because it was made of materials I had laying around...literally. I was tired of tripping over the rake my wife bought at a yard sale as a "decoration" (it was a real cheapy model to begin with...not worth using as a garden rake IMO) (remember the Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons how they "tripped" over rakes? )
and also some leftover rebar...it took me less than 10 minutes to cut the rake, cut the rebar, weld it, paint it...could have been 5 minutes if I could have found my grinder/cut-off wheel right away!

 

[Case1030]

I liked mine because it was made of materials I had laying around...literally. I was tired of tripping over the rake my wife bought at a yard sale as a "decoration" (it was a real cheapy model to begin with...not worth using as a garden rake IMO) (remember the Bugs Bunny and Tom and Jerry cartoons how they "tripped" over rakes? )
and also some leftover rebar...it took me less than 10 minutes to cut the rake, cut the rebar, weld it, paint it...could have been 5 minutes if I could have found my grinder/cut-off wheel right away!

Nothing scrap metal, side grinder, and a welder can't handle. Both can be made from scratch very easily.

 

[Mojappa]

I’ve been thinking about drilling a small hole and tacking a nut to it so I can adjust the air flap with a hex/screwdriver. Any reasons this wouldn’t work?

edit: just noticed autocorrect changed nut to bit. :-/

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Ok here is a video ~45mins after loading for the night. Thermostat is calling for heat so the draft flap is set to close at 450f and open at 320f (adjusted from earlier)

The video captures a cycle where the flap is closed - opened - closed.

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[Socratic Monologue]

Neat video!

It looks like you're getting a lot more primary air when the damper is open than I do in my T2. Is the HM2 actually any different in the airflow than the T2, or do you have really strong draft? (Is the HM2 different than the T2 at all?)

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Neat video!

It looks like you're getting a lot more primary air when the damper is open than I do in my T2. Is the HM2 actually any different in the airflow than the T2, or do you have really strong draft? (Is the HM2 different than the T2 at all?)

I think the 2 units share the same exact firebox/air flow, just a different badge on the side. At the same time, I am not 100% sure.

If I recall correctly, draft was set to -0.06, however at the time I shot the video, I measured -0.07/8. So yes, a strong draft.

 

[Gearhead660]

Posted this once already... seems like cyberspace ate it...

Had to make my own. Scrounged through my scrap metal pile. Cant believe i didnt think of it earlier. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Had to make my own. Scrounged through my scrap metal pile. Cant believe i didnt think of it earlier. Thanks for the idea!

I need to buy a welder. Feel like I am missing out, being able to build some cool projects.

 

[brenndatomu]

I need to buy a welder. Feel like I am missing out, being able to build some cool projects.

Santa is coming...have you been good?

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Santa is coming...have you been good?

Nope... definitely the naughty list!

 

[brenndatomu]

Neat video!

It looks like you're getting a lot more primary air when the damper is open than I do in my T2. Is the HM2 actually any different in the airflow than the T2, or do you have really strong draft? (Is the HM2 different than the T2 at all?)

No difference, part number and cosmetics only...just so stores don't have to price match each other as much...that was straight from the SBI rep that used to be on here