Tips on Starting a Coal Stove?

[To20Chris]

The other day I was going back and forth between my wood stove, which I was reloading, and the coal stove, which I was trying to get going. The wood stove was still very hot with lotsa glowing coals, while I was using the match light to start the coal stove (which also smells bad). Now, I've done this several times - why did it take so darn long to figure it out? One good scoop of hot burning coals from the wood stove thrown into the bottom of that little coal stove, throw in some coal, wala! Instant start. Sometimes I'm an idiot!

 

[Nshell]

We recently moved into a house with a finished basement and coal stove. After many failed attempts I went online, found this site and ran out to buy some charcoal. I'm a complete novice so please bear with me...but I was a little concerned with the huge WARNING label saying not to burn indoors as it produces carbon monoxide. The strong smell of Match Light really sunk in the fear. Is this the same with all charcoal? Are you guys just toughing it out?? Yes, I'm from the city /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I noticed some of the partially burned coal pieces were reddish in color, like clay. Could this be my problem?

Half my ancestors were coal miners...I can hear them laughing from above...

Coal Miner's Granddaughter in PA

 

[To20Chris]

Obviously I'm a novice as well! I saw the warnings too, but I think there is a big difference between the matchlight (which is already soaked in lighter fluid), and actually pouring liquid fuel into the stove. I would not dream of doing the latter! It would end up running out onto the floor.

As far as the carbon monoxide, I'm sure it could be a problem. I have my stove on a sunporch that is not well sealed & is not open to the rest of my house. I don't use very much either, and I burn paper to heat up the chimney first.