Staci Kopcha

Thank you, Glenn!

Thank you, Thomas!!

Hello!  It has been a while since I have posted.

This RMH has been running successfully for years and one of my proudest achievements. :)  
I believe this is my 4rth year running it.  I have not fired it up yet in 2023 due to a warmer fall here in the PNW.  She will get fired up later this week.

There have been cracks developing over the years.  I have attempted to fill/patch them, but without much luck.  I knew that the cob up around the barrel was destined to crack, yet the cracks running down the front    were a surprise.  There is one on each side.  There is also a crack on the back side.
Anything to worry about?

Also in cleaning out the system this year, I noticed that the ducting pipe exiting the manifold is degrading and has holes.  Is this a concern?


Thank you!

Staci

Hi Eric!
 Fun to hear an update.  I know how quick time seems to pass. My final "update/review" is still pending
Can't wait to see pics and hear how things are going!
Staci

Gerry Parent wrote:Staci that looks totally amazing!  What a great finish.
I love your barrel tree. A great way to disguise it during the off season.

I was wondering if you could give a few tidbits of your experiences in regards to some of the things I remember you having problems with over the years and how you solved or lived with them: smoke back, plaster cracking etc. and also things you may change or recommend to others.

Sure thing, Gerry.  Might take a week or so to get it out- but will do!
Thanks!

Hi!  I don't think I ever posted a"FINISHED" pictures, so here they are!
She's going to start her third season shortly!

David Huang wrote:
Regarding the annual clean out of built up ash I just made a post on my blog documenting the various things I tried as I'm working to learn what will be the best way for me to do this, as well as showing pictures of how much build up I had and where it was located in the system.  It might be of interest to some here.  https://theartisthomestead.com/being-a-chimney-sweep-with-a-rocket-mass-heater/

 Thanks for the input, David! Will look at your blog post.
Enjoy the warm sun- we have rainy grey in PNW Washington.
Staci

HELP!!!
I am being smoked out!
Went to light RMH as usual and flames are coming out the feed...?? We're talking 1-2 feet straight out above feed hole.
Shoved them back into the tunnel and now smoke is bilowing out??

Is it "cold start"... hasn't been used in a few days?

QUESTION:
 For Linseed coat, so I use boiled Linseed from Hardware with nasty stuff added??
Thanks.

Satamax Antone wrote:Hi Staci.

Is your cleanout under a chimney which was in use before?

Because i find your ashes a bit dark.  

 Hi Satamax,
    I will look into the other type -ash separator.  Maybe I could fix this one up to work with another vacuum...?  I should have a year to figure it out.

It was a brand new chimney.  Should ashes be lighter?  There are also flakes of black- it that early creosote build up??
If ash is too dark, would that mean incomplete burn?  Trying to learn for this year.
Thanks!!!