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How To Clean Ashes From A Fireplace
Or Wood Burning Stove
If you are looking for a way to clean the ashes from a wood burning stove without creating fly ash, you have come to the right place. The following article will show you how to prevent this and also how to build an ash scoop that traps the fly ash
Removing Ashes From A Wood Stove
Wood ashes are very fine and when they are disturbed, they tend to take flight, especially when hot. When emptying ashes from a wood stove or fireplace, you can reduce the fly ash from spilling out into the room by following this method. Modestly fill each shovel-full and slowly draw it out of the stove, slowly lower the shovelful of ashes into a metal container. Instead of dumping the ashes directly, lower the shovel to the bottom of the far side of the container, then tip the handle of the shovel upward and draw it back towards yourself and unload the ashes in the same manner a dump truck unloads its load (a slidding motion) moving the shovel towards you as the ashes slide off the shovel. This procedure prevents any air movement below the ashes during dumping. By allowing the ashes to cool first will help prevent fly ash rising into the air.
Build An Ash Scoop And Eliminate Fly Ash
Use an olive oil metal tin to build your ash scoop. Remove the top and flatten the complete top edge of the container to prevent any sharp burrs.
Make a metal lid from sheet metal. make the lid about a quarter of an inch larger than the top of the olive oil container, so that when the lid is closed it covers the entire opening. Fold the edges of the lid about one eight of an inch around the complete edge; this will help make it more sturdy. Drill two matching holes for the wire hinges in the olive oil container and matching holes in the lid about three quarters of an inch from the outside edge and right next to the folded edges. Make your hinges from thin iron wire ( I double wrapped) with the finished ends twisted and ending inside the container. The loop should be large enough to allow the lid to swing easy and yet not be to sloppy.
Ash Scoop
Ash scoop Hinge, hinges are circled in black
Using The Ash Scoop
To use the ash scoop, fold the lid all the way back onto the top of the container and slide the scoop into the stove, scooping up the ashes until it is just about full. Slide the scoop back towards you a little and reach into the stove and flip the lid closed before removing. Shake off any ashes from the outside of the container; Bring out the container with the lid closed. Carry the full container outside and dump into a metal container for disposal. If you have to remove hot ashes, use a pair of leather welding mitts or equivalent, to hold the container to prevent burns to your hands.
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Todays Valued Visitor
There is a better way to clean ashes in a wood burning stove, or fireplace; prevent fly ash, follow the plans to build an ash removing scoop.