In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Building an extension hopper?

Discussion in 'Pellet Stoves, Pellet Fireplaces, Pellet Furnaces' started by Pallet Pete, Nov 22, 2014.

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  1. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    Well I am having pellet buying disorder.... Thanks guys! :drool::rofl: :lol:

    I am considering buying galvanized duct sheet metal and bending it into an extension hopper about 8" tall or so. They don't sell or make one for my stove.... I can take 4 screws out of the lid and it comes off then extend the safety switch to the top of the extension and screw the lid back on up there.

    What do you guys think? I will paint it to match the stove as well...

    Anybody done this before? :whistle:
     
    Pallet Pete, Nov 22, 2014
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  2. DexterDay

    DexterDay Administrator

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    A few have done it. But what you need to watch out for is your insurance.

    Because the stove is UL Listed and tested, by adding the hopper? You remove any and all manufacturers testing. It's no longer tested as it sits.

    Small hoppers need checked in the morning and at night. If a stove is cranking, it will burn a bag in 12 hours. I'm still around 1/2 to a full bag a day. Depends on outside temps and if the kids are home.

    How big is the hopper on that stove Pete? 60 lbs is about the minimum I would want. After owning a few, I like big hoppers.. ;)
     
    DexterDay, Nov 22, 2014
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  3. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    I'm at 60lbs right now but I pack it past the lad mark. Literally right to the bottom of the door lol. It goes through about 1 bag a day right now however when it gets colder I'm gonna be at probably 1.25 to 1.5 a day.

    We have figured out a schedule for the stoves. We use the pellet my four work days and wood on the weekends and when it's extra cold out. The other day it was a real feel of -3 and we used them both. The pellet kept up just fine on 3/4 but I didn't want to crank it that hard and use so many pellets.
     
    Pallet Pete, Nov 22, 2014
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  4. smoke show

    smoke show

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    I purchased and installed one on my 25pdvc when I had it. Ugly as chit but very useful. Turned a one bagger into a 2+ bagger. Never made one tho, Maybe take your dimensions to a tin knocker...
     
    smoke show, Nov 22, 2014
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  5. brokenwing

    brokenwing

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    Pete I would not do any alterations to the stove, god forbid you had a fire and the insurance company would not pay due to the alteration. I thought about doing a modification to the exhaust on my stove to add a few more bolts to hold the adapter in place, but then I keep thinking about the insurance company and change my mind.
     
    brokenwing, Nov 22, 2014
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  6. smoke show

    smoke show

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    Oh btw the one I purchased was heavier gauge then ducting tin.
     
    smoke show, Nov 22, 2014
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  7. Lousyweather

    Lousyweather

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    as mentioned above, ad nauseum, modifying UL listed appliance voids the UL listing, the warrantee, AND most likely your homeowners' insurance. When we come across modded stoves, we don't work on them....FAR too much liability....even if its a brand new stove.

    Now, that's not to say you cant do this and do it safely, but UL you aren't. Do what you will, just be forewarned of the repercussions, and if adding 8" of volume is actually worth voiding the UL listing and warranty (to you), then go for it
     
    Lousyweather, Nov 22, 2014
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  8. eatonpcat

    eatonpcat

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    Wait a second...I met a few ladies from Wisconsin...They were all 2 baggers!!:banana:
     
    eatonpcat, Nov 24, 2014
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  9. Lousyweather

    Lousyweather

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    like I said b4, everyone's hot in the dark! :drool:
     
    Lousyweather, Nov 24, 2014
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  10. smoke show

    smoke show

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    So?
     
    smoke show, Nov 24, 2014
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  11. jetjr

    jetjr

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    Man wish I could add 8". Wait sorry you said of volume. Pallet Pete I would shy away from galvanized personally. I know it shouldn't get a lot of heat but just in case.
     
    jetjr, Nov 24, 2014
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  12. Pallet Pete

    Pallet Pete Moderator

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    Ok fellas I am not gonna make one. If it voids the insurance then it's not gonna happen. Thanks for the input everybody.
     
    Pallet Pete, Nov 24, 2014
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  13. krooser

    krooser

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    There's a girl next door that must have an extension on her hopper….
     
    krooser, Nov 24, 2014
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  14. PoolguyinCT

    PoolguyinCT

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    It's messing with ANSI that will jam you on the liability side, UL doesn't carry as much weight in court as ANSI.

    (I am a "go to " expert witness to the pool & spa industry in three estates)
     
    PoolguyinCT, Nov 24, 2014
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  15. PoolguyinCT

    PoolguyinCT

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    As far as modded hopper, if I ever had the time my dream hopper would be a 50/50

    shoulder / atomic pellet fuels - switch fuel by opening or closing a gate, that's hopper badazzsry!
     
    PoolguyinCT, Nov 24, 2014
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  16. PoolguyinCT

    PoolguyinCT

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    Briansol in the house! Good to see ya
     
    PoolguyinCT, Nov 24, 2014
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  17. savemoney

    savemoney

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    You made the right decision. I'm glad you are impressed with the pellet burning option. You will know in a few seasons if you want change. Who knows what options will be available in a couple years.
     
    savemoney, Nov 24, 2014
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  18. briansol

    briansol

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    im here.

    and i can't help myself....
    that's what she said....
     
    briansol, Nov 24, 2014
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  19. Lousyweather

    Lousyweather

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    so, knowing what you know here, what's your recommendation? Is it worth the possible liability?
     
    Lousyweather, Nov 25, 2014
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  20. PoolguyinCT

    PoolguyinCT

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    Depends you wearing a wire???
     
    PoolguyinCT, Nov 25, 2014
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