Portage And Main Wood Boiler

[Chris(Glen)]

Who has one out there and can give me some real feed back. I have the chance to purchase on for a smoking deal I believe but it's a bit larger then I had planned. I am purchasing it for my future home I am going to be building and figure if I can save a large chunk I will now. I am told its a 500,000 BTU model. I am waiting for the pictures and model number, but the price is only $1500.00 and it's 6 years old..... Can you have too large of a boiler?

 

[lefturnfreek]

Yes, you can have too large of a boiler. The idea is to get one a little larger than the total BTU's you need, what would you need, how much over are you?

 

[Chris(Glen)]

Well from the portage and main site this rough size will heat 12,000 Sq ft. So significant size. House is going to be approx 3000 Sq ft plus garage and maybe shop later on in time.

 

[lefturnfreek]

You might not be to far off when heating 2 buildings with good dry wood.

 

[Cheesecutter]

I have the ML36 model (non-gasser)and I like mine. I would worry more about buying an undersized unit than I would getting one thats oversized. You can adjust how much wood you put in, how large of pieces, wood species, and even the temperature set point to fine tune it. Burning dry wood definately cuts the creosote build up in the heat exchanger and chimney pipe. I burn 12-15 cords heating 2 farmhouses, 4200 & 1400 sq feet. $1500 is a good price considering the sold for +/-$8000 a few years ago.

 

[Chris(Glen)]

Thanks for the input. I think I'll end up getting it especially at that price. Worry about the amount of wood I burn later. Can burn ends and such from my firewood business.

 

[dancan]

What's the address , I'll go check it out for you as soon as I hook up my trailer ...... LOL

 

[Chris(Glen)]

Not happening lol. She also has a 1,000,000 btu also if you want.

 

[NSMaple1]

500,000 btu is a big boiler, it will take a fair amount of wood just to keep it at temp.

How much wood are you hoping or expecting to have to use? I'm OK doing 6 or so per year, but don't think I'd be up to doing the amounts I read of others using. Also need to make sure you use GOOD underground piping - that can be a killer with the wrong stuff.

Good luck - nice to see another bluenoser round here.

 

[Gypo Logger]

Sounds like a good deal. As mentioned you can heat house and shop and outdoor sauna.

 

[Chris(Glen)]

I'm not to worried about wood consumption. I have a firewood business and the father in law is a logger. It may burn more then it's needed but for the savings it's worth it for my low wood cost especially if I am using mainly a bi product of my business

 

[cantoo]

I have an over sized boiler for my normal heat draw and I have no issues. I also would much rather have one that is too big verses one that it too small. I use mine to heat domestic water in the summer and only put wood in it every couple of days and then only a little bit of wood. I burn lots of crap all summer. Mine holds over 400 gallons of water and have no problem maintaining any temperature I want to maintain. The same can't be said of an under sized boiler. I can cook out my shop in a couple of hours if I want.
PS, you can always sell an owb that is too big but one that is too small will be a tough sale.

 

[Chris(Glen)]

Sounds like everyones idea is to go for it. Thanks for the input. Going to put a deposit on it today if the weather lets off.

 

[Chris(Glen)]

Well so much for a good deal. Contacted the seller today and they decided they have sold it someone else when promised first dibs. Guess the hunt continues.

 

[Guswhit]

Well so much for a good deal. Contacted the seller today and they decided they have sold it someone else when promised first dibs. Guess the hunt continues.

Sometimes you just can't dink around 4 days without pulling the pin on a decision.

 

[Chris(Glen)]

There was no dicking around I was told by the seller it was unable to be sold due to the snow around it so I waited as I was told to.

 

[cantoo]

I found a wood furnace for my shop on kijiji, I called immediately and made arrangements to go look at it. I took cash (including extra) and my flatbed truck. Drove in a nasty snow storm and got there exactly at the time I said I would. We made a deal, loaded it up and then he showed my his new Polar Bear. He had an old Pacific Western sitting there so of course I asked him what the deal was with it. He said he bought it used and intended to use it to heat a big shop he was planning to build. Mild heart attack and the shop plans were on hold. So of course I then said well you might as well sell the OWB then. Long story short I bought it on the spot for a good deal and paid a big deposit with a date to come back and pick it up with my trailer. Cash is King and don't be stupid and only take enough money to buy what you went for. Anybody that shows up at my house and says they only have 3/4 of the money I'm asking for an item on them goes home empty. This might be the reason why I have so much stuff and so little money?

 

[benp]

I found a wood furnace for my shop on kijiji, I called immediately and made arrangements to go look at it. I took cash (including extra) and my flatbed truck. Drove in a nasty snow storm and got there exactly at the time I said I would. We made a deal, loaded it up and then he showed my his new Polar Bear. He had an old Pacific Western sitting there so of course I asked him what the deal was with it. He said he bought it used and intended to use it to heat a big shop he was planning to build. Mild heart attack and the shop plans were on hold. So of course I then said well you might as well sell the OWB then. Long story short I bought it on the spot for a good deal and paid a big deposit with a date to come back and pick it up with my trailer. Cash is King and don't be stupid and only take enough money to buy what you went for. Anybody that shows up at my house and says they only have 3/4 of the money I'm asking for an item on them goes home empty. This might be the reason why I have so much stuff and so little money?

Ding Ding. A classic tactic.

"I really like what you are selling and I'll buy it. BUT, this is all I have."

Bye bye.

 

[Cheesecutter]

Ding Ding. A classic tactic.

"I really like what you are selling and I'll buy it. BUT, this is all I have."

Bye bye.

If someone pulls that crap with me I tell them "Give me half as a down payment and I'll hold it until you can come up with the rest". Funny how fast suddenly the friend has "money I was saving for gas, beer, rent " or whatever.