Mike Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 We're rearranging the flat and moving the living room into what was the bedroom... in that room we have an open fire which we've never used. I had it swept out when we moved in and then clogged it up with black bags full of newspaper to stop the draft.. but now thinking of using it. Do any of you lot have one? what do you use? and where do you get it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 We have one in our living room... great but more work than flicking a switch. We use kindling & coal from the local garage but mainly logs (we back on to a wood so cheap (free) but hard work (with saw / axe) ! Great in the winter but two draw-backs 1) have dinner, sit in front of log fire = coma / sleep and 2) cleaning it out in the morning. We tend to use ours at the weekends mainly, but the smell and flickering flames on a cold winters night just can't be beaten ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian W Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 my parents have had one for as long as i can remember and they're great. they get coal delivered by the sackful by a local coal merchant and just pick up kindling and logs etc as and when they can (they also back onto a wood just in case they get low on supply). it does seem to be a pain in the ass to clean although as Gatso says, you just can't beat it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvershark44 Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Yeah we have a big one at home. Not too much hasle, and really nice in the winter. We have a coal bunker with about a years worth of coal in and plenty of logs in the woodshed. Takes ten minutes to get going and about 10 to clean. Not much hasle really at all. Just have it on when u want it, it not like you have to do it everyday although we do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 There good if there on an outside wall... that way you can put a tray under them so you can empty from outside... ive built a few like this now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerry Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 There good if there on an outside wall... that way you can put a tray under them so you can empty from outside... ive built a few like this now. Thats a brilliant idea... No good for us, but really sensible ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted November 6, 2006 Author Share Posted November 6, 2006 Thanks for your replies guys.... Charlotte's a bit skeptical about using it as a proper fire (I think she just likes the 'cast iron fire' look), but I can't wait to try it out...! men and fire eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 You might want to get the flue checked out prior to sparking the thing up, if it's not been used the whole time you've been there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garetheves Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Weve got one and use it every now and then. We have a supply of logs and kindling in the shed for when we have time to get it going properly but tbh we tend to just use the instant stuff from the supermarket. Its a log about the size of a roll of green waste bin bags, in paper packaging. You stick it in the fire and light the paper. Lights first time every time and last a good few hours. From there you can always chuck some proper logs on as well if you want the classic look, but tbh the instant ones dont exactly look out of place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stoneboy Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 We use to have an open fire, but had a multifuel burning stove installed a few years back. Much cleaner, far more efficient heating, easier to clean out and with a big glass door you still get. Big meal/couple of beers = happy sleep. Mid you my missus doesnt even need the food or beer when the fires going Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 My parents have had one for as long as I can remember. They use a gas poker to light it, buy coal once a year and are friends with a tree surgeon so logs are never a problem. Cleaning it out in the morning is no bother, only takes 15 minutes or so. They clean the chimney once a year too. Don't sit in front of one if you're planning to go out that evening..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 So, are the two of you gonna make sweet lurve by the fire? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted November 6, 2006 Author Share Posted November 6, 2006 So, are the two of you gonna make sweet lurve by the fire? of course! it would be a waste otherwise.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Just be careful of hot coals falling out and getting lodged in your ass crack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewen Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Our house has three working fireplaces. When we first moved in we lit a fire in the bedroom one night. No carpets and an old divan bed on castors. We christened the room quite enthusiastically, until my wife stopped and asked if I could smell burning...was I trying more energetically than normal ? no, we had bounced the bed across the floorboards toward the fire place and the duvet was singed as hell and about to go up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Our house has three working fireplaces. When we first moved in we lit a fire in the bedroom one night. No carpets and an old divan bed on castors. We christened the room quite enthusiastically, until my wife stopped and asked if I could smell burning...was I trying more energetically than normal ? no, we had bounced the bed across the floorboards toward the fire place and the duvet was singed as hell and about to go up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garetheves Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Our house has three working fireplaces. When we first moved in we lit a fire in the bedroom one night. No carpets and an old divan bed on castors. We christened the room quite enthusiastically, until my wife stopped and asked if I could smell burning...was I trying more energetically than normal ? no, we had bounced the bed across the floorboards toward the fire place and the duvet was singed as hell and about to go up. I really hope your kids dont read this. Will scar them for life Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b_have Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Just fitted a woodburner this week. Best thing I've ever done! (live in the new forest so loads of free timber) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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