Logburner with ash pan - how does the ash pan work?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Logburner with ash pan - how does the ash pan work?

davecla

61 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#299263 24-Aug-2022 18:52

I got a new log burner a few months ago - Masport R5000 on pedestal with ash pan (don't get one, I hate it)

Anyway, I've got no idea how the ash pan bit works. The installer gapped it before I could ask him, and I tried contacting Masport, but they didn't bother to reply.

Other models of logburner with an ash pan have a wee bit of grate at the bottom for the ash to fall through. This one has a steel plug. There would be a biggish hole there if I left the plug out so that can't be right.

I even read the manuals, but ash pan operation isn't mentioned.

I've just been scooping the ash out through the top like an animal - does anyone know how this is supposed to work?

thanks

dave

mattwnz

20515 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4795

#2958989 24-Aug-2022 19:29

You pull the plug out when you want to empty it. But you either get a dirty hand or need to wear gloves. Then you push the ash down the hole. It is easier just to use a small shovel imo especially if you have hot embers 🔥

davecla

61 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 6

#2959031 24-Aug-2022 21:31

mattwnz: You pull the plug out when you want to empty it. But you either get a dirty hand or need to wear gloves. Then you push the ash down the hole. It is easier just to use a small shovel imo especially if you have hot embers 🔥

Thanks Matt, you got to wonder why they bothered

mattwnz

20515 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4795

#2959117 25-Aug-2022 01:20

I just remembered that our Masport Akaroa does actually come with a special handle for pulling out the plug, which you poke down through the ash. I guess you can use a tool to push the ash through the hole into the tray. I guess the benefit of the tray is there is less risk of ash dust coming out of the fire. It works ok, but I find it quicker to just use a small ash trowel and metal bucket.

Swept

46 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 84

#2959653 26-Aug-2022 08:54

Hi,

Yeah it's got a 'bath plug' in the bottom of the firebox, centre and rear. You use a flat poker to lift it up and push down ash into the box below. It's a gimmic and I've only come across one customer who uses it regularly (keep in mind I sweep 3000+ chimneys a year).

Unfortunately it's a thing most manufacturers have done, but a feature no one uses. The good news is, you've got (in my opinion) one of the best fires you can get. Masport R5000 is what all fires should be based off; well designed, simply made yet robust, does what it says on the tin, and when it comes to maintenance, is just the best in terms of ease and design.

If you wish to have a further look, you can access the exploded diagrams of your logfire https://gdainfo.com/Resource1049853HJDUFOS023X/html/MaspWood_NZ.html Your Model is the "5000P". Downloads a PDF with the whole fire in exploded format. This shows all current and old Masport fires. Do note to anyone using this resource; it may be listed there, but parts may not be available for it.

Canterbury Chimney Sweep