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Posted by DIMwit on December 3, 2006, 7:03 am
>I got my new barn all closed in just before our heavy freeze took
> over. But I still need to put 3 posts in the ground INSIDE the barn.
> The soil in there is fairly dry on the top so I am hoping its not
> frozen too solid or deep yet. But I did find the shovel was hard to
> penetrate it yesterday. It was really too cold to proceed with the
> job anyhow.
>
> Anyhow, I know the public utilities have a means to build a coal fire
> on the top of the ground when they need to dig up something in the
> street. I dont have access to coal, nor would I want to burn it
> indoors because of the odor. But I can get regular charcoal. My
> question is this: What is the best method to burn the charcoal to melt
> the ground? Do i just burn it right on top of the soil, or should I
> put some sort of metal container around it, or what? I mean in order
> to deflect the heat downward, not as a safety measure. I am not
> worried about causing a fire, when the nearest flammable (wall) is at
> least 9 feet away, and I am not planning to make a huge fire, just the
> amound needed to grill some burgers on the grill.
>
> One other thing, would it be best to start the fire right on the
> ground, or to start it in a grill first????
>
> Yes, I know3 about ventillation to prevent CO2 poisoning. I'll leave
> a door or window ajar, plus the barn has plenty of small leaks by each
> rib in the steel along the roof edge. I will gradually plug those
> with foam after the stalls are done.
>
> PS. I recall the city used to place a half of a steel barrel drum over
> the coal. I wonder if that helps thaw the ground, or is only to
> prevent sparks from flying. I know regular coal tends to spark more
> than charcoal.
>
> Mark
why can't you just pour boiling water on the ground so soften it up? It's
easier to heat up a big pot of water on a barbeque outside the barn, and the
water will work quickly working its way down, I think.
Bob
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