How to make an ashpan (5)

In Ashpan part 4, I'd almost completed the ashpan's flap. I wanted to add a bracket to the angle iron cross-piece to attach a chain to for raising and lowering it. (Chain links can be hooked on using any link to set the length and hence the position of the flap when used to control the primary air entering the fire).

Chain bracket welded in place
(a simple fixing hole in the angle iron would have weakened it)

The completed flap with hinges

So how does the flap work in practice?

To minimise air to the fire (and prevent ash falling out!), it is held at the highest position.

Minimum air and ash-fallout

To control the primary air flow to the fire, it is set as required between extreme positions.

Mid position

To be able to draw out the ash, the flap is released to its lowest position, i.e. flat.

Fully open.

Sentinel 7109 could be driven with the flap fully down for maximum air but Hansel & Gretel would be jealous at the result!

If it is still not clear how the flap works, try this video clip: (Also on YouTube).

About all that's left is to fit the fixing brackets in place. This will entail spending quite some time buried beneath 7109 in a pit whilst holding the ashpan in place and marking out the hole positions. When I've figured out how to do this, another ashpan 'blog article will appear!