OT Sometimes Royal OaK Surprises You OT

Doc_Eggerton

Going to save this hunk until I can bury it in a new load.  It is even bigger than it looks in the photo because it is a knot and has some depth.

Jeremiah

Damn! That looks like fogo!

RRP

NO offense Doc, but I guess I may never understand why some eggers like those big chunks. When I get them I think "ah sh*t" another for my break up bag. I keep collecting them and then when bored I use this strainer I made of 1/2" hardware cloth and then break them with a large hammer. BTW that bucket is an old style coal bucket which is perfect for easing lump into a BGE. No it is NOT an antique - I bought it new!

Doc_Eggerton

RRP said:

NO offense Doc, but I guess I may never understand why some eggers like those big chunks. When I get them I think "ah sh*t" another for my break up bag. I keep collecting them and then when bored I use this strainer I made of 1/2" hardware cloth and then break them with a large hammer. BTW that bucket is an old style coal bucket which is perfect for easing lump into a BGE. No it is NOT an antique - I bought it new!

I break them up.  too big chunks actually cause cool spots.  This one it tough, not completely charred.  I am going to set it aside for a low and slow.

Jeepster47

RRP said:

... No it is NOT an antique - I bought it new! ...

Interesting argument ... not proof positive, but still interesting!!!

Ozzie_Isaac

Jeepster47 said:

RRP said:

... No it is NOT an antique - I bought it new! ...

Interesting argument ... not proof positive, but still interesting!!!

My thoughts exactly.  Although the "bought" it might hint at age.  Especially since I'm pretty sure Ron was alive before the concept of "money" existed.

RRP

Jeepster47 said:

RRP said:

... No it is NOT an antique - I bought it new! ...

Interesting argument ... not proof positive, but still interesting!!!

Gotcha...antique in design due to functionality, but "new" due to manufacture. I had looked for a couple years at IL Antique Center which may or may have not been open during your passes in and out of P-Town. Some one suggested that I check Kelly Feed and Hardware since at that time Harold Church was still alive and very active in ordering "practical" items "any good" mom and pop hardware store ought to carry. Well...I walked in and a friendly clerk greeted me. I said "this is a real long shot, but I'm looking for a thing called a coal bucket." Her reply?  - right over here!!! They had 5 of them!!!
 

otter

Just tried my first burn w Royal Oak, nice and clean fire. Didn't see big chunks like that....

Skiddymarker

That is a monster chunk, good idea to keep it for longer cook. 

Ozzie_Isaac

@Doc_Eggerton at first I thought there was a Thermopen in the lump!  That would increase sales for sure.

LKNEgg

Went to Home Depot today and they had palets of RO at $12.97 for 17.6 lb bags.  Almost got a bag, but still have a bag of RW to burn.  Been spoiled with RW and hate tO change,  but I do like to try new stuff!  At that price it isn't much cheaper than RW!

Doc_Eggerton

Ozzie_Isaac said:

@Doc_Eggerton at first I thought there was a Thermopen in the lump!  That would increase sales for sure.

LOL

Chowman

I once got 2 fist sized chunks of concrete plus a 4 inch round steel plate in one bag.  Not as lucky I guess.

jabam

I've had some big chunks and also some rocks in the royal oak. But it's the only lump available local. So that is what I use. Haven't got around to ordering other lump on the internet.  When I do order online is Rockwood the safe bet?

Ozzie_Isaac

jabam said:

I've had some big chunks and also some rocks in the royal oak. But it's the only lump available local. So that is what I use. Haven't got around to ordering other lump on the internet.  When I do order online is Rockwood the safe bet?

RW is where its at.  Highly recommended.

LKNEgg

@jabam  RW is the way to go!  Long burn, clean, low ash.  Order from firecraft,  5 bags so I get free shipping!  Already burned it all and had to buy a bag at the local ace.

When Ace has coupons it is the same price as ordering, so I will support the local business.  Otherwise Firecraft has it going on with price and free shipping!

DoubleEgger

It's the Pappy Van Winkle of lump. 

jabam

Ok I'll bite the bullet. We don't have an ACE hardware so will have to do online. 

LKNEgg

@jabam  what do you have to lose?  5 bags, 100 lbs of great food and fun!

fljoemon

@RRP .. I saw the same coal bucket online at home Depot .. costs $20, but very cool looking http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Coal-Bucket-T05B/204399660

lousubcap

@DoubleEgger- I am lucky enough to have both in house and while RW is very good there are others that will perform quite well.  And I have to admit that I can separate the bourbons much easier than the lump charcoal.  But it's a Friday night and I am running in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) so there will not be any qualitative pearls of wisdom here

DoubleEgger

@lousubcap - much like pappy, RW is not the only good lump out there but it is widely regarded as the Gold Standard especially considering Ozark Oak was bought out. 

DoubleEgger

LKNEgg said:

@jabam  what do you have to lose?  5 bags, 100 lbs of great food and fun!

You just have to spend $100 to get free shipping. Doesn't all have to be RW. 

jabam

Ok. Never been on firecraft site I will check it out!

mtbguy

Firecraft has been good to me. RW also has been good to me.

RRP

fljoemon said:

@RRP .. I saw the same coal bucket online at home Depot .. costs $20, but very cool looking http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Coal-Bucket-T05B/204399660

Thanks for noting and not mocking me, but once someone uses that style bucket they will be hooked on the ease of loading their egg! Why grab a 10 or 20 pound bag and try to dump it? When the snout on this PROVEN AGE OLD design works so well to shake & slide the lump in!

Ozzie_Isaac

Mocking?  Who mocked you?  Don't let @Jeepster47 get to you.  He remembers buggy whip makers.

Jeepster47

@Ozzie_Isaac ... Actually, I never used a coal bucket ... but, when I was dating your mother, my job was to fill the coal stoker before heading home.  That was high class technology then.

DoubleEgger

I'd like to consider myself young. I used that bucket regularly during the winter to dump ash from the fireplace. 

stemc33

@RRP, not mocking you, but you have way too much time on your hands if your breaking lump with a hammer. FWIW, a small camp hatchet might work better. 

As far as the coal hod, you sound like a 15 year old kid calling your hod an antique. That's how I load my coal stove with pea coal instead of lump coal(fossil fuel). Also, use it to get my coal into the house from the coal box on the porch. 

Never thought about using one for loading lump into the egg. I might have to buy a new one for that purpose. Don't want to use the current one due to fossil coal dust getting into the egg. I was like you and it took a little shopping before I found one. I first got the idea at a garage sale but the lady wouldn't sale me hers. 

Doc_Eggerton

Just to be clear, I am perfectly happy with RO.  Cowboy on the other hand is crap.