| bozodog |
| (Carpal Tunnel) |
| 02/08/10 03:46 PM |
|
Re: need identifying help on a wood heater.
|
Quote:
disappointing fires and amount of heat.
Fire building is a learned art.
Here is what I learned heating with wood for 3 winters, here in SW Mich.:
Wood: Split, dry and cut for the firebox hardwood. 16"L, typically.
Starting:
-> Air tight(ish)-> Cabs method of kindling on top is best without a grate(flat bottomed). Depending on height, smaller split logs 1st, at starting, then I would open and twist up a daily newspaper into several stick size bundles. On top of that, whatever you're using for kindling. Sticks, fine splits, clean pine/fur scraps. If smoke wants to back into the room, use a couple loose, lightly crumpled sheets of paper and "heat your flue up", for draw. As the splits on the bottom get burning well add a log or two. Once the box gets hot, and the fire is really burning well, with a nice bed of coals, add more wood. Only then close the door. When you retire to sleep, pack in logs to fill the box. Use the damper on the pipe, and the vents on the unit to control the burn.
I used to build two nice hot fires a day in a cheap Chinese "Parlor Stove" that would burn coal too. It had a grate and ash box w/vent on the bottom. And a vent in the UNsealed door. The house in the worst of single digit temps never went below 52f.
First thing in the AM: Start a hot fire. (frequently, there was still enough coals to fire up fast) Load the box, damp vents and stack down. Return from work: Repeat, adding logs and getting the house up to 70ish before filling and damping down at bedtime.
You just have to learn to build a well burning fire. If you're around most times, keep a small one going with a log or three during the day.
I hope you get the hang of it. Heating with wood is, IMO, a cozy, comfortable, enjoyment. I miss it.