Operating instructions
7
Operating Instructions
4. For Maximum Efciency:
When the stove is hot, load it fully to the top of the door opening and burn at medium low settings. When
the fuel is mostly consumed, leaving a bed of red coals, repeat the process. Maximum heat for minimum
fuel occurs when the stove top temperature is between 250°F (120°C) and 550°F (290°C). The most
likely causes of dirty glass are: not enough fuel to get the stove thoroughly hot, burning green or wet
wood, closing the draft until there is insufcient air for complete combustion, or a weak chimney draw.
Indeed, the cleanness of the glass is a good indicator of the stove operating efciently.
Helpful Hints Worth Repeating
1. Helpful advice on the correct way to start your re.
a) You will need small pieces of dry wood, called kindling, and paper. Use only newspaper or paper
that has not been coated or had other materials glued or applied to it. Never use coated (typically
advertising yers) or coloured paper.
b) Always open the door of the wood stove slowly to prevent suction and drawing smoke into the room.
c) Crumple several pieces of paper and place them in the center of the rebox and directly onto the
rebricks of the wood stove. Never use a grate to elevate the re.
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a “teepee” manner. This allows for good
air circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations. Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for
draft to start.
f) Fully open the air controls of the wood stove and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing for
much needed air to be introduced into the rebox. Never leave the door fully open, as sparks from
the kindling may y out of the stove, causing damage or injury. As the re begins to burn the kindling,
some additional kindling may be needed to sustain the re. DO NOT add more paper after the re has
started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, add some smaller pieces of seasoned, dry rewood. Note:
Adding large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the re. Continue adding small pieces
of seasoned dry rewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts to ignite. Remember
to always open the door slowly between placing wood into the re.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The
reduction of smoke is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion
is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned, dry rewood can now be added when there is sufcient
space in the rebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting. Note: The lower the air control
setting, the longer the burn time of your rewood.
2. What type of wood is best to use as rewood?
Both hardwood and softwood burn well in this stove. Both woods contain about 8,000 BTU/lb (18,570
KJ/Kg), but hardwood is generally more dense, will weigh more per cord, and burns a little slower and
longer. Cutting rewood so that it will t horizontally, front to back, makes it easier loading and less likely
for the fuel to roll on the glass. Except for a cold start, there is no need to crisis-cross the logs. Ideal
length for the logs used in the 1200-C would be about 16“ (381 mm) but it can burn pieces up to 18”
long. Ideal length for the logs used in the 1700-C would be about 18“ (381 mm) but it can burn pieces
up to 20” long logs. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It produces more heat and less soot or creosote.
Freshly cut wood has about 50% moisture. A 10 pound (4.5 Kg) log contains 5 pounds (2.3 Kg) of water.
To season rewood, split and stack it so that air can get to all parts of the wood. Burn beach wood only
if its salt content has been washed away in a season of rain and then the wood dried. To prevent smoke