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BURNING WOOD LOGS
As previously stated wood burns best
on a bed of its own embers which also
forms a barrier that reflects heat and
protects the fire grate from being
damaged. You can therefore leave a
bed of ash in place to create a layer of
approximately 25mm (1"), only
occasionally removing the surplus ash.
The end grain of the wood produces
more of the remaining moisture and
gases so whenever possible point the
log ends away from the glass to help
keep the glass clean.
Fuel Load The logs should be a
maximum of approximately 450mm
(18") long with a diameter of
approximately 75 –100 mm (3 – 4").
The recommended maximum fuel load
is 3 kg (6 lb 9 oz).
To get the best out of your stove,
ideally you will need three different
thicknesses of wood log as you build
the fire through each lighting phase:
A
C
B
A Kindling This is generally finely
chopped wood, approximately 5 to
10mm thick (1/4" to 1/2") from your
supply of logs. Alternatively use dried
twigs or small branches which have also
been fully seasoned
B Lighting Logs These are slightly
bigger diameter logs, approximately
25 to 50mm (1" to 2")
C Refuelling Logs These should be
approximately 75 to 100mm thick (3"
to 4"). Bigger logs should be split down
to this size
Lighting a Wood Fire
The main difference between smoke
and flame is temperature, so when
lighting a fire you need to get the
temperature in the firechamber as high
as possible as quickly as possible. This
is also critical in creating a good 'draw'
within the flue system, especially when
it is particularly cold outside.
When flue gas temperatures are below
120°C, creosote tars form within the
gases and the fire will be smoky and
burn with a dull orange flame. Burning
the stove like this for a sustained period
will create unnecessary smoke and not
be good for the chimney or flue system.
1 The Lighting Phase
For best results:
Primary Air – fully open
Secondary Air – fully open
Door – slightly ajar (optional)
Avoid trying to light the fire with
excessive amounts of paper as this
has a very high ash content which can
'smother' the ash bed. If you have good
dry kindling or sticks then paper should
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