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4.2.1.
Simple Wood Moisture Test
Add one large piece of wood to the top of an established fire. If it starts to burn on three sides
within one minute, it is dry and seasoned and right for burning. If it turns black and starts to
burn in three minutes, it is damp. If it turns black and does not start burning until after five
minutes, it is green and wet. If it hisses at any time, the wood is soaked and will not burn until
excess moisture is boiled away.
4.3. NOTES ABOUT FIRST FIRING
Before firing, ensure that the room is well ventilated. Curing the paint is recommended to
preserve the best quality finish. Heating the insert too intensely on the first fire will dull and
lighten the colour on overheated areas, and cause smoke and odour to be emitted into the
room. To cure the paint, the first two fires should be burned for only about twenty minutes
each.
The paint curing process will produce a light fume with an unpleasant odour. Open windows.
Leave the room if the smell is too intense. The fume is non-toxic and will disappear
completely after the unit will have been used a few times at higher firing temperatures.
Allow the insert to get warm only, but not hot, i.e. 250
thermometer, then allow the insert to cool down. Light a third fire and burn it for about forty
o
minutes to 450
operate it according to the following instructions. This extra care will result in a more durable,
and uniform finish.
4.4. LIGHTING A FIRE
1.
Place enough crumpled balls of newspaper or other paper into the insert to cover the
bottom of the firebox.
2.
Place small dry kindling on the crumpled paper.
3.
Place larger dry kindling on top of the small kindling.
4.
Set the draft control at high, (see Table 4.2)
5.
Light a fire at the bottom of the crumpled paper and close the door. If the fire tends to go
out, momentarily hold the door slightly ajar to fan the fire. As soon as the fire catches
hold, close the door.
o
F (230
C) or less. Once again cool the insert to room temperature, then
o
o
F (120
C) as measured by an insert top
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