Simple Wood Moisture Test; Notes About First Firing - Osburn 2200 Owner's Manual

5. Decayed wood or low density wood has very little energy content or heating value, and will not
burn satisfactorily for long periods of time.
An example of the energy values of some common wood fuels is given in Table 3.1
For recommended wood sizes, refer to the specifications.
Hardwoods
Birch
White Oak
Alder

3.2.1 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.

3.3 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.
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 minutes to
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450 F (230 C) or less. Once again cool the insert to room temperature, then operate it according to the
following instructions. This extra care will result in a more durable, and uniform finish.
Common Heating Values of Cordwood
Million Btu/Cord
23.6
28.3
17.6
Table 3.1
Softwoods Million Btu/Cord
Douglas Fir
Hemlock
Jack Pine
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F (120 C) as measured by an insert top
20.6
17.1
18.4
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