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

Common Heating Values of Cordwood
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
o o
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.

3.4 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. Open the draft control fully to the right (located on the right side of the faceplate, Figure 3.1)
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.
Million Btu/Cord
23.6
28.3
17.6
Table 3.1
Softwoods Million Btu/Cord
Douglas Fir
Hemlock
Jack Pine
o o
F (120 C) as measured by an insert top
20.6
17.1
18.4
/15