BuckMaster MODEL 20, Installation Manual

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OPERATING AND SAFETY HINTS:
When preparing to refuel heater, open bypass damper (taking the heater out of catalytic mode) and wait for smoke
to clear out of firebox before opening the door.
Burn only natural seasoned hard wood in your catalytic heater. You should not burn trash or garbage, artificial or
paper logs, gift wrapping, treated or painted wood, nor should you start a fire with lighter fluid or chemical starter.
These and other compositions may contain lead, zinc or other elements that can coat catalyst and reduce its
activity.
Manufacturer recommendation for peak performance and long catalyst life is to burn natural seasoned
hardwood (wood dried 6-12 month) and place wood from front to back position in the heater.
NOTE: Soft woods such as pine, create more creosote, clogging of chimney and produce a less efficient
burn performance.
HELPFUL HINTS
CURING THE PAINT ON YOUR HEATER: During the first several firings, burn small fires to cure paint and
to prevent damage to finish. It is a good idea to flip toggle switch to “Manual” position during these first firings so
blower will run continuously. This will allow paint to cure at a slower rate and creates a better overall finish.
CAUTION: Never remove ashes from your heater with blower running.
TIPS ON FIRE BURNING
GREEN WOOD vs. NATURAL SEASONED HARD WOOD-Green wood has a high moisture content and
therefore requires a hotter ignition temperature. Natural seasoned hard wood cut at least one year before use allows
for a quicker, prolonged burn and more complete combustion.
SPLIT WOOD vs. ROUND WOOD-
Split wood burns easier and more rapidly, whether it’s seasoned or green. If
used after starting a fire, it should be packed tightly to achieve a longer burn.
Round wood burns longer, but requires more effort to start. Inserting a round piece over a bed of red coals with
damper and drafts open will help it catch fire. Round wood should be used to accomplish an all-night burn.
GUIDE TO THE DIFFERENT BURNING QUALITIES OF WOOD
Type of Ease of Coaling Amount of
Wood Starting Qualities Sparks
Apple Poor Excellent Few
Ash Fair Good Few
Beech Poor Good Few
Birch Good Excellent Moderate
Cherry Poor Excellent Few
Cedar Excellent Poor Many
Elm Fair Good Very Few
Hemlock Good Low Many
Hickory Fair Excellent Moderate
Locust Poor Excellent Very Few
Maple Poor Excellent Few
Oak Poor Excellent Few
Pine Excellent Poor Moderate
The Main Audubon Society recently charted the heat produced by a wood fire. They noted that heat
produced by a wood fire varies greatly with kind of wood burned. Beech is considered best wood for a
fire. A cord of well-seasoned Beech will produce as much heat as 169 gallons of fuel oil; Sugar Maple
and Red Oak produce as much heat as 166 gallons of fuel oil; followed by White Ash 154; American Elm
130; White Birch 124; and White Pine 94.