7
Operating Instructions
d) Place small pieces of dry wood (kindling) over the paper in a criss cross manner. This allows for good
air circulation, which is critical for good combustion.
e) Light the crumpled paper in 2 or 3 locations.
Note: It is important to heat the air in the stovepipe for draft to start.
f) Fully open the air controls of the wood stove and close the door until it is slightly open, allowing for
much needed combustion air to be introduced into the fi rebox. Never leave the door fully open, as
sparks from the kindling may fl y out of the stove, causing damage or injury. As the fi re begins to burn
the kindling, some additional kindling may be needed to sustain the fi re. DO NOT add more paper after
the fi re has started.
g) Once the kindling has started to burn, add some smaller pieces of seasoned fi rewood. Note: Adding
large pieces at the early stages will only serve to smother the fi re. Continue adding small pieces of
seasoned dry fi rewood, keeping the door slightly open until each piece starts to ignite. Remember to
always open the door slowly when placing wood into the fi re.
h) Once the wood has started to ignite and the smoke has reduced, close the wood stove door fully. The
reduction of smoke is a good indication that the draft in the chimney has started and good combustion
is now possible. Larger pieces of seasoned, dry fi rewood can now be added when there is suffi cient
space in the fi rebox. Adjust the air control setting to desired setting.
Note: The lower the air control setting, the longer the burn time of your fi rewood.
2. What type of wood is best to use as fi rewood?
Both hardwood and softwood burn well in this stove. Both woods contain about 8,000 BTU/lb (18,570
KJ/Kg), but hardwood is generally more dense, will weigh more per cord, and burns a little slower and
longer. Cutting fi rewood so that it will fi t horizontally, front to back, makes it easier loading and less likely
for the fuel to roll on to the glass. Except for a cold start, there is no need to crisis-cross the logs. Ideal
length for the logs used in the 1200 would be about 16“ (381 mm) but it can burn pieces up to 18” long.
Ideal length for the logs used in the 1700 would be about 18“ (381 mm) but it can burn pieces up to 20”
long logs. Burn only seasoned wood, It produces more heat and less soot or creosote. Freshly cut wood
has about 50% moisture. A 10 pound (4.5 Kg) log contains 5 pounds (2.3 Kg) of water. Burn beach wood
only if its salt content has been washed away in a season of rain and then the dried again.
3. What does dry, seasoned wood mean?
Wood that has been dried for a period of one year in a well-ventilated and sheltered area would be
considered dry, seasoned wood. Wood from slow-growing trees is generally considered better than wood
from fast-growing trees. To season fi rewood, split and stack it so that air can get to all parts of the
wood.
4. Will following the above-listed steps for starting a fi re mean perfect results every time?
The quick answer is ‘most of the time’. There are many variables that may affect your success when
starting a fi re. Most of those variables and how to deal with them will be learned through experience.
Your ability to start a good fi re will signifi cantly increase with time and patience. Some of the reasons for
poor stove performance will be covered in the next section of these instructions.
5. Why won’t my fi re light?
Damp or wet wood and a poor draft are the main reasons for poor results in starting a fi re. Always use
dry, seasoned wood for your fi re. Even wood dried for two years will be diffi cult to ignite if it has become
wet from rain.