28
Save These Instructions
Vermont Castings • Aspen 1920 Owner's Manual_R32 • 08/17
ST264
good fire
12/99
Figure 8.3
- Gradually add larger pieces of wood until all the wood
is burning well.
Light the kindling pile with a match at the top and allow the
kindling to burn downward into the larger pieces. This reduces
smoke by slowly increasing the fire size without creating an
air-starved condition.
Step 4 -
After the stove has been broken-in
using Steps
1-3, continue to build the fire gradually. Add larger wood with
a diameter of 3-4” (75-102 mm).
Continue adding split logs of this size to the briskly-burning
fire until there is a glowing ember bed at least 2” (51 mm)
deep. A good ember bed is necessary for proper functioning
and may take up to an hour to establish.
Step 5
- Adjust the thermostatic air control for the desired
heat output.
Ash Disposal:
Remove ash before it reaches the top of the ash pan. Check
the level at least once a day, and before each re-fueling. Using
stove gloves, pull the ash pan out of the stove by its handle.
Remove the ash pan and properly dispose of the ashes. Be
sure to keep the pan level during disposal.
Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one to three days.
The frequency will vary depending on how you operate your
Aspen; if you burn more wood at higher heat output settings,
ash will accumulate rapidly.
Dispose of ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting
lid kept outdoors. Put the closed container of ash on a
noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all
combustible materials, pending final disposal. If the ash is
disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed,
keep it in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly
cooled. You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer.
CAUTION
!
Never use your household or shop vacuum cleaner
to remove ash from the stove; always remove and
dispose of the ash properly.
Refuel While the Embers Are Still Hot:
Reload the Aspen while it is still hot and there are plenty of
glowing embers to re-kindle the fire. Include some smaller
pieces of wood in the new load of fuel to help the stove return
to its operating temperature quickly. Wear stove gloves, and
follow this procedure when you reload your stove:
Step 1
- Open the thermostat lever.
Step 2
- Open the door and check the ash level in the ash
pan. If necessary, dispose of the ashes and replace the pan.
Step 3
- Use a fireplace tool to break up the charcoal and
direct ash through the grate. Pull the charcoal from the back
to the front. This will encourage efficient combustion as the
fuel burns from front to rear. Take care, however, not to block
the primary air outlet with coals or ash. (Figure 8.4)
Step 4
- Load wood - smaller, split pieces first. Close the
door. Ideal performance will be achieved by operating with
the air control set in the maximum (HIGH) position for several
minutes after refueling. Reset the primary air control for the
desired heat output after the fire is re-established.
Figure 8.4
- Primary air outlet - keep clear of ash and charcoal
accumulation.
Primary Air
Outlet Plate
ST265
ash pan
12/99
Keep Air Inlet Free
of Ash (Front Edge)
IMPORTANT:
A critical source of air into the Aspen
firebox is located in front of the ash grate as shown in
Figure 8.4. If this air slot becomes plugged with ash, a
sluggish, cool fire and dirty glass will result. Keep this
air slot clear of ash. Refer to the Maintenance section
for instructions to more thoroughly clean ash from
beneath the primary air plate.
