O
PERATING
Y
OUR
A
PPLIANCE
(C
ONTINUED
)
P
AGE
13
Bypass Control
The bypass control is centered along the top of the appliance and is operated by pushing or pulling the
control in or out. When the control is completely pulled out, the bypass allows the smoke to go directly
up the flue, creating more draft for starting the appliance or reloading. When it is pushed in, the smoke
must go around the baffle which utilizes secondary combustion and makes the appliance more efficient
(see the illustration below).
Bypass Pushed In-
Used for Normal Operation
(Utilizes Secondary
Combustion)
Bypass Pulled Out-
Used for Starting
and Re-Loading
L
EARNING TO
B
URN YOUR
A
PPLIANCE
Using a wood-burning appliance takes some getting used to. Once you become accustomed to operating
your appliance, you will be able to start a hot fire quickly, adjust the heat output precisely, and obtain
overnight burns easier. Experienced wood burners may not need the information below, but may be able
to re-affirm their skills by reading the following. The better you understand your appliance, the more
rewarding you will find it.
How to Start a Hot Fire Quickly
Your wood-burning appliance acts much like an engine - before it will work at its best, it needs to reach
a high temperature. The most common mistake in starting a fire is to use too little kindling, closing the
bypass too soon, or turning the air control down too early. For good results, YOU MUST OBTAIN AN
INTENSE FIRE BEFORE CLOSING THE AIR CONTROL DOWN. The steps below detail one
method for starting a fire.
1. Pile several pieces of kindling on top of newspaper or a fire starter in the center of the firebox (it
is better to have too much kindling than not enough). Place two medium sized pieces of wood on
either side of kindling laying front to back.
2. Make sure the air control is fully open (push all the way in) and the bypass opened (pull all the
way out). Start the newspaper or fire starter. Note: you may want to crack the door during
starting to allow for more air.
3. Allow the kindling to start and burn. Then place another medium size piece of wood on top of
the burning kindling so that it straddles the two medium pieces and close the door. This
arrangement takes advantage of the air inlet located in the center under the door to feed the fire
with adequate oxygen. You may notice the flames burning from the front to the back.
4. Let the fire burn at least 15 minutes before closing the bypass. Wait at least 30 minutes or until
the appliance is fully hot before closing the air control down.
4.
1.
2.
3.
