Preparing for Winter V

pattypan4

I finally decided I would be brave enough to learn how to use my new stove, bearing in mind that I have never used a stove that needs manual adjusting. It is brand new, so I sat and I read then I tried using firelighters and kindling. First attempt did not work at all, the log remained unburnt but I had not made a pyramid. Second attempt was with that one log laid horizontal, never worked. Then I built a pyramid and laid 2 more logs all vertical over the pyramid and they caught and smouldered and raised the stove temperature and I almost had a panic because there were these fumes coming off from betweem the door and outer casing. The air filter went into overdrive and I opened several windows, wafted the smoke to me and it was obviously not woodsmoke. Then I remembered about tempering the paint and that is what it was. Logs smouldered for ages, air filter went off and then I opened the air intake and airwash and it leapt into flames. I did not want it too hot, for the paint. Another 2 goes should see it right for winter


So I am not enamoured of logs so far, will definitely be using some smokeless eggs and the peat. I quickly learned to change air intake etc so not scared any more. I didn`t like the start, when I had to keep the door open a bit for a few moments. I could smell the horrible stench of firelighters. Once gone,will never be bought again and nor the kindling, which spat all over the place. I have bitten the bullet and ordered an electric firelighter. I will get the cost back, eventually


Anyway I enjoyed the experience

mumf

pattypan4 wrote: »

I finally decided I would be brave enough to learn how to use my new stove, bearing in mind that I have never used a stove that needs manual adjusting. It is brand new, so I sat and I read then I tried using firelighters and kindling. First attempt did not work at all, the log remained unburnt but I had not made a pyramid. Second attempt was with that one log laid horizontal, never worked. Then I built a pyramid and laid 2 more logs all vertical over the pyramid and they caught and smouldered and raised the stove temperature and I almost had a panic because there were these fumes coming off from betweem the door and outer casing. The air filter went into overdrive and I opened several windows, wafted the smoke to me and it was obviously not woodsmoke. Then I remembered about tempering the paint and that is what it was. Logs smouldered for ages, air filter went off and then I opened the air intake and airwash and it leapt into flames. I did not want it too hot, for the paint. Another 2 goes should see it right for winter


So I am not enamoured of logs so far, will definitely be using some smokeless eggs and the peat. I quickly learned to change air intake etc so not scared any more. I didn`t like the start, when I had to keep the door open a bit for a few moments. I could smell the horrible stench of firelighters. Once gone,will never be bought again and nor the kindling, which spat all over the place. I have bitten the bullet and ordered an electric firelighter. I will get the cost back, eventually


Anyway I enjoyed the experience

Light the paper/ firelighters,and add some kindling.Let it burn.add a little more kindling.Let it burn,let the fire BREATHE.Open the vents and let it ROAR!Don't put a log on yet,chuck on something a little bigger than the kindling,and let it BURN.When it is really up the chimney and pulling,put one log on.Let it burn.When that is pulling put on another.You should have a fire going in 3 minutes and no more.Youmight want to close the vents now.

You cannot just light kindling and add a pyramid of logs.

pattypan4

Thanks. Yes lots to learn

caronc

I use wood wool firelighters like these https://www.logs2u.co.uk/twizler-wood-wool-firelighters-300g.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoobGwpHn4gIVaL7tCh38UAklEAQYAyABEgJTtvD_BwE , they work really well and aren't smelly nor very expensive.

pattypan4

Thanks caronc. The fire went down to just a very small glow and then it went out but the stove itself stayed warm for a long time and that makes it very efficient in my house. It was such a comfortable warmth that I dozed and still slept 7 hours last night. I felt de-stressed tbh. It was not anonymous and neutral like the ch. Anyway, later I will get another bag of those ash logs, so that I have a good reserve in my garage. I am looking forward to using the peat briquettes later in time and will add to those and will bring home 4 bags of smokeless eggs. I can get anthracite briquettes from the farmers shop, they are 8.99 for 20kg and don`t seem any different to homefire smokeless eggs but trial and error. I did not like the kindling, made from pine or similar, spat a lot and the lighters but both easily sorted. Another learning trial run when the weather is grim.



I re-read the instructions last night, it says to use firelighters, build an airy pyramid with logs and kindling over the lighters, put more firelighters on top to warm the flue. I agree with mumf about the log arrangement. Need to wack the air flow up to highest to stop any smoke blow back. A learning curve, glass is a bit dirty today but I never controlled the air wash properly, more concerned about the paint curing temperature

Laura_Elsewhere

A small plea, but... maybe if you can keep the peat for special occasions when you particularly want to enjoy the smell... a peat landscape takes two or three thousand years to form, and then it gets put into window-boxes, hanging baskets and wood-burners...! It's not the most quickly replaced of landscapes

[Deleted User]

Our stove which has a wood only fire bed also says to build a pyramid over some paper and a fire lighter and it took weeks of smoky non starting fires before we realised that technique just won't work. We use LOTS of paper scrunched up over ash from the last fire, light kindling on top and then a few slightly thicker sticks on top of that , have the air vent wide open and light the paper, if you're using a fire lighter put it somewhere on top of the paper under the kindling, when the fire has flared and the larger kindling is well and truly lit add a light log and close the door, wait until that is well away and add another and gradually increase the size of log you add until the fire is truly burning properly then close the air flow vent to where the fire will burn without flaring and flaming wildly. Then be warm and comfortable.

pattypan4

Peat is natural, does not give off vapours like flying machines. I love peat always use peat compost and no-one will tell me not to use peat, which is local to me. My local peat specialist store is always crowded with local people and from further away. I am now off to get more briquettes and some compost. Please don`t tell me what to do. Btw I hardly use plastic, never fly and don`t drive far



Thanks mrs lurcherwalker

katiepants

pattypan4 wrote: »

Peat is natural, does not give off vapours like flying machines. I love peat always use peat compost and no-one will tell me not to use peat, which is local to me. My local peat specialist store is always crowded with local people and from further away. I am now off to get more briquettes and some compost. Please don`t tell me what to do. Btw I hardly use plastic, never fly and don`t drive far

I hate to burst your bubble but...

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13034-peatland-destruction-is-releasing-vast-amounts-of-co2/

https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/peatlands-and-climate-change

pattypan4

lol, you are not bursting any bubble dear katiepants. You do what you want to do and I do what I want to do. I don`t dictate to other people, no-one will dictate to me.

I am well stocked up for winter now, loaded the car boot, I see much has already been sold. Very compact, takes up very little room along the wall in the garage. Got enough for a good 90 days so far, will get some more in a couple of weeks and it will keep indefinitely. Takes up far less room than the logs