1. Clean ashes 2. Rake coals evenly 3. First layer of kindling 4. 2 sticks of fatwood perpendicular to kindling 5. Light kindling and let burn for 30 seconds 6. Thin layer of kindling on top 7. Several pieces of very thin full length spruce or pine splits 8. Medium logs then bigger logs
How I start a fire. Step 1 arrange 3-4 logs for maximum flame and air. Step 2 put homemade wax firestarter (saw chips or lint) in center Step 3 light. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
5 or 6 thin pieces of kindling sometimes, sometimes none. 3 splits across the bottom and 2 between them on top 1/4 of a super cedar broken down to 2 pieces Light super cedar and open primary and secondary air half way and relax.
I could but it would take longer to ignite. Sitting in between the two layers of kindling gives the kindling more air in between and the goal is to get that kindling going asap. I suppose it could be either way but I like having that air gap. I light the fatwood using a propane torch. I do this every morning first thing after getting dressed. Then I have to walk the dog and then take two trips to two different schools to drop off the kids. Time is of the essence and I need my beauty sleep.
It takes 3 fires to fill up that galvanized bucket. I get a ton of ashes, especially from Norway maple....I always leave a bit but it's a lot.
The good part is when you do you can see the dfiference between the rate with and without the fireback. How are you liking the grate, eh? If you burn every day for hours I'd suggest upgrading to the 3/4" fireback. My 3/8" one warped a little (functionally not a problem just aesthetically). They mention this on their website. Plus the fact that the thicker one is going to hold more heat for longer. But it does increase the cost significantly.
Start fire? Lay out kindling. Put on 3 small sticks of wood. Open drafts and damper. Get cigarette lighter and blow torch. Light blow torch and use torch to ignite kindling. Adjust drafts and damper and add more wood as needed Enjoy!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
One big split or round goes horizontally in the very back of the stove. One crumpled piece of newspaper or a few pieces of office "shred pile" paper - in front of the large split or round. Two small pieces of fatwood on top of the paper. Two pieces of kindling on top of the fatwood. One or two small splits on top of the kindling. Light with BBQ grill lighter. Stand back. Sip coffee, and enjoy the show.
There is something about starting a fire and while it is a relatively small task by itself it sure involves a lot of hard work, patience, and effort to get to that point. I like to think of it as a reward for my activities and I thoroughly enjoy it every single time as I imagine most if not all of you do as well.
I do like the rack, once it gets going it’s great. We only burn in the fireplace on the weekends. Would definitely opt for the thicker grate for sure.
My latest method... Shovel ash out of the way of the natural gas lighter rod. Put several small red maple logs on grate. Load up the top with uglies or unmarketable pieces. Light a piece of newspaper. Turn on the nat gas burner. Shove burning newspaper back to the gas. Leave the cold room, come back in ten and it's a-blaze. Shut off gas. Sip that rum n coke and rest my weary bones. Stare and don't think between sips. Slowly warm up until it's perfection. But then time for the final rum n coke.
Top down for me too. Big splits at the bottom. Thinner splits in next. Kindling on top. Light the kindling, close the door and sit back and enjoy. Adjust the primary and secondary air as required when the temperature builds. Burns for two hours or so before needing more big splits.
