Not sure how people load their splits in any type stove but if you notice in the picture, a trick to use, is stick the thin edge of a split that is triangle shaped , put the thin edge down into the hot coals for a faster startup.
I might do that if I don't need much heat, but when I'm doing a full load, that's a lot of empty space. Kinda looks like that's that you're doing. Trying to burn down some coals yesterday and the 3 pieces I put in just sat there for a little longer than usual, then suddenly burst into flame. I just happened to be watching.
Good idea for a cold start or burning down the coals. For a reload, I like to put large splits on the bottom, bark side down, and put a few pieces of kindling in the middle, in front of the dog house. The kindling gets the fire going quick enough and helps to get that column of fire going, if I'm lucky. Makes for a nice hot, slow burn.
Sems everyone has a good technique. Birch bark on the splits helps too. If I have hot coals, fast loading is a must.
About an hour before a relaod I pull all the coals forward and open the air up full to burn them down. In the back of the stove I can usually see the firebrick on the bottom. I'll lay in two pieces E/W and then lay the remaining load N/S to the top. I lay the N/S pieces bark side down for a slow catch ontop of the coals in the front. The laod will slowly light from front to back and this way I can get a longer, slower burn. I have learned that if the coals are still big and super hot in front I lose the slow approach to the reload. Trial and error (and some Murphy) at work... Good thread.
That's how I generally load the Buck 91 but I'll pull the coals into the center running N-S. I then load the sides with wood on the floor of the stove, then put some smaller splits in the center, on the coals. It really doesn't matter as much how I load the stove because it has separate doghouse air and airwash controls. With the doghouse air, I can get just the center of the load burning. With airwash air I can get the entire front of the load burning.
The Quad insert that I have has a single doghouse air inlet that is front and center so the technique on it is to get the space between two splits right in front of it. Then air rips in between the pieces and it takes right off. If one is nose to the coals then it might go faster but 2 pieces centered between the inlet is the key.
There aren't usually many coals with pine. In the mornings I take a split small enough for one hand, push any coals towards the center with the split, place a few more smaller splits on it and pray they light. Never had the opportunity to burn hardwood.
Took awhile,found / read the treads, you had a Blaze King insert, Upgraded the chimney etc bunch of stuff &. Replaced the BK with the englander. Now I know the englander is a non cat Now you have a stray cat hanging around . Someone trying to tell you something ? You need a cat. ? LOL.
