Tried a different reload - Photos

Our wood heater is not that deep and was trying to reload in a way that would extend the burn of the reload. I cut my wood in 10" lengths and load north/south.

What I did:
Raked the coals to the left which left none on the right. Since there were no coals on the right I could take my time building the reload. Layed 2-1" sized kindling pieces towards the front end to end just touching the coals on the left to let air get under the pieces on the right. Loaded larger oak pieces on the bottom from right to left to just on the edge of the coals to minimize smoke. Next, loaded above the larger pieces with oak up to about the top of the stove brick lining. Placed one small kindling on the coals and two larger pieces of pine with medium sized oak up to the brick level. Fire started and gradually closed the primary air down completely. Fire basically burned from the top down on the right side of the stove. Wife said that the stove was still actively burning when shed awoke this morning. Seemed to work fine burning from left to right. Not sure if burning this way warps any of the insides going from one side to the other. Any one else ever try this?

Drolet Savannah 1.6 cu.ft.

What I noticed about the way I reloaded this morning is that it is similar to E/W in that you rake the coals and you place the wood tightly on warm ashes or firebrick. When I cut down the primary air it basically burns top down on the right with no flaring on the front right side of the box. So you have a combination quick start with top down burning. In my situation there is just not enough room for E/W loading before the pieces roll against the glass.

Here is the reload with coals raked all the way to the left
Since there were no coals on the right side it made loading and
packing easier. This is with the primary air fully out


The left side here is in full combustion and
the secondaries are burning above. The primary air
is almost completely closed at this point


The primary air is closed completely and the
right side is burning from top down from the secondary
flames on the right.


This has produced a longer burn time for me
at a relatively high temperature.

jatoxico said:

How long a burn time did you get and how does that compare to previous loads? If you can repeat your success you may be onto something with your setup.

I wish I had loading options but my box is <12" deep and 24" wide so for the most part I have to go E/W.

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My combustion chamber is 11.25"DX20.25"W. My wife and daughters love loading N/S because it reduces burns and the wood doesn't fall against the glass. I did a test by using a delta chop saw and cut wood to 10" lengths - no going back, I cut everything to 10" lengths.

Lighting Up said:

Nice...how long was it between picture one and picture two when the secondaries got going a and you cut the air?Sometimes I wait to late thinking all the wood needs to be charred to cut the air. Again, you need very dry seasoned wood for this...

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It was about ten minutes between photo 1 and photo 2. Photo 2 was taken when the primary air was out only 1/4". Another 5-7minutes to completely close the primary air. Just gradually reduce the primary air. Sitting on the floor with a cup of coffee makes it easier.