What a year has taught me.

The Woodstock Classic in my studio is not completely unfamiliar to me as we've operated a Woodstock Fireview since 1991. But what I'm discovering is that because "I'm in charge" of its operation I've worked out my own "schedule" of feeding it to maintain a comfy temperature in the space with minimal wood and work on my part.

I've found that 3 smallish loads of wood/day is more than adequate (a comfortable load for a woman who's not an Amazon), ashes emptied once weekly is adequate, and that I use A LOT less kindling than the husband does. Also, that I prefer to top off the woodbox after I load the stove so I don't have to bring in wood as well as massage the coals to new life. I like being able to reach the splits immediately.

This will be my first winter with the Classic in that space and my goal is to keep the space within easy reach of "cozy". For me that means high 50s-low 60s. I've not had to start a fire from "scratch" in nearly 3 wks. now.

This year , just as the last four years it never amazes me how many helpfull and funny friends I meet on the forum. Also, I enjoy Winter more and more, not usual sentiment for a golfer.

Now this post gives me hope! As a long time stove burner and a new Oslo burner, I was getting discouraged because I have burned more wood already this year in the new "more efficient" stove than all last year--and got less heat from it. SO - you give me encouragement to keep trying to learn its quirks. Keep up the informative posts as someday something will surely soak in. The manuals are really no much help.

Happy New Year to all!

Buffygirl
New Olso this Fall 09

buffygirl said:

Now this post gives me hope! As a long time stove burner and a new Oslo burner, I was getting discouraged because I have burned more wood already this year in the new "more efficient" stove than all last year--and got less heat from it. SO - you give me encouragement to keep trying to learn its quirks. Keep up the informative posts as someday something will surely soak in. The manuals are really no much help.

Happy New Year to all!

Buffygirl
New Olso this Fall 09

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Not meaning to hijack FWWARDEN's thread, but, buffygirl, it may take longer than a single year to get it.
Sounds like you may have had an older stove burning quite well before getting this new one.
I have an older, pre-epa model, and this is my 4th year with it. I'm STILL learning the darn thing. For instance, I mentioned in another thread, I started using the blower this year, and it's helped keep the stove temps more even and also moves the hot air out of the stove room. The stove room now doesn't get to the volcanic stage (most of the time), and the rest of the house is warmer. Go figure.
You'll get it.

buffygirl said:

Now this post gives me hope! As a long time stove burner and a new Oslo burner, I was getting discouraged because I have burned more wood already this year in the new "more efficient" stove than all last year--and got less heat from it. SO - you give me encouragement to keep trying to learn its quirks. Keep up the informative posts as someday something will surely soak in. The manuals are really no much help.

Happy New Year to all!

Buffygirl
New Olso this Fall 09

Click to expand...

At some point this year . . . or maybe at the start of next year when you've figured out what works best and you've adapted other's tips and techniques for your own you will no doubt have one of those "Ah hah"moments when suddenly everything will be much clearer -- you will burn less wood, get more heat from your stove, have longer burns, end up with good coals to restart the fire after an overnight burn and will develop a routine so heating with wood is not a chore but just one of those daily tasks you do.

And as for burning less wood . . . this happens for many reasons . . . you learn how to burn with longer cycles, you discover the true joy of burning with seasoned wood and don't have to have the air open as much or for as long and you will discover why having some ash in the bottom of the firebox is a good thing.