What sand to use

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Coop0102

Member
Sep 5, 2011
20
Boston
Hi All,

Getting the wood stove ready and was curious what sand i should use as a base. I know i want about 2in on the bottom.
Any suggestions?

I picked up some pool filter sand, but after reading the bag, there is a big warning stats states it contains a carcinogen and to not breathe in the dust or use it in a sand box.

After reading that I figured Id come here and ask what you all use.
 
If your stove has a fire brick base, an accululation of ash (2-3 inches) should be all you need. The addition of sand on top of the fire brick only decreases the area available to develop that bed of ash and also a good base of coals to aid in heat production.
 
No, it is not.
 
Why not use playbox sand? I use some this summer to as a bed for some pavers I put down. It is relatively inexpensive, $4.30 for 50lb bag, and contains no harmful chems.
 
Coop0102 said:
I couldnt find any play sand unfortunetly. Ill return this filter sand.
Thank you fir the info

I found mine at Home Depot where they had the mortar/masonry stuff inside.
 
Coop0102 said:
Play sand acquired =)

Got a good 2in base on the bottom, ready to go .



What is the sand for? I have never even heard of this
 
cptoneleg said:
Coop0102 said:
Play sand acquired =)

Got a good 2in base on the bottom, ready to go .



What is the sand for? I have never even heard of this


The old VC Vigilant required a base of ash at all times to insulate the bottom of the stove and prevent it from cracking from the heat. Some use sand, I burned a few small fires to accumulate a base of ash.
 
Yah after alot of research and speaking with the local VC dealer (he actually has and uses a 77 vigilant) I went with sand. The dealer said sand is much better at protecting the bottom of the stove than the ash.
 
Now I see, thank you
 
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