read about it...tried it....like it, also lots of pics.

i read about the cigar burn, so i decided to try it out. i have loaded the stove 2-3 splits n/s and 2-3 splits e/w. which has worked well but there has been sometimes where i can not fit in the splits on top e/w so only 3-4 splits in the stove. now with all n/s i load as many splits as i can, and even split the split to make it fit. so rake all coals forward or as much as possible, need to buy welding glove. right hand has lost all the hair on it. so rake coals forward, load in the wood, leave door open a crack, shut door, go 3/4 open, 1/2 open. 30 minutes later. by that time i close the air all the way and just barely tap the lever back over so prolly 10% open and the stove cruises at 550-600 for about 3-4 hrs. ends burn first and burns front to back and the secondaries really like this set up. usually at the end of the 3-4 hours i open air back to 3/4 open and then the blue flames start for about another 1hr or so. then start all over again. can not remember who posted about the cigar burn, but thanks to all who have.
i can stretch another 1hr to 2hr out of a load of wood.
burn on.

more pics and i will try that, rake coals forward bunch them up and try some more air, also i think this will help in burning down into more ash for some easy removal of the ash and keeping enough coals for next time.

oldspark said:

The old cigar burn, first time I read about that was when they started putting baffles in wood burners, I guess 30 to 40 years ago.

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ummm at that long ago i was not even a thought to my parents yet.

oldspark said:

I could not find it in the posts, what kind of wood is that?

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so i have a friend that works for the city parks and recreation, when the department cuts down a tree, he calls me and i go pick it up. the city yard is a few blocks from where i work and it is all cut to 14-16 inch lengths. so bring the truck to work, on the way home pick up a load and take home, but here is the kicker, it is usually all cottonwood. i do have some elm and sycamore, but this is for next year. the cottonwood was split this year in march. the city employees always pick the good stuff and leave the cottonwood. it is cut to length and free. that is what i tell myself when i am loading the truck.

with the coals, when i reload stove is at 200-250 temp. with raking the coals forward and letting burn more. at what temp do i reload. i know that now when i reload, wood takes right off and no waiting. should i let the temp drop more? the stove is still good and hot and i know if i rake coals forward and wait more, more heat less fuel and longer time between reloads, i like that. i also think with cottonwood the stuff takes fire real easy anyways. blower should be here in first week of Dec. can not wait to see the difference. thanks for all the replies.

i did try the e/w loading, stove did not really respond to it, like it does with n/s. and yep all the coals need to be front of stove, also found that out with a thermo moment.wood all flames,secondaries hell dancing, stove 700, open window, fan on high towards stove, garage door open at top of stairs another box fan pushing air down stairs. finally opened stove door and let just burn. yep can not wait to get some good wood. i have burned some cherry and it has done better. i would love to load it full of hard wood and let her eat. i would like the fact of less loading, or less fuel for better burn. seems like i am going through 12-15 splits of cottonwood in the day. would like to make it less.