If you are going to burn those monster splits and burn them N/S then do this. Let that mess burn down to a coal bed. When the stove top temp, measured on the front of the step-top, is down to 300 degrees drag the coals in a row across the front of the firebox. Use three of the large splits and leave an inch or so of space between the N/S and sit just the front six inches or so on top of the coal bed. Leave the air full open until you have good flames going and close it one quarter of the way. At 400 degrees close it another quarter. By five hundred degrees stove top you should have a nice fire between the splits and the tip of the coil spring on the air control somewhere around even with the front of the ash lip. Plus or minus depending on your wood and draft. You will have to judge where.
Forget about freaking secondaries. I won't even discuss them. You want the wood burning and your stove holding a steady temperature.
Forget about freaking secondaries. I won't even discuss them. You want the wood burning and your stove holding a steady temperature.