Inherited a Dutchwest India Federal. I've got questions

[Nettar]

Our home came with a Consolidated Dutchwest (India) wood and coal stove with a catalytic combuster.

I do not burn coal in it but have some questions about how to handle it with wood.

I am currently firing the stove with all air intakes nearly full open. After the fire has gotten going I close the air intakes on the loading door and on the door that accesses the ash tray to a gap of about 1/4 to 3/8" to allow the stove to get to a good temperature. At that point I kick in the catalytic combuster.

The question is what do I do with the air intakes after the combuster is engaged?

For all stages I'm leaving the upper intake full open.

Any advice will be much appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[begreen]

Sounds like too much air for a wood fire. The under air (ashpan) should be closed and the door air almost closed once the fire is burning well. PDF instructions for operation of the Pre-1990 Dutchwest stoves is located here:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/dutchwest-cdw-documents/

 

[Nettar]

Sounds like too much air for a wood fire. The under air (ashpan) should be closed and the door air almost closed once the fire is burning well. PDF instructions for operation of the Pre-1990 Dutchwest stoves is located here:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/dutchwest-cdw-documents/

Thanks!