I know that many of you have low regard for the stove and you are probably correct. Nevertheless, the stove came with the house, which is a second home rather than my primary residence, and I just can't justify replacing the stove right now. I have a few questions about operating the stove to best advantage and would appreciate any input.
I have the operating manual and am trying to follow the instructions. On initial start up I use only the primary air control. When the external stove temperature reaches about 400 I close the by-pass gate and close the primary then open the secondary controls.
I read the article on Tending a Wood Fire and believe that the Federal Airtight qualifies as a type #2 stove. The primary air control dial is on the ash door at the front of the stove and there are two secondary air control dials on the side loading door. If I understand the article correctly I should be raking the embers toward the side loading door when reloading.
The stove has very small fire box and thus far I generally get the external temperature to the 350-400 range with reload needed about every 3 hours. When it is cruising in that temperature range I can see some secondary burn occurring near the cat so I believe that I am on the right path. There is obviously a learning curve associated with using the various air controls, etc. so I would appreciate any hints.
I did not install the stove and cannot answer questions about draft, chimney height etc. The wood I am currently burning was standing dead wood on the property, probably maple.
I have the operating manual and am trying to follow the instructions. On initial start up I use only the primary air control. When the external stove temperature reaches about 400 I close the by-pass gate and close the primary then open the secondary controls.
I read the article on Tending a Wood Fire and believe that the Federal Airtight qualifies as a type #2 stove. The primary air control dial is on the ash door at the front of the stove and there are two secondary air control dials on the side loading door. If I understand the article correctly I should be raking the embers toward the side loading door when reloading.
The stove has very small fire box and thus far I generally get the external temperature to the 350-400 range with reload needed about every 3 hours. When it is cruising in that temperature range I can see some secondary burn occurring near the cat so I believe that I am on the right path. There is obviously a learning curve associated with using the various air controls, etc. so I would appreciate any hints.
I did not install the stove and cannot answer questions about draft, chimney height etc. The wood I am currently burning was standing dead wood on the property, probably maple.
