It seems to take forever to get a fire started in this model. What am I doing wrong? I've tried bottom up and top down, neither seems to work like I hope. Details:
1. The manual says not to use a grate, to build the fire directly on the firebrick.
2. I don't know what species of wood I have, but it's VERY dry, like 11% MC, but it just won't seem to catch fire easily.
3. Can I smother a fire with too much newspaper? I can't seem to do without lots of it.
How long should it take to get a good fire going, to where no smoke is visible coming from the chimney?
How soon should the door be closed?
When if ever should the air control be adjusted?
I basically have no idea what I'm doing, but I don't remember ever having this much trouble with an open fireplace.
1. The manual says not to use a grate, to build the fire directly on the firebrick.
2. I don't know what species of wood I have, but it's VERY dry, like 11% MC, but it just won't seem to catch fire easily.
3. Can I smother a fire with too much newspaper? I can't seem to do without lots of it.
How long should it take to get a good fire going, to where no smoke is visible coming from the chimney?
How soon should the door be closed?
When if ever should the air control be adjusted?
I basically have no idea what I'm doing, but I don't remember ever having this much trouble with an open fireplace.