I am new to wood burning (only tried it last season for 3 mos). I have an older Scandia308 and have been told that EnviBlocks and BioBricks are not recommended since they burn to hot. Unfortunately, I cannot get a definitive answer as to whether or not I need fire bricks for the bottom interior of the stove. Any advice is welcomed with regard to this matter!
EnviBlocks or BioBricks
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Search this forum for Biobricks (not Bioblocks) and you'll find a lot of interesting information.
The general opinion seems to be that they are safe but have to be used with some extra caution. Much as you should do if you were using very dry wood and small splits. There is a risk of overfiring so start with smaller fires (way fewer bricks than you could stuff into the firebox) and see what works for you.
For example, I will use mostly Biobricks this year. I have had a couple of small fires but the limit was 5 bricks at a time. I am guessing I might eventually get to 10 bricks per load. But if I was to stuff the firebox I could probably fit 20 bricks or more. That would be disastrous if they were to all go at once.
The general opinion seems to be that they are safe but have to be used with some extra caution. Much as you should do if you were using very dry wood and small splits. There is a risk of overfiring so start with smaller fires (way fewer bricks than you could stuff into the firebox) and see what works for you.
For example, I will use mostly Biobricks this year. I have had a couple of small fires but the limit was 5 bricks at a time. I am guessing I might eventually get to 10 bricks per load. But if I was to stuff the firebox I could probably fit 20 bricks or more. That would be disastrous if they were to all go at once.
Thank you for the feedback and education! Do you think I should get some fire blocks for the bottom? I was told to mix the EnviBlocks in with the wood for the overnight hours. The question then becomes what to do with the damper since the stove is either open or closed - although I do have a damper on the back of the unit. As I said, I am new to this so what is overfiring?
Thanks again EngineRep!
Thanks again EngineRep!
FireBurner said:
Get a copy of the manual and follow the instructions. If the stove manufacturer recommends or requires blocks or a grate put it/them in. If it doesn't recommend the blocks don't use them. Treat the bricks like cordwood -- don't modify the manufacturers operating instructions.
FireBurner said:
That should be fine. But burning them alone is fine too.
FireBurner said:
Close the damper (whether wood or compressed bricks) when the fire is well established. It slows the intensity of the fire and therefore the stove temperature. To not do so could result in a dangerous burn. Get a thermometer and watch the stove top temperature (limit should be discussed in the manual)!
FireBurner said:
Overfiring is getting the stove to a temperature that can damage the stove.
You are at the right place to ask questions - keep them coming.
But the importance of reviewing the stove manual for operating and safety instructions cannot be overstated.
I don't have a manual for the Scandia308 and from what I am reading in the blogs this is an extinct company. Ok another question, do I really need to stack the wood or can I leave it in the pile covered? hehe really no joke I am serious - I'm doing this stuff alone so it takes a toll but it's better than paying the oil prices I did last year or will this year!
I have no knowledge of this stove. I'd suggest that you start another thread with a title like "Request for Scandia 308 manual". Maybe someone on the forum has a manual that they can scan.
Also check out:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/QA_Templates/info/296/
Burning directly from a thrown pile should work provided (a) the wood is dry and (b) you can cover it to keep it dry. Stacking looks better, takes less space and makes it easier to cover.
Also check out:
https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/QA_Templates/info/296/
Burning directly from a thrown pile should work provided (a) the wood is dry and (b) you can cover it to keep it dry. Stacking looks better, takes less space and makes it easier to cover.
Great suggestion for the manual - Kudos! As for the wood it is covered and as far as esthetics I live in the middle of the woods so I guess I have my options as long as the wood stays dry! Thanks again....
I think I speak for a lot of us, EngineRep, when I say we'd appreciate some reflections on your experience this winter as you commit to burning a lot of these regularly. I, for one, am interested in the economics of burning them on a significant scale.
JBinOH said:
I'll be posting as I put them into 24/7 use. I bought six tons in early summer so I guess that shows my optimism (or foolishness - that's a big outlay for a first time purchaser). So far so good with just a few small fires.
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