I moved into my house a few years ago and never gave the fireplace a thought because it was in the basement and it wasn't used. But over the years I've become more curious about the fireplace i have.
I did some research and found that it's an old Baker Double Eagle cast iron slammer. (Thanks chimney folks for telling me what a slammer is). There is no liner because it's a slammer, but they said it was usable as long as I get the chimney swept every year or so which is no problem.
However my problem is, I've never used this type of fireplace. I only ever had the open air fireplaces, never an insert or cast iron type with no see through door. So my question is, how do I use these old style inserts? It's got a bed of ceramic brick, but no grate. Do I just put wood directly onto the brick? Do I keep it clear of all ash every burn? Do I keep a layer of ash over the brick? How much wood do I stack up in it?
Thanks for any advice. Attached is a picture of the big beast.
I did some research and found that it's an old Baker Double Eagle cast iron slammer. (Thanks chimney folks for telling me what a slammer is). There is no liner because it's a slammer, but they said it was usable as long as I get the chimney swept every year or so which is no problem.
However my problem is, I've never used this type of fireplace. I only ever had the open air fireplaces, never an insert or cast iron type with no see through door. So my question is, how do I use these old style inserts? It's got a bed of ceramic brick, but no grate. Do I just put wood directly onto the brick? Do I keep it clear of all ash every burn? Do I keep a layer of ash over the brick? How much wood do I stack up in it?
Thanks for any advice. Attached is a picture of the big beast.
![[Hearth.com] Old Baker Double Eagle](/talk/data/attachments/342/342420-bb7abbe0d2c0f4ca38092c501f241ca8.jpg?hash=8P9zrBw2Oy)
