Optimal split size for a Tarm excell 2200

[LarryD]

I recently ordered a Tarm excel 2200 and we are cutting and splitting wood for 09-10. We have been heating with a stove in our basement for a few years. This will be our third heating appliance in 4 years! I guess we like learning curves. Actually we are putting on a pretty good size addition and this seemed like a good time to go to a boiler. I am lobbying with my wife to keep our Isle Royale, what a great stove. My question, for "optimal" performance how large should the splits be?

I am sure I will have a million more questions once the install is underway.

Thanks inadvance

LarryD

 

[woodmaster]

In the owners manual they suggest not more than 5" across. The Tarm likes dry wood so I tend to split smaller and 20" is what I have been using for length.

 

[LarryD]

That helps. Thanks for your reply

LarryD

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Does "not more than 5" across" include a round with a 5" diameter? Not sure of my use of "round", here I mean a branch, approximately round, with a diameter of 5".

 

[woodmaster]

In my experience I would maybe have a few 5" round but would be splitting 80% of these in half. I can never seem to keep up with the year ahead wood and am usually drying for six months so splitting on the small side helps for me.

 

[LarryD]

The wood we are splitting is for 09-10. This would be sufficient in our stove, I hope it will be fine in the boiler. The one challenge we are facing is that the best wood drying spot in the yard will be blocked by our addition. The reason I posted the question originally is exactly what woodmaster is referring to. I do know there will be a learning curve! I would hate to be in a situation in two years that our wood isn't seasoned enough. Time will tell

LarryD

 

[chrisfallis]

I would split it only as small as it needs to be to get in the door while you are gripping it with two hands. The smallish loading door limits what you can get in there, so don't plan on throwing in huge chunks. You also have to plan to set the splits in, not just toss them in to protect the refractory nozzle at the bottom of the firebox. All these factors lead up to a chunk of wood that you can grip and old with one hand, maybe two.