Super 27 seems harder to start?

[back2basics]

New Super 27 as of this year. Been burning it since October 1st or so. Lately it seems that it's been tougher to get it started and a good initial burn going. My wood is all nice and dry - fir and maple and alder mix. I use only cedar kindling and fir to get it started. Is it possible it just needs a good cleanout? The ash in the box isn't very deep. Any suggestions/tips would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[EbS-P]

Have you tried a top down fire with more kindling than you think should ever need to use?

 

[back2basics]

I've not heard of this method, but just read an article about it. I guess part of my thinking is that I do not like to "waste" kindling - and might not be using as much as I should with my traditional starting method. But even so, considering I've started my stove the same way each time, it still seems to be a bit tougher to start. I don't have a ton of kindling on hand, and have been meaning to remedy the situation.

Thanks for the suggestion about top down start. I'll have to give it a try and see what I think.

 

[EbS-P]

I've not heard of this method, but just read an article about it. I guess part of my thinking is that I do not like to "waste" kindling - and might not be using as much as I should with my traditional starting method. But even so, considering I've started my stove the same way each time, it still seems to be a bit tougher to start. I don't have a ton of kindling on hand, and have been meaning to remedy the situation.

Thanks for the suggestion about top down start. I'll have to give it a try and see what I think.

You won’t go back

 

[EatenByLimestone]

2 things come to mind, if you have a cap on the top of your flue, it might be partially clogged with ash and need to be cleaned out. The other thing is you might have found a wetter patch of wood.