Well, after lurking around this forum for the last few months, I think I am on the right track.
We have a VC Winter warm large that came with the house we purchased. The previous owners had new gaskets, cat and glass installed for us. They also left us four Woodhaven racks with covers on a slab outside to loading door. We had the chimney (outside masonry) swept and was advised it was in good shape.
I have scrounged about a cord of silver maple and a little pine. A tree service also dropped off a dump truck and grain truck full of silver and sugar maple last weekend so I have almost got it processed. Recently I scored a cord plus of oak with more to come.
Yes, this is stacked for 2 years of seasoning.
I also filled two of the large Woodhaven racks with seasoned walnut I purchased and will likely need to buy some more for this winter. I have a moisture meter and have been checking when splitting so I know I am working for future seasons wood.
We have had a few fires so far and learned immediately that it needs to be hot to start the draft, I did clean the OAK between fire 1 and 2, but think the draft was the main issue. The third fire was hot strong and lasted several hours, I have also had a couple overnighters but smoked the glass, so I may need to up the air a little.
I believe I have become addicted, as I find myself driving and looking at wood piles, trying to identify trees and cleared a lot of brush out so I have room for stacks.
I know how pictures are appreciated so I included a few of the stacks and hearth.
Thank you for all the wonderful information on this sight.
We have a VC Winter warm large that came with the house we purchased. The previous owners had new gaskets, cat and glass installed for us. They also left us four Woodhaven racks with covers on a slab outside to loading door. We had the chimney (outside masonry) swept and was advised it was in good shape.
I have scrounged about a cord of silver maple and a little pine. A tree service also dropped off a dump truck and grain truck full of silver and sugar maple last weekend so I have almost got it processed. Recently I scored a cord plus of oak with more to come.
Yes, this is stacked for 2 years of seasoning.
I also filled two of the large Woodhaven racks with seasoned walnut I purchased and will likely need to buy some more for this winter. I have a moisture meter and have been checking when splitting so I know I am working for future seasons wood.
We have had a few fires so far and learned immediately that it needs to be hot to start the draft, I did clean the OAK between fire 1 and 2, but think the draft was the main issue. The third fire was hot strong and lasted several hours, I have also had a couple overnighters but smoked the glass, so I may need to up the air a little.
I believe I have become addicted, as I find myself driving and looking at wood piles, trying to identify trees and cleared a lot of brush out so I have room for stacks.
I know how pictures are appreciated so I included a few of the stacks and hearth.
Thank you for all the wonderful information on this sight.