4. Stove Lighting and Operation
Before lighting the stove:
Recommended fuel: Use small, dry sticks or lumber scraps for best performance. 1-1.5 in. (2.5-4 cm) diameter is ideal.
Use straight sticks, when possible, and break off any twigs in order to maximize self-feeding effectiveness.
Avoid burning salt water drift wood, as this will increase corrosion of the stove internals.
Never burn pressure treated lumber. Toxic fumes are emitted.
Folding fuel chute position: Make sure that the fuel chute is fully open and is resting above the lip of the stove
’
s fuel feed
entrance to help make sure that sticks feed in smoothly.
Lighting the stove:
1. Remove the ash tray and arrange tinder/kindling inside it.
Fire starting liquid or gel may be used.
2. Place sticks into the fuel feed of the stove.
The sticks should be spaced about 3/8 in. (1 cm) apart from each other for quick lighting.
3. Light the fire in the ash tray and fully re-insert it into the stove (beneath the sticks) once the fire is burning strongly.
WARNING
: Make sure that there is always water or cooking oil in your pot, pressure cooker, or autoclave when stove is lit.
Never burn them dry, or the heat from the fire, which can exceed 1800°F (1000°C), can destroy them and the stove.
CAUTION
: If the stove does get wet, allow it to dry completely before lighting (this may take several days).
If lit while wet, the stove will consume extra wood while drying, burn cooler, and corrode much faster than normal.
NOTE
: Remove cardboard spacers holding the fire grate and ash tray in place before lighting your stove for the first time.
Tending the fire:
Controlling firepower: Firepower can be controlled by adding or removing sticks until the desired firepower is achieved.
The stove will self-feed relatively smooth, straight sticks into the fire at a fairly constant rate.
Adding more fuel: To avoid a surge in the fire when adding more wood, place the tips of new sticks against the end of the
sticks currently burning so that they help to push them into the fire at a constant rate before burning, themselves.
NOTE
: Make sure that sticks rest on the bottom surface of the stove
’
s fuel feed. If they are so long that they tend to tip back
out of the stove, they will not self-feed correctly.
Over-feeding/over-firing: Do not stuff the firebox full of wood.
This will decrease the quality of the burn and lifespan of the stove with minimal increase in firepower.
If the stove produces visible smoking while burning dry wood, it is being over-fed.
3. Stove Placement and Storage
Placement while in operation:
To ensure safety and maximize lifespan, never operate your stove:
On flammable surfaces such as wood floors, grass or brush, etc. The bottom of the stove may exceed 400°F —
hot
enough to char or ignite these materials.
The stove can be safe to use over wood flooring if elevated at least 6 inches (0.2 m) above the floor. (This does not in-
clude sealed hardwood, veneers/composites, carpeted wood floors, or other products with plastic/coatings.)
Near flammable or combustible materials like fire starting fluid, curtains, tent walls, etc.
Make sure the sides of the stove and chimney are at least 18 in. (0.5 m) away from flammable structures and materials.
Make sure that combustible/inflammable items such as gasoline, fire starter fluid, etc. are kept far away from the stove.
In the rain or while wet. The combination of water and high heat will cause the stainless steel internals to corrode.
On uneven surfaces. Hot liquid may spill out of the pot.
In enclosed spaces—unless the chimney is routed to the outdoors with an approved chimney thimble.
Even if no smoke is visible, the stove still emits toxins including carbon monoxide.
Storage:
Always store the stove in a dry place. If you live near the ocean, make sure that it is not exposed to salt spray/dew.
Always allow the stove to cool completely before storage.
Make sure that any food residue is removed before storage to prevent corrosion.
NOTE
:
This stove is not certified by the US EPA or Canadian CSA as a residential heater. You are responsible for
ensuring that installation and usage of your stove are in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
