8
Furthermore, during the initial heating up and cooling down, some "click-sounds" may
occur from the metals being exposed to the large differences in temperature. This is
normal.
For wood to burn correctly, the right amount of air has to be supplied at the right
time and places.
Primary air is defined as combustion air for burning the “mass of wood" and stimulates
production of volatile gases.
Secondary air is used to burn off the gases at high temperatures (above 1,000°F (540°C))
and to keep the glass free of soot.
Basically, the primary air is used to start the fire, and the secondary air is used to maintain
the fire.
The RAIS Malta Series stoves are equipped with an air control handle on the right side just
below the door. When the handle is pulled out all the way to Position 1, the primary air
and secondary air are both fully open.
When the handle is pushed in a notch to Position 2, the stove gets only the full secondary
air, and if the handle is pushed in further to Position 0, the air supply is reduced. At
Position 0, the stove will shut down.
The handle on the right side just behind the door controls the shaker grate. It simplifies the
cleaning of the stove. You just shake the ashes through the grate into the ash pan.
Refer to Removing the Ashes in the CARE AND MAINTENANCE Section of the
Manual for detailed directions.
Firewood used should be seasoned, split wood with an adequate low degree of moisture
(15 - 22%), and ideally about 12 - 14” (30 - 36cm) in length. In order to get “dry wood”, it
should be stored in a dry place under a roof with sufficient fresh airflow for at least one full
year for softer woods and a minimum of two years for hardwoods.
Only use the wood fuel as described in the FIREWOOD Section of this manual!
Building the Fire
To start the fire lay a few pieces of kindling or dry twigs and paper at the back of the
firebox (enough for a small fire). Build the wood directly on the stove hearth, and do
not use a grate or elevate the fire.
Pull the air control handle out to Position 1. Light the fire, and during start up you can leave
the door slightly cracked (with supervision) until the kindling is burning well. Add 1 or 2 split
logs on the kindling fire and allow enough time for them to catch on fire (about 2 - 5
minutes). Now close the door completely, and push the air control handle to Position 2.
