Loading the box ,from the gate ? Or after a coal bed?

[tinman1]

Just looking to see what the others are doing ? From a COLD START are you loading the fire box with a full load & kindling ? Or are you getting a coal bed started then adding a load from there on ? If you are loading from a cold start , how much time will you be then stating to damper the primary down ?

 

[bholler]

I generally do a full load with some kindling. But you need to find what works best for you. As far as time till you start to close down air that will vary greatly depending on your wood your stove your chimney outside temps ect. You just need to watch your temperatures and figure out what works best for your setup.

 

[tarzan]

I do both. In the shoulder season I will start a kindling fire( top down now) to establish a draft before adding cord wood on top.

On colder days I load the stove from a cold start. I don't start many fires this way though since we burn 24/7 once weather permits.

 

[Colorado Boy]

Full load with kindling on top then I don't have to worry about it again for several hours. Might as well load it up.

 

[BrotherBart]

I always establish a coal bed and then load.

 

[firefighterjake]

I've done it both ways ... mostly though I do a full load with kindling ... well full load if the need is there.