Still Learning

[Cynnergy]

We've been burning a lot of alder too - it coals much better than fir and doesn't burn as hot, which is perfect for us with a stove that is large for the space. I finally have some alder that's dry this year and it's awesome.

 

[Sprinter]

Explore and try new things.

That's me all over. Can't tell you how much trouble that's gotten me into...

 

[Sprinter]

I finally have some alder that's dry this year and it's awesome.

I like alder too. It doesn't measure high on the BTU/cord charts, but has a lot of other things going for it.

1. Plentiful around here. Especially in areas that have been logged off and left for the alder.
2. Easy to split since it's nice and straight grained.
3. Dries fairly fast, although not as fast as soft woods like pine.
4. It leaves a lot of ash, but I prefer to see that on a positive note. Overnight, the ash tends to insulate the coals, making it easier for a restart and keeps the stove a bit warmer.

 

[St. Coemgen]

If you get too much heat from your stove, some options to mitigate can be found at:

Five Ways to Control Heat Output: http://woodheat.org/control-heat-output.html

And if those fail, just open a window for a short amount of time (lets in nice fresh air for both you and the stove).

 

[FireRod]

How often does it get into the teens and hard to heat?

From year to year it is hard to say. This winter hasn't been bad at all, in fact it has been a very mild for us here in So, Jersey. Last year, a much different story, very cold and long. I'm retired also, so tending the stove most of the time isn't a problem. But, a larger firebox would allow me not to have to get up in the middle of the night to load enough wood to stay burning.

 

[FireRod]

How many cord does it hold?

Thanks for the compliment! Almost 2 .5 cords.

 

[FireRod]

Five Ways to Control Heat Output: http://woodheat.org/control-heat-output.html

Thanks, Great Tips!

 

[begreen]

From year to year it is hard to say. This winter hasn't been bad at all, in fact it has been a very mild for us here in So, Jersey. Last year, a much different story, very cold and long. I'm retired also, so tending the stove most of the time isn't a problem. But, a larger firebox would allow me not to have to get up in the middle of the night to load enough wood to stay burning.

The F3CB is a sweet little stove but it was never meant to be an overnight burner.

 

[FireRod]

I know! I thought if I got a larger stove it would be too much. I'm limited in size due to the hearth I built years ago. The F400 will fit nicely if I do decide to upgrade.

 

[Cynnergy]

I think an upgrade would be nice for you. To me, getting up in the night to load the stove is a no-go. I like my sleep . I'm not sure of the firewood species in your area, but ask around (maybe in The Woodshed?) about species that might be good for burning low and slow. A low BTU hardwood might be your best bet?

 

[FireRod]

We have a large variety of wood here. I do try to burn only oak and other hardwoods but I do have about a cord and a half of cherry I'll be burning next year that is already split.