When burning down coals with shoulder season wood I use a bunch of small splits and don't fill it up but still aim for normal temperature. Aspen and pine are better than silver maple for this, but silver maple is better than small hardwood. I always keep a bunch of bark on hand. 5 pieces of bark can get the flue really hot and will raise stt somewhat.
My first load of the day went in about an hour ago. 3/4 load of shoulder season wood with ash & small embers off to one side.
My first load of the day went in about an hour ago. 3/4 load of shoulder season wood with ash & small embers off to one side.