Comments
whaletacochamp t1_j6v2m6o wrote
I used to pride myself on starting my stove/campfires with one match and no paper. Now I just want heat asap so 2-3 pieces of fat wood and some kindling on top of two medium splits plus the MAPP torch and I’ve got the same satisfaction. The torch is also great for getting a draft up your flue if you have issues with that.
beep_check t1_j6wg8hr wrote
i often start my fire with a propane torch too. you can still get a fire going with very little smoke that way.
i don't think the torch saves much time, but it's easier than assembling a proper stack.
zarnov OP t1_j74kx0r wrote
Ok, I did use paper, but way less than normal+no precarious stack of kindling on top and it started right up! Now, top down is even east!!thanks for suggestion.
zarnov OP t1_j6ul4ls wrote
Hmm, my wood is pretty dry. I’ll try that and/or less paper and see how it goes.
beep_check t1_j6wg0pj wrote
the key that I've found is to put the biggest logs on the bottom, and using smaller pieces as you go up the stack
by the time you get to the top the pieces should be pencil sized, with a little bit of tinder at the top to get it going
hudsoncider t1_j6wnllf wrote
I think you just described the top down method :-)
No-Menu-5104 t1_j6uva0d wrote
My stove runs nonstop all winter. I throw a log in and it lights up within 15 seconds or so.
whaletacochamp t1_j6v2v9k wrote
Same. Only possible with good dry wood. Only time it goes down is if I want to do a full ash scoop or I go away for the weekend.
When I get up in the morning or get home from work it might take some kindling but I rarely have to truly “start” the stove from cold.
BothCourage9285 t1_j6x8b2m wrote
This is the way
NoMidnight5366 t1_j6unste wrote
I’ll give it a try. I only actually light the stove 5-6 times throughout the winter and keep it going or bury the coals in ash for a period of time.
whaletacochamp t1_j6v3q3f wrote
Don’t you love excavating some coals, piling some kindling and splits on top of them, and sitting there as the coals start to glow brighter, the kindling starts to pyrolyze, you can start to hear more air intake, and finally POOF everything goes up in flames. It’s especially great early on a cold dark winter morning before anyone else is up while you can smell your coffee brewing. Hnnng 🤤
NoMidnight5366 t1_j6v6mx7 wrote
I love when my daughter comes down and says she wants a fire and I dig out the coals and throw a couple sticks on and there’s a ripping fire in five minutes.
whaletacochamp t1_j6va7sg wrote
I bet she does too 😃
My 7mo old is already captivated by the woodstove. An extensive guardrail situation will be installed asap lol.
whaletacochamp t1_j6v26cr wrote
Thought this was /r/woodstoving for a second! This is a very popular topic over there.
It’s the only way I’ll start my stove from cold (if there are already some hot coals I guess it’s not technically top down). The ol Jotul is gonna get a workout these next few days. Brought in almost 1/4 cord this week so far already and that will probably only last through tomorrow.
zarnov OP t1_j6v47nh wrote
I had a wood stove for two years before someone mentioned the method to me. Also great because you can start it and walk away for an hour. Gets hotter way faster too (it seems).
whaletacochamp t1_j6v4m7v wrote
My stove can go from ice cold with a cold down draft to the high edge of the “safe” zone on my thermometer in 15 minutes or less using the top down method.
Threadbare70 t1_j6wgdhz wrote
Our stove runs 24/7. I can't remember how I started it for the last time back in late October....
GraniteGeekNH t1_j6wxtuk wrote
what do you do with ashes?
Threadbare70 t1_j6xiava wrote
Our stove has an ash-pan, which I empty a couple times a week into a big metal bucket. When the bucket is full, I dump the ashes in the woods.
d-cent t1_j6unkjk wrote
Absolutely. Especially on cold days like today.
SixethJerzathon t1_j6v21ob wrote
Is that where you start with high expectations for a roaring fire on a cold snowy day and then get let down by shitty wet ass wood that wouldn't burn in the forge of the sun?
whaletacochamp t1_j6v394m wrote
“Dry hardwood firewood $475 per cord”
- poplar and pine stored at the bottom of the Mariana Trench and split 7 minutes ago is delivered
woburnite t1_j6ydmhc wrote
Be sure to tell the dealer you are new to heating with wood, he will make sure you get the very best, extra heavy wood.
woburnite t1_j6ydd9o wrote
I do a modified top down in my fireplace - two big logs on the bottom and then start the fire on top of that.
AvianQuill t1_j6ygyy0 wrote
Yes! Top down all the way - it’s so much faster and efficient for our stove.
beep_check t1_j6ujx1v wrote
when your wood is nice and dry, you can light a top down fire with a match and no paper.
the result is smoke free, apart from any birch bark you might have topped it off with.