Stove Operating Instructions

Assembly

The assembling of your quality multi-fuel stove is generally a straightforward matter. This may include (depending on model purchased) bolting on the legs, hooking on the door and bolting the stove outlet plate and hotpalte in place, using a small bead of fire cement underneath.

Some models - ie small Potbelly varieties require additional bolting together with smearing of fire cement on some joints. Take care not to over-tighten any of the nuts and bolts.

If you require any other assistance with assemby, please contact us.

Installation

It is ultimately down to the user/installer to ensure the suitability of the stove and the location it is to be used in. Although generally a multi-fuel stove is easy to install, local building regulations should be checked as they can vary slightly from area to area. Regarding flue pipes and liners to be used, we are happy to help you work out what you need - but ultimately you should consult with your installer for best advice. Particular care must be taken when passing though or near any combustiable surfaces.

Seasoning (initial use of stove)

Multi-fuel cast iron stoves need seasoning. Cast iron is the best material known for retaining heat and it MUST be seasoned correctly to avoid it cracking.

Prior to initial lighting where wood burning only is required, take out all of the grating and replace with a 25mm (1") bed of sand. For multi-fuel burning, leave all the grating in situ. Please note that in some stoves the grating is not removable and burning can be commenced on the grate provided.

First lighting of the stove should be a very small fire with the flames well away from the sides of the stove. Ensure all the air ventilators are CLOSED to prevent the fire from roaring or over-heating. The stove should be kept burning low like this for 3 > 4 hours before gradually increasing the heat / size of fire over the next 10 days.

Allow 20 days gradual burning in of your new stove before full fires are used. The initial smell from the fire is the paint and fire cement curing and this will gradually disappear.

Controls

Multi-fuel stoves are fitted with a variety of controls - the most common of which is a damper fitted in the stove outlet where the flue pipe is connected. (Please note - not all stoves have a damper fitted - however, dampers can be purchased as an optional extra if required).

The damper will increase/decrease the chimney draw depending on how far open / closed it is. The bottom spin wheels/slide ventilators allow more/less air to the stove, regulating the burn rate. Combining the use of these ventilators will allow full control of your stove, It is purely the experience of using your new stove that will give you the best results. Remember that different chimneys draw differently and only time will familiarise you with your stove and the way that your chimney draws.

If your stove has a spin wheel/slide ventilator above the door then it has an airwash system (method of keeping the glass clean). To operate, the damper must be fully open with the bottom controls CLOSED. Again, only experience will give the best results.

Maintenance

Your multi-fuel stove requires little maintenance. It can be peroidically sprayed or brush painted as required - or alternatively polished in the traditional manner with stove and grate polish. Vitreous enamelled stoves only need an occasional wipe down with a duster.

Chimneys can be kept clean and free from soot by numerous chemical cleaners. However, if a flexible flue is in operation, then chemical cleaners should not be used.

Sweeping is required at least annually depending on the type of fuel being used and the amount of soot that builds up. Fire cement may occasionally require replacing.