Split wood sizing and firing technique

[Bucket Head]

An earlier post talked about this and a lot of the talk was for AOF type arches. I don't have that type forced draft and I have no experience running one. But I can share some pictures on how I use wood cut no longer than the firebox is wide and I "criss-cross" it for good results. This allows the air to surround allmost the entire piece of wood. And this is even more crucial to a natural draft arch. Sometimes the stack will fall over, so I start again the next time I fire it. When that happens, I end up with an "X" shaped stack, like in the photo with me in it. It still works fine that way too. I use a mixure of hard and soft wood. Usually when the pile falls over its because the soft wood burned up quicker. No problem- just put more in!

I have a a thick (and Heavy!) cast iron storm sewer for a grate with a welded rebar rod "grid" over the larger holes. I have a small squirrel cage-type blower for the AUF source. As you can see I have no problem getting a very hot fire this way.

I would suggest to anyone with a similar set-up to give this type firing a try.

Steve