Vermont Casting 1945 Conditioning Your Stove, Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire

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Defiant Woodburning Stove

Never kindle a fire with colored paper or paper that has colored ink or a glossy surface, and never burn treated wood, garbage, solvents, or trash. All of these may poison the catalyst and prevent it from operating properly. Never burn cardboard or loose paper except for kindling purposes. Never burn coal; doing so can produce soot or large flakes of char or fly ash that can coat the combustor and cause smoke to spill into the room. Coal smoke also can poison the catalyst so that it won’t operate properly.

In general, the fire must be sufficiently well-established to ensure that catalytic activity is initiated. When first starting a fire, a medium- to high- firing rate must be maintained until the stove, catalyst, and fuel are all stabilized at the proper operating temperatures, and the chimney is warmed.

Even though it is possible for the fire to get quite hot within a few minutes after a fire is started, the combus- tor may stop working or the fire may go out if the fire dies down immediately as a result of the damper being closed. Once the combustor starts working, heat gener- ated by burning the smoke will keep it working.

To determine whether the combustor is operating, ob- serve the amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the damper is activated and when it is not. This proce- dure is described on Page 30.

Avoid using a full load of very dry wood in the firebox. This may result in continuous very high temperatures in the secondary combustion area and damage the combustor. Wood which has been split, and stored un- der cover for more than 18 months may be considered very dry. If you must burn extra-dry wood, mix it with greener wood for a longer fire and less stress on the combustor. Also, do not use a full load of dry slab wood or scrap wood. For long burns, use a mix of dry and moderately dry wood.

Conditioning Your Stove

Cast iron is extremely strong, but it can be broken with a sharp blow from a hammer or from the thermal shock of rapid and extreme temperature change.

The cast plates expand and contract with changes in temperature. When you first begin using your Defiant, minimize thermal stress by letting the plates adjust gradually during three or four initial break-in fires follow- ing Steps 1-3 below.

Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire

Burn only solid wood in the Defiant, and burn it directly on the grate. Do not elevate the fuel. Do not burn coal or other fuels.

The damper must be open when starting a fire or when refueling.

Do not use chemicals or fluids to start the fire. Do not burn garbage or flammable fluids such as gaso- line, naphtha, or engine oil.

1.Open the stove damper, and open the primary air control fully.

2.Place several sheets of crumpled newspaper in the stove. Do NOT use glossy advertisements or colored paper, as they can poison the catalyst. Place on the paper six or eight pieces of dry kindling split to a finger- width size, and on the kindling lay two or three larger sticks of split dry wood approximately 1-2” (25-50 mm) in diameter. (Fig. 33)

 

ST263

Fig. 33

Start the fire with newspaper and dry kindling.

Also, never use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or “fresh- en up” a fire. Keep all such liquids well away from the Defiant while it is in use.

3.Light the newspaper and close the door. Gradually build up the fire by adding a few 3-5” (80-120 mm) di- ameter splits. If this is one of the first few “break-in” fires, let the fire burn brightly, and then let it die out.

During the break-in fires, do not let the stove get hotter than 500°F. (260°C) as measured on an optional stove- top thermometer. Adjust the air control lever as neces- sary to control the fire.

Some odor from the stove’s hot metal, the paint, and the cement is normal for the first few fires.

NOTE: Some chimneys must be “primed,” or warmed up, before they will draw sufficiently to start a fire. To correct this situation, roll up a couple pieces of news- paper, place them on top of the kindling and toward the back of the stove, light them, and close the doors. This will encourage the smoke to rise rapidly, making it easier to establish a good draft.

Once the draft is established, open the front door and light the rest of the fuel from the bottom. Do not light the main bed of fuel until the chimney begins drawing, and repeat the procedure as often as necessary if the initial attempt is unsuccessful.

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Contents Defiant Welcome Save These Instructions for Future ReferenceInstallation Accessories Table of ContentsStory of the Defiant Specifications Defiant, ModelOutside Air InstallationChimney Height Prefabricated Chimneys What Kind of Chimney to UseMasonry Chimneys Chimney SizeSecuring the Single-wall Connector to a Masonry Chimney Chimney Connector GuidelinesSingle-wall Chimney Connectors Freestanding InstallationsFireplace Installations Above the FireplaceThrough the Fireplace Wall Pass-ThroughsFloor Protection for Fireplace Installation Floor ProtectionSafe Ways to Reduce Clearances Keep the Stove a Safe Distance from Sur Rounding MaterialsWall Shields Fireplace and Mantel Trim Shields Fireplace and Mantel Trim ClearancesDefiant Clearance Chart Stove Clearance Unprotected Surfaces Protected SurfacesDefiant Clearance Diagrams Unprotected Surfaces Protected SurfacesStove Heat Shields Distance from the Center of the Flue Collar to the Wall Defiant With Rear Heat Shield onlyInstall Stove Legs AssemblySet Up Your Stove Install the Optional Bottom Heat ShieldOperation Defiant ControlsDamper Directs Air Flow Within the Stove Single Air Control Regulates Heat Output and Burn TimeTwo Ways to Add Fuel Burn Only High-Quality Wood Infra-Red Reflective Glass Panels For Clear Fire ViewingAndirons Help Protect the Glass Surface Thermometer is a Valuable Guide to OperationDefiant Control Settings Use the Air Control Settings that Work Best for YouHigh-Efficiency Wood Burning With Catalytic Combustion Conditioning Your Stove Starting and Maintaining a Wood FireRefuel While the Embers Are Still Hot Add larger pieces of wood as the fire begins to burnAsh Disposal Indoor/Outdoor Location Draft ManagementSteel Chimney Flue SizingCreosote Draft TestingSingle Venting FuelNegative Pressure ConclusionMaintenance Check the Operation Primary Air Shutter How to Adjust the Door LatchesAdjust the Damper as Needed Tighten the Damper Handle as NeededRemoving and Cleaning the Combustor Inspection and CleaningWhen to Suspect a Combustor Problem Catalytic ElementRemove the bricks and the brick retainer Replace the Stove Gaskets as Needed 30001693Chimney System Annual MaintenanceAdjust the Door Latch If Necessary Permanent Defiant GasketsAppendix Catalytic Combustor Appendix Chimney and Fireplace Hazards For a fireplaceDefiant Woodburning Stove Defiant Woodburning Stove Model Shell Enamel Parts Defiant Color Warranty CFM Corporation

1945 specifications

Vermont Casting, founded in 1975, quickly established itself as a leader in the cast iron stove industry. However, the reference to 1945 in relation to Vermont Casting might allude to the beginnings of the American hearth industry post-World War II. In this pivotal period, the demand for home heating solutions soared, setting the stage for innovations in wood and gas stoves that would shape future designs.

Vermont Casting made a name for itself through a commitment to craftsmanship and durability. The company utilized high-quality cast iron, renowned for its excellent heat retention and even heating properties. This robust material allowed stoves to radiate warmth long after the fire had extinguished, making them an efficient choice for home heating.

One of the standout features of Vermont Casting stoves is their unique design which blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. The company offered both traditional and contemporary styles, appealing to a wide range of consumer tastes. With elaborate decorative patterns and a classic look, Vermont Casting stoves became a centerpiece in many homes, adding warmth not just through heat but also through design.

In terms of technology, Vermont Casting pioneered advancements in combustion efficiency. Their stoves often feature secondary combustion systems that ensure the complete burning of wood, which helps reduce smoke emissions and maximizes heat output. This not only complies with stringent environmental regulations but also makes their products eco-friendly.

Another notable characteristic of Vermont Casting stoves is their versatility. The company produces a range of models that cater to different fuels, including wood, gas, and pellets. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose the best heating solution for their specific needs and preferences.

Vermont Casting also places a strong emphasis on user comfort and ease of use. Many models come equipped with features like airwash systems for cleaner glass, lever handles for easy door operation, and ash pans for convenient cleanup. These thoughtful details enhance the overall user experience, making heating homes more efficient and enjoyable.

As the company has continued to innovate, it has remained committed to sustainability, focusing on creating products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Vermont Casting's dedication to quality, technology, and design has cemented its status as a trusted name in the hearth industry, making it a preferred choice for consumers looking for both performance and style in their heating solutions.
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