Vermont Casting 1945 Story of the Defiant, Table of Contents, Installation Accessories

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Defiant Woodburning Stove

The Story of the Defiant

No wood-burning appliance, save for Ben Franklin’s Pennsylvania Fireplace, has a stronger heritage than the Ver- mont Castings Defiant. Named for a 19th-century steamship, the original Vermont Castings Defiant Wood Stove came to epitomize America’s resolve and independence during the Energy Crisis of the 1970s.

The year was 1975. With energy prices going through the roof, and not an attractive or efficient wood stove to be found anywhere, two entrepreneurs set out to create a stove that was a thing of beauty as well as utility. Finely crafted from cast iron, the Defiant was the first wood stove to combine an artistically designed exterior with a methodically engineered interior, using new technologies for efficient combustion.

Americans purchased over a quarter-million Defiants, as they rediscovered the common sense of heating with wood, a home-grown fuel with none of the political and economic entanglements of foreign oil.

Thirteen years later, in 1988, Vermont Castings ‘retired’ the Defiant, replacing it with modern wood-burners such as the Encore.

With its 1998 return, the new Defiant incorporates all the finest aesthetic, convenience, and performance features to be found on any wood stove. In a sense, the new Defiant has been 23 years in the making.

Due to its significant role in American history, the original model Defiant is in the permanent collection of the Smithso- nian Institution. Each new purchase of the Defiant stove continues that history.

Table of Contents

 

Specifications

4

Installation

5

Clearance Charts

14

Assembly

18

Operation

19

Maintenance

29

Appendix: Catalytic Combustor

35

Appendix:

 

Chimney & Fireplace Hazards

36

Parts Diagram

37

Proposition 65 Warning: Fuels used in gas, wood- burning or oil fired appliances, and the products of combustion of such fuels, contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.

California Health & Safety Code Sec. 25249.6

Installation Accessories

Warming Shelf

 

#1560 Classic

#1562 Sand

#1555 Biscuit

#1565 Bordeaux

#1556 Chestnut Brown

#1566 Forest Green

#1557 Ebony

#1567 Midnight Blue

#1558 Vt. Classic Green

#1568 Suede Brown

#1900 Mobile Home Kit

 

#1904 Outside Air Adapter

 

#1905 Bottom Heat Shield Kit

#1901 Rear Heat Shield Kit

#1907 Firescreen

#1860 6” x 12” Oval Starter Pipe

A line of porcelain enamel stove pipe is also avail- able.

30001693

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Contents Defiant Save These Instructions for Future Reference WelcomeTable of Contents Installation AccessoriesStory of the Defiant Defiant, Model SpecificationsInstallation Outside AirChimney Height Chimney Size What Kind of Chimney to UseMasonry Chimneys Prefabricated ChimneysFreestanding Installations Chimney Connector GuidelinesSingle-wall Chimney Connectors Securing the Single-wall Connector to a Masonry ChimneyAbove the Fireplace Fireplace InstallationsWall Pass-Throughs Through the FireplaceFloor Protection Floor Protection for Fireplace InstallationKeep the Stove a Safe Distance from Sur Rounding Materials Safe Ways to Reduce ClearancesWall Shields Fireplace and Mantel Trim Clearances Fireplace and Mantel Trim ShieldsStove Clearance Unprotected Surfaces Protected Surfaces Defiant Clearance ChartUnprotected Surfaces Protected Surfaces Defiant Clearance DiagramsStove Heat Shields Defiant With Rear Heat Shield only Distance from the Center of the Flue Collar to the WallInstall the Optional Bottom Heat Shield AssemblySet Up Your Stove Install Stove LegsDefiant Controls OperationSingle Air Control Regulates Heat Output and Burn Time Damper Directs Air Flow Within the StoveTwo Ways to Add Fuel Surface Thermometer is a Valuable Guide to Operation Infra-Red Reflective Glass Panels For Clear Fire ViewingAndirons Help Protect the Glass Burn Only High-Quality WoodUse the Air Control Settings that Work Best for You Defiant Control SettingsHigh-Efficiency Wood Burning With Catalytic Combustion Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire Conditioning Your StoveAdd larger pieces of wood as the fire begins to burn Refuel While the Embers Are Still HotAsh Disposal Flue Sizing Draft ManagementSteel Chimney Indoor/Outdoor LocationFuel Draft TestingSingle Venting CreosoteConclusion Negative PressureMaintenance Tighten the Damper Handle as Needed How to Adjust the Door LatchesAdjust the Damper as Needed Check the Operation Primary Air ShutterCatalytic Element Inspection and CleaningWhen to Suspect a Combustor Problem Removing and Cleaning the CombustorRemove the bricks and the brick retainer 30001693 Replace the Stove Gaskets as NeededPermanent Defiant Gaskets Annual MaintenanceAdjust the Door Latch If Necessary Chimney SystemAppendix Catalytic Combustor For a fireplace Appendix Chimney and Fireplace HazardsDefiant 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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