Vermont Casting 1990 Conditioning Your Stove, Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire

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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 catalytic activity is initiated. When first starting a fire, maintain a medium- to high- firing rate for at least twenty minutes. This ensures the stove, catalyst, and fuel are all stabilized at the proper operating tempera- tures. This may be long enough to warm the chimney well enough to support a good draft; some installations may need more time. Please read the Draft Manage- ment information starting on Page 25 to see if your installation has features that may require more time to warm up.

Even though it is possible for the fire to get quite hot within a few minutes, the combustor may stop working or the fire may go out if the fire is allowed to die down immediately as a result of closing the damper. Once the combustor starts working, heat generated 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 29.

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 Intrepid II, minimize thermal stress by allowing the plates to adjust gradually during three or four initial break-in fires follow- ing Steps 1-3below.

Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire

Burn solid wood fuel only in the Intrepid II, 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.

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” (25-50mm) in diameter. (Fig. 39)

Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

 

ST263

Fig. 39

Start the fire with newspaper and dry kindling.

DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO START THE FIRE. DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMA- BLE FLUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA, OR ENGINE OIL. Also, never use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire. Keep all such liquids well away from the Intrepid II while it is in use.

3.Light the newspaper and close the door. Gradu- ally build up the fire by adding a few 3-5” (76-127 mm) diameter 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, don’t 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 need to be “primed,” or warmed up, before they will draw sufficiently to start a fire. To correct this situation, roll up a couple pieces of newspaper, place them on top of the kindling and toward the back of the stove, light them, and close the doors. This should heat the chimney enough to initiate a 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.

4.If your Intrepid II has been broken-in previously using Steps 1-3, continue to build the fire gradually. Add larger wood with a diameter of 3-4” (76-102 mm). (Fig. 40)

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Contents Intrepid Welcome Table of ContentsIntrepid II, Model SpecificationsWhat Kind of Chimney to Use InstallationOutside Air Chimney Size Chimney Connector GuidelinesMasonry Chimneys Prefabricated ChimneysFreestanding Chimney Installations Double-wall Chimney ConnectorSingle-wall Chimney Connector Securing the Single-wall Connector to a Masonry ChimneyChimney connector enters chimney above the firep Fireplace Chimney Installations Above a FireplaceWall Pass-Throughs Fireplace Chimney Installations Through a FireplaceAn approved wall pass-through for Canada Floor ProtectionReducing Clearances Floor Protection for Fireplace InstallationsFireplace and Mantel Trim Shields Chimney Connector Clearance ReductionsStove Heat Shields Wall ShieldsConstruction Requirements Alcove InstallationsReflected ceiling plan Intrepid II Clearance Chart Intrepid II Clearance Diagrams 889 mm Parallel Installations Assembly Your Intrepid II’s Controls What They Do OperationAttach the Griddle Handle Two Ways to Add Fuel Damper Directs Air Flow Within the StoveGlass Door Panels AndironsSurface Thermometer is a Valuable Guide to Operation Burn Only High-Quality WoodHigh-Efficiency Wood Burning With Catalytic Combustion Use the Air Control Settings that Work Best for YouHow to Build a Wood Fire Keep it Going Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire Conditioning Your StoveAsh Disposal Refuel While the Embers are Still HotDraft Management Back-puffing Draft TestingCreosote FuelMaintenance Tighten the Damper Handle as Needed How to Adjust the Door LatchDamper Adjustment When to Suspect a Combustion System Problem Catalytic Combustion System Inspection and CleaningReplace the Stove Gaskets as Needed Replace Refractory PackageChimney System Creosote Adjust the Door if NecessaryAnnual Maintenance Permanent GasketsIntrepid II Woodburning Stove Appendix Catalytic Combustor Intrepid II Woodburning Stove Intrepid II Woodburning Stove Please record the following information For future reference Intrepid II Woodburning Stove Intrepid II Woodburning Stove Warranty CFM Corporation

1990 specifications

Vermont Casting, founded in 1975, is renowned for its commitment to crafting high-quality cast iron wood stoves and heaters that merge efficiency with timeless design. By 1990, Vermont Casting had established itself as a leader in the industry, celebrated for its innovative approach to heating solutions and commitment to sustainability.

The 1990 models reflected an impressive evolution in technology and aesthetics. One of the standout features of Vermont Casting stoves was their utilization of advanced air control systems. This technology allowed users to regulate the burn speed and heat output effectively, making it easier to maintain consistent warmth in the home while optimizing fuel efficiency. The stoves featured an adjustable air inlet that provided users with the power to control combustion according to their needs.

In terms of design, Vermont Casting stoves were characterized by their iconic, rustic appearance, often featuring a choice of colors and finishes that allowed them to blend seamlessly into a variety of home aesthetics. The deep, rich finishes of the cast iron, coupled with elegant detailing, made each unit not only a heating appliance but also a centerpiece in living spaces. This commitment to aesthetics extended to the variety of designs available, including both traditional and modern styles, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Vermont Casting also prioritized safety in their 1990 models. Many stoves were equipped with features such as double doors with glass panels, allowing users to enjoy the beauty of the flames while minimizing the risk of accidental burns. Some models incorporated heat shields that protected surrounding walls and furniture from excessive heat, further enhancing safety at home.

Durability was another hallmark of Vermont Casting’s reputation. The use of high-quality cast iron meant that these stoves were built to withstand years of use, often becoming familial heirlooms passed down through generations. In addition to resilience, cast iron was known for its ability to retain heat even after the fire had gone out, providing lingering warmth long into the night.

Overall, Vermont Casting in 1990 represented a harmonious blend of timeless design, advanced functionality, and a commitment to sustainability. Their stoves were not merely heating appliances but symbols of a lifestyle choice that emphasized quality, elegance, and environmental responsibility, making them a preferred choice for homeowners seeking both reliability and beauty in home heating solutions.
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