We bought this stove 10 years ago in Cornwall and transported it to our new home in France.The house is a sprawling 5 bedroomed single story, with a large lounge at one end. The stove copes
with this task brilliantly but there are some rules to be followed and a few tips to learn.The biggest mistake anyone can make is to burn anything other than very dry hard wood,. Oak and beach are excellent, my favorite is black acacia which may be difficult to find for many. Felled for one year is not enough. The improvement in quality of storing for three years, the last under cover is well worth it.My biggest problem with the stove before finding the solution was the flue bye pass. After a season or so the operation became stiffer and stiffer almost to the point of being closed, which meant a dirty glass and poor lighting. The answer is to use a hacksaw blade slipped behind both sides of the door and removing the small pieces of obstructing material. I only need to do this two or three times during the winter.The longer the log the easier the sawing, storing and handling. 50cms is a good practical length, but it means that logs of this length would tend to prevent the airflow through the fire. My solution has been to place a piece of iron approx 30 X 30 X 50 at the end of the firebox, furtherest away from the side door. This permits the log closest to the front to be raised at one end. A good air flow is now available. My piece of iron is an old Mason''s hammer that had a broken wooden handle.The handles do of course get hot but I would always use a glove for protection. (A welders gauntlet glove is perfect for the wrist and arm as well.)
