The Firefox 12 cast iron multi-fuel stove operates at very high temperatures. It should NOT be touched for any reason during operation and avoided at other times. There are tools provided – including heat-proof mittens – that are designed to be used with this equipment.
Whilst this is a true multi-fuel stove, the chimney liner installed is intended for WOOD ONLY. It is perfectly safe to burn small amounts of coal with wood but not heavy amounts of coal over sustained periods.
Lighting the stove
Load the fire with starting fuel i.e. paper, dry kindling timber and/or fire lighters. First a layer of screwed up sheets of newspaper and then the wooden kindling on top. Ensure the air controls are moved to the (+) positions until the fire has achieved a steady burn. Once a good flame has been established across the grate, fuel can be added and the air controls adjusted downwards.
When the fire is established the primary air intake can be restricted. If only burning wood the primary air control can be fully closed. If coal is also being used then more primary air will be required. The stove is at its most efficient when a bright fire is achieved using minimum air intake.
Primary air is controlled via the sliding vents in the bottom of the doors: this provides a conventional air draught to the bed of the fire. (+) indicates more air, (-) indicates less air. The fire should therefore increase or decrease respectively when these controls are adjusted.
Secondary air is controlled via the sliding vent above the doors and to the right. It is this ‘airwash’ that keep a clean and uninterrupted view of the fire, also aiding in good secondary combustion of fuel and reducing emissions into the chimney and the environment.
The Firefox 12 is also fitted with a tertiary air system. Air is bled into the stove from the rear panel via an air duct over the rear brick. Its function is to ignite unburned gasses and assist clean burning. It is advisable to clear holes in the duct occasionally either when the stove is serviced or after long periods of burning (dirty) fuel, i.e. bitumas coal. On all occasions this should be done when the stove is cold. This tertiary air supply is permanently open and only allows a small fixed amount of air into the stove.
Handles
The door handles are unconnected to the doors and should be used only during operation i.e. opening and closing the doors. Very high temperatures would otherwise be created in the handles with the obvious risk of burning. ALWAYS remove the handle with a glove on.
Cleaning
It is important that the stove be cleaned regularly. The airflow through the grate keeps it cool, adding longevity of grate life and minimising distortion. To clean the grate, offer the operating tool to the riddling bar (right-hand side panel near base) and using slow positive movement riddle the grate back and forth. The grate can and will jam occasionally with clinker or with nails and screws used from timber. Use shorter, faster movement of the tool to dislodge.
Wood burns best on a bed of ash and it is therefore only necessary to remove surplus ash from the grate occasionally. Burn only dry, well-seasoned wood, which should have been cut, split and stacked for at least 12 months, with free air movement around the sides of the stack to enable it to dry out. Burning wet or unseasoned wood will create tar deposits in the stove and chimney and will not produce a satisfactory heat output.
Always clean before refuelling and do not let the ash build up to the underside of the grate bars. Solid fuel produces ash, which if allowed to build up, will stifle the air flow through the grate and eventually cause the the fire to die. With some solid fuels a residue of fuel or clinker will accumulate on the grate, allow the fire to go out periodically to remove this.
If the glass becomes sooty over time, clean WHEN COOL with a soft NON-ABRASIVE cloth.
Do NOT overfire! It is possible to fire the stove beyond its design capacity. This could damage the stove, so watch for signs of ver-firing. If any part of the stove starts to glow red, then the stove is an an overfire state and the controls should be adjusted accordingly. Never leave the stove unattended for long periods of time and certainly NOT with the door open.