Vermont Casting 1945 - Manual (Page 24)

24
Defiant Woodburning Stove
30001693
located below and behind the throat, can glow at high
temperatures. This is also normal. However, the ele-
ment can be active and operate properly without glow-
ing. The lack of a glow does not indicate that the cata-
lyst isn’t working. Note that the catalyst is most likely to
glow at its higher temperatures, which it reaches when
the firebox is in its lower range - the catalyst is an after-
burner, and the more waste fuel there is in the smoke,
the hotter the catalyst gets.
We strongly advise the use of a stove-top thermometer
as a guide to stove performance. Normal operating
temperatures are between 450°F (220°C) and 700°F
(370°C). Lower temperatures can indicate incomplete
combustion and weak draft; higher temperatures can
shorten the life of the castings.
Ash Disposal
Routine ash removal is important for ease of main-
tenance, and is important for the stove’s durability.
Remove ash before it reaches the top of the ash pan.
Check the level at least once a day. Every few days,
clear any ash from the outer edges of the firebox. Most
of the ash will fall through the grate. Slice or stir the
ash with a shovel or poker so that it falls through the
grate slots.
IMPORTANT: Check the level of ash in the ash pan
before reloading the stove. If the ash level is close to
the top edge of the pan, empty the pan according to this
procedure:
• Open the damper.
• Open the griddle or front doors, and use a shovel or
poker to stir excess ash through the ash slots in the
grate down into the ash pan.
• Close the griddle or doors, and unlatch the ash door.
(Fig. 36) It will pivot, swinging the ash pan out of the
stove.
• Slide the cover onto the pan, making sure it is se-
curely closed. (Fig. 37)
ST545
ashdoor
11/00
ST545
Fig. 36 Turn the ashdoor handle clockwise to open and coun-
terclockwise to close.
Open
Close
ST566
Remove
Ashpan
12/00
ST566
Fig. 37 Be sure the cover is securely attached before remov-
ing the ash pan.
• Remove the ash pan, making sure to keep it level.
• To keep the cover from sliding off and to keep ash
from falling on the floor, do not tilt the ash pan for-
ward.
• If the stove is in operation, close the ash door while
disposing of the ash. You may need to lift the latch
end of the door slightly to align the latch with the
mating part on the stove bottom.
• Properly dispose of the ash in a metal container with
a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outdoors away
from all combustible material.
• Return the ash pan to its original position in the
stove, and close and latch the ash door. (Fig. 37)
• Do not operate the stove with the ash door open.
This will result in over-firing, and could cause dam-
age to the stove, void the warranty, or even lead to a
house fire.
Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one to
three days. The frequency will vary depending on how
you operate your Defiant: ash will accumulate faster at
higher heat outputs.
Remove ash frequently and place it outdoors in a
metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Place the closed
container of ash on a noncombustible floor or on the
ground, well away from all combustible materials, pend-
ing final disposal. If the ash is disposed of by burial in
soil or otherwise locally dispersed, it should be kept in
the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly
cooled.
You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer.
CAUTION: Never use your household or shop vacuum
cleaner to remove ash from the stove; always remove
and dispose of the ash properly.