Specifications

Hercules Boiler Model 13
Ash Pan
The ash pans can be removed using the double end of the poker which fits under the
top lip of the ash pan. Care must be exercised when opening the doors as the handle
and this part of the stove will be very hot. Use the glove provided. Do not put hot
ashes into anything other than a metal container unless you know the ashes are
cold. Ash pan removal is best done when either the contents of the ash pan have
cooled or the stove is out, as some red hot coals can be covered by the ash and may
be unseen. Take care not to drop any of the contents of the ash pan on carpet or
soft furnishings. Only a slight contact of hot ash may burn a hole. If you remove hot
ashes from the stove, use some protection for the floor covering adjacent to the
hearth, to account for accidental spillage and always use gloves.
Air Controls
The stove is fitted with a primary air control and a secondary air control (air wash)
which together control the rate at which the fuel is burned. The sections “Air-wash
system” and “Starting and maintaining the fire” give more detail of their operation
and usage.
The Hercules stove also features a tertiary air control found on the right hand side of
the stove.
Air-wash System
This is a system where secondary air is drawn into the stove (by combustion)
through the top knob and deflected down the back face of the glass, thus preventing
the smoke coming into contact with the glass. It does not mean that you will never
have to clean the glass, but substantially lengthens the periods between having to do
so. The air-wash system works best when burning dry wood at high temperature.
Wet and pitchy wood will produce more deposits on the glass. Also, deposits will
form on the back of the glass when the stove is operated on low heat for extended
periods.
The ‘air wash’ is controlled via the knob situated towards the top of the stove; it is
this ‘air-wash’ that keeps a clean and uninterrupted view of the fire, and good
secondary combustion of the fuel. This helps to reduce emissions into the chimney
and environment. rotating the knob to the left opens the vent allowing more air into
the fire so making it burn faster and hotter. Closing the vent slows the combustion
rate and in this way you are able to control the rate at which the fire burns.
The fire needs some air to burn so closing down all the air supply will make the fire
go out. Experience with the fire will show you the right balance of fuel and air to get
the best out of your stove. This can be achieved by closing down the secondary air
and running the primary air at a minimum, which would usually be set at about one
third of the usual running position. In the morning, open the air controls fully to re-
establish the fire. Then de-ash and refuel in the normal way adjusting the air
controls accordingly.