Wood has been used since the beginning of time as a source of fuel. The fuel was brought inside to heat shelters centuries ago; open fireplaces were in the eighteenth century by self-contained stoves, which are still in use today in a number of designs. The Franklin stove and pot-bellied stoves, popular for many generations, have been augmented by efficient Scandinavian designs. In recent years wood furnaces designed to burn longer than stoves without refeeding, have upped the efficiency of wood burning tremendously.

The type of wood burned varies in different regions based an availability, but some practices are standard; the wood burned is generally hardwood rather than softwood; wood is aged for at least one year and stacked for the same period of time.

Wood pellets are manufactured from recycled wood waste and are considered a very safe, cleaning burning and economical alternative to fuel oil and to traditional wood burning. Special stove designs have been created especially to burn wood pellets; inserts are also available to adapt existing fireplaces and furnaces. The Pellet Fuels Institute offers and wide variety of pellet fuel in every region of the United States along with advice on how to buy and use wood pellets.

Some homeowners are substituting waste oil for number 2 fuel oil in specially designed stoves and successfully converting their conventional furnaces for its use. Waste oil is actually used vegetable oil collected from restaurant and filtered before use. Blodisesl is manufactured oil consisting of a mixture fuel oil and oil manufactured from vegetable sources. B20 is 20% vegetable oil and 80% conventional diesel oil and is readily available and can be used in conventional furnaces without adaptation. Another new type of heating oil called B100 requires that the natural rubber in the furnace will need to be replaced with man made substances, as the vegetable oil degrades rubber after a time. One problem with using waste oil is that below certain temperatures it stops flowing so the fuel needs to be kept warm; blodiesel contains a certain additive that keeps the oil liquid at low temperatures.

Any time fire is present in a home as in a wood stove, fireplace or furnace, the fire hazard has to be considered and prevented. Additionally wood burning builds up creosote, a sticky flammable substance, which coats stovepipes and chimneys and can cause chimney fires and even burn down a house. Wood and corn pellets and waste oil are considered relatively clean burning, but still need attention and maintenance.

Choosing an alternative fuel cannot only be safe and economical, but a good deal for the environment; many of these fuels are produced locally cutting way down on transportation costs, and many of them burn cleanlier than fuel oil having a more positive impact on the environment. Add to the fact that relying on alternative fuels cuts down reliance on foreign oil, and it becomes clear that opting for one of these fuels is a great idea.

Richard Billington is part of Westland London, a UK based company specialising in antique fireplaces and mantels. Westland London offer a wide range of antiques from various periods of history.

http://www.westlandlondon.com

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Antique wood cook stoves can be found in many specialist stove restoration stores both online and offline, and are surprisingly popular even now in the early 21st century. Many stoves originally built in the 1800s or early 1900s are still used today having been fully restored and refurbished. The question is, why use an antique stove?

Firstly, we should explain exactly what a wood cook stove actually is. A wood burning cook stove is a traditional cooking appliance which requires no external electricity supply and which rather than using gas, electricity or other fossil fuels can operate purely by burning natural wood. This wood for your wood burning cook stove can be bought from a hardwood supplier or even chopped yourself from your own timber supplies.

An antique wood cook stove could be defined as one which is not just a piece designed for show or created simply to look historically accurate, but something which is original, did once work and preferably is still in working order today. Again though we are left with the question, why use an antique wood cook stove in preference to more convenient modern stove and cooking systems?

Firstly many antique stoves are bought by working farms, country and historic houses or simply to complete a period home or kitchen. In many cases antique stoves are used because they match the period during which the home or kitchen was first constructed, or because the absolute authenticity of all the fixtures and fittings in the building is a key selling point for a particular business. Many antiques are of course bought by museums for display purposes only, and many of these are not in working order.

Alternatively there may be practical reasons for using a wood cook stove, for example living in a remote location with no electricity supply but an abundance of natural resources to use as fuel. In this case some may prefer a more modern stove but many who choose to live in such locations will also choose to cook using the type of stove they have used all their lives, so should their stove need replacing they will actively seek out something similar. In addition some people say there is a particular taste to food cooked using a wood stove which would be difficult to replicate using modern methods.

Whatever the reason for buying an antique wood cook stove, the buyer must make sure they buy from a reputable company to ensure the stove meets all safety codes and regulations, unless it is simply to be used as a display piece. There are many government and local laws and regulations which must be adhered to when installing and using home appliances.

http://www.woodburningcookstove.info provides additional information about wood burning stoves of all kinds, plus wood burning fireplaces and heating appliances, both old and new.

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1. Knowledge is Power. Whatever the area of collecting - depression glass, blue and white pottery, silver, paperweights, toys or furniture of any period - there is a book to arm any collector for his or her next antiquing adventure. Look for pocket guides to slip in handbags during shopping excursions or more complete reference books for curling up by the fire. Prices start at $9.95.

2. Toys for Boys. A 1935 Dusenberg under the Christmas tree is sure to bring a smile to the face of any car enthusiast, even if it is a die-cast metal reproduction. These are popular for boys of all ages, as a desk objet for men or as bedroom décor for young boys. Prices start at $40.

3. Christmas Ornaments. An exquisite hand blown Christmas ornament becomes a keepsake gift. Beautiful reproductions and charming vintage ornaments are equally well received. Prices start at $8.

4. Knock. Knock. Attractive reproduction brass doorknockers crafted in Italy add elegance to any entrance. With styles to suit Arts & Crafts to Georgian to contemporary homes, there is one to complement any home. Prices start at $30.

5. Homemade Hostess Gifts. Antique stores are treasure troves of small dishes, teacups and plates in glass, ceramic or silver. All at affordable prices. Fill one up with your favourite candies, chocolates or home baking, wrap it in tissue paper, tie it with a bow and you have a one-of-a-kind homemade hostess gift. Prices starting at $4.

6. Wrap It Up. Vintage napkins, tea towels, crocheted doilies can take the place of wrapping paper for small gifts. Secured with a pretty ribbon, they are sure to delight anyone. Prices starting at $3.

7. Hook It on a Handbag Caddy. Ladies will love this hook designed to keep their handbags off the floor. It’s a new and improved version of a style from days gone by. And it keeps pickpockets at bay, so ladies can enjoy a stress-free meal. Price is $34.50.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration; caning and rushing repairs; appraisals and has teaches courses on antiques. Martin can be reached at http://www.takeaboo.com

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