I started out with 4 large pieces laying side by side touching on the base of the stove. I built a fire with split dry cedar kindling. With the kindling burning hot I put split dry hard maple on top, appx. 2”x2” pieces. With the maple burning hot, I put about a coffee can of coal on top of that. About 30 minutes later I put in larger pieces, about 4”x4” and another can of coal. This is how I left it. 5 hours later, wood ash and cold discolored coal. I don’t see how I deviated much from your suggestions.
