That particular stump had tipped up out of the ground when the tree it was attached to blew over. Most of the roots were torn out of the ground. I cut it from the tree and was able to yank the remaing roots of the stump free from the gound (sandy soil) with my Atv.
However you do not need to have a stump. It can just be a piece of wood. I would say at least 8" in diamenter. Pine, Spruce and the like work well, but I have used hardwoods also. Hard Maple, Cherry, the main thing is that it must be dry and seasoned. Especially the hard wood. When I am in my purist mode I have done this with just birch bark to get it lit.
On bigger rounds of hard wood. I have placed red hot coals from another fire in the center of the round and had good success. If you get into a larger piece say 24" in diameter instead of two cuts make three of four like looking down at a pizza. The results can be quite impressive.
Where people seem to have the most issues is when they try and use wood that has not been properly dried.
Another example of just a piece of wood from last winter,
It's actually quite an efficient use of wood. One piece will throw heat and light for hours. As opposed to using it in our traditional way, split and laid flat the same wood would be gone in an hour.
A piece like you have your foot on in the first picture is about perfect. Take pictures,
Hope we all make it next year.
