With the weather insanely mild this weekend at almost 70 degrees I was able to get out on the roof and take the xmas lights down. As always I took a peek at the chimney, noticed some minor build up and figured what the hec let me give her a clean out. Removing the secondary air tubes noticed the baffle was cracked again . I think this is more an operator issue then the baffle but in my defense those things are flimsy as can be, but I need to be more careful. Am sure I bumped it trying to play tetris a few times. Appears its still under warranty so waiting to hear back from SBI. Eventually I think I need to replace with a c-cast baffle, perhaps they will hold up a bit better. Got a little more creosote build up than I'd like, however I know I am mixing in some not as seasoned wood occasionally contributing to this. I guess the silver lining to this mild weather is I haven't been burning much if at all lately and should help put me ahead going forward.
I was thinking of doing that. SBI already replied back and appears to be shipping a replacement out. SBI from my experience so far has been a pleasure to deal with.
I'll bump a tube every now and then but I don't think I've ever tapped the baffle. Messing with the tubes doesn't look like fun, haven't had to do it yet.
I was going to give the stove a really good cleaning. I wanted to get the baffles out of the way so I started to take down the tube. The screw turned a few turns out then started binding. I played with the screw a bit but it appeared to me that it was going to just end up snapping off. I think a bolt should have been used instead of a screw but then I didn't build the stove. In order to avoid a bigger issue I left the tube in place and since I have a two part baffle, slide one baffle over the other, reached up and cleaned the baffle and stove the best I could; repeating the procedure for the second half. The people at Englander Stove Works really cut corners on the Madison when they built the stove; one short cut after another. I can't replace the stove at this time so am living with it until I can afford to get a Drolet.
The baffle in my Madison is a two piece baffle that sits side by side so you can probably use it as it is until your replacement arrives.
Thanks so much, but SBI is on top of it and shipping a new one out. Calling for a pretty mild week as well, think I'll be ok sticking it out
I'd use furnace cement to put that baffle back together for a spare once the new one comes in...I tried that for the first time recently and was impressed with how well it seemed to work.
That doesn't look like creosote to me, looks like just soot, and the inside of your stove is very clean.
Patched the broken baffle back together other night with some good ole furnace cement but before I could even put her back in SBI had a new replacement baffle at my front door. Just in time before this cold front hit. Put it in last night and fired her up and set the patched up baffle on the shelf for a spare . Once again nothing but good things to say about SBI and their customer service.
I remember when your first one broke! That's great that they are so willing to help out especially in a timely manner.
