Why do you prefer your smoke dragon?

This smoky cat got stuck in the chimney!

 

Remember stoves became so called modernized with cats because it's easier to fix the stove than the people.
Can't fix stupid or teach common sense.

 

Just because something is old doesn't mean it's bad,and just because something is new doesn't mean it's better.

 

I agree with "Can't fix stupid"
However I believe my parents did a good job on teaching common sense.
Some parents probably shouldn't have been breeding.

 

Ya...Your right.

 

The smoke dragons (80's Thermo Control for me) are nice in that they are less picky about size of wood, type of wood, and to an extent dryness of wood. Obviously I still burn and recommend under 20% MC for ALL stoves.

They also are usually oversized and throw more heat than the newer more efficient stoves. At least the ones I've been around.

Biggest downside is they do go through a lot more wood.

 

That's the way my stove works too. A little smoke at first, then when hot enough shut off the primary air and watch the secondaries start rolling. When I first bought it, I didn't know how crappy it was ( US Stove 2016EB) But after learning tons about wood burning on this forum and youtube, I have made modifications that have drastically improved heat output and burn time. Main thing was adding a draft damper in the chimney.....even though the directions say specifically NOT to do that!!

 

I confess that I don't know Anything about fancy new woodstoves.
I thinking I need to get a new stove next fall/winter. And really don't know where to start. My plan is to have a couple years worth of wood in a proper woodshed by next summer. I have at least half a winters worth here of wood that is seasoned but not dry.
I just get real dry wood and it burns Great !
Our stove was made in Tok . It's made from an old water heater tank. It's been working for us since 2015. It does have some warpage on the sides, no fire brick. It's a pretty basic stove has a 16"×18" flat on top with a raised flat that is great for keeping at coffee pot warm ect.

 

I have researched a couple that have been ( showcased) on this forum. Ones that can be purchased in Fairbanks, which is local to us.
But I do want to find out much more about them.
I pretty much HATE a cold house ! So, if a stove has some inherent reason it can not be run Hot. I sure do want to know in advance.
For me, woodstove should last at least as long as my Dodge Dakota has. I've had that for 14 years.
Also, I want one that has some type of liquid heating system built in so I can heat potable water and a couple glycol loops for base boards and the heat loop onder the septic line.

 

I keep my "smoke dragon" because the cost of a new one would not be paid back in wood savings for many years.

It works good for my application, and I go through about 4 cords a year. Smoke on startup, but very little after that.

 

My dad put our Nashua in back in the 70's. He was a steam operating engineer so I had proper combustion drilled into my head.
People don't think we burn. You have to point out the heat signature.
Smoke dragon....no, a little wood hungry maybe.

 

Top down fire is your friend.

 

A Nashua was my 1st stove at this house. I probably sized it too small, and burned it hot. Developed a crack in the side of the firebox after a while, so I got the Buck. Sold the Nashua for a decent price, even with the crack, to a guy who owned a welding shop. I'm sure he fixed it right up...

 

Oh yeah, no doubt about it...but they are real spendy to buy and set up...

 

As many month of the year that we heat with wood. Having a woodstove that heats potable water and glycol would be a Major thing for us. Even with a coil around the stove pipe where the pipe exits the stove.

 

This would be a great video for you to learn a bit about the differences between catalytic and non-catalytic stoves.

 

Thank you !
As a general rule , from this vid. We would do well with a secondary air stove. But if we are gone for longer times then the catalyst stove would work better.