Now if i can just learn how run this thing!

One thing i want to eliminate is the wood, its as dry as it gets here in Iowa, all below 20 percent . Several split sizes to choose from.
Right now STT is 500, single wall surface temp is 326, no flames on wood and no smoke out of chimney.
Edit, few flames. Just started up.

 

Sounds perfect, no?

 

Oh, what was the reason for ditching the last one (a Drolet?) just wanted to "upgrade"?

 

Maybe i think. LOL

 

Drolet worked very well but did burn low that good plus trying to extend the burn times.
I used that summit for 2 or three years before i replaced it and it was my only heat for house but it was a struggle.

 

I really think you are fine. Don't forget that you are trying to dial this in with a variation in temps. The stove is a different beast at 5F than it is at 25F So that might be adding to your frustration. I've had the IS since pre production and I'd be willing to bet you are 85% there already. The black box is hard to get your head around- and, as you are noticing the cat and the secondaries play-off each other through the cycle.

 

This is an excellent point. The OP perceiving that he is not running the stove correctly or perhaps not getting what he thinks he should be getting from the stove. But it may be that it is actually running fine and maybe only needs some really subtle adjustments to get things as good as they can be. ?? All the OP's reports do seem to state that the combustor is lit and working, the stove is running cleanly and burns through all the fuel. The only real fault seems to be that the stove is not putting out enough heat or as much heat as is needed. And that I think will come after a few more burn cycles as he gains knowledge and confidence.

So maybe his stove is actually running OK or even better but it is just so different from a non- cat. stove that he is not seeing what he was expecting. His mentioning of a black firebox and a very hot cat., while perfect for a cat. based stove is very different than other stove types.

 

I think i am getting there, it warmed up a little so that mades things easier and not shutting the air down too quick helped a bunch.
The stove is much more controllable then the drolet was.

 

Still a lot of things i wonder about and some have come from older posts on this forum but will "let it be" for now.

 

I’m following you journey closely as I am considering purchasing a Woodstock or Jotul woodstove this spring for this fall or whenever they can get one built for me. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

Glad i can help (lol) i always learn more when I'm having trouble with something.
The stove is impressive and as i get comfortable with it it will only get better.
I have burnt wood for over 40 years and having no flames is like the twilight zone.

 

The stove will tell you how it runs and what it needs once you have some basic vocabulary down.

 

Your taking your flue temps at 10” above the stove? Most take it at 18-24” so you may be reading a little hot from the contributing stove heat. Also those magnetic thermometers aren’t the most accurate and its not always a prescise 50% difference to internal temps. I recommend an Auber probe thermometer, it’s all I go by now when running my stove. They are so much quicker to react and much more accurate.

 

Thats where woodstock wants it for closing of the bypass, straight out of their book.
Been using magnetic temp ssensors for over 40 years, i have some that are better then others as checked by IR gun, plenty good enough for me.
Regular flue temps are taking 18 inches up.
"The Pipe Thermometer
We recommend placing the thermometer 8”-10”above the flue collar on single wall stove pipe if
the stove is vented out the top. If the stove is rear vented, the surface thermometer should be
placed on the steel plate toward the back of the stove."

 

Not exactly sure what that means?

 

You'll get familiar with how it runs and will be able to tell when it needs something

 

Yes indeed, thanks for the clarification.

 

After having the IS stove in operation for about 4 or 5 weeks i am impressed, the house is warmer with a much more even heat.

 

Especially once the soap stone slabs get up to temps, and that heat just lasts forever. Great thread thanks for sharing, many new folks will appreciate your experiences.