Bearer Of Bad News Today........

I understand where you are coming from but unfortunately it isn't that easy. He pretty much heats with wood 24/7 so it's not like he can just wait until January. Also you have to understand most of us on here are wood stove fanatics and dream about them in our sleep......... Then there is the other side of wood burners who really just want the house hot and a stove that throws heat when you put some wood in it.

I gave him a list and he is looking over it so we will see what he thinks. In the end I am just making recommendations and giving my advice on the differences of the stoves but it has to be his decision. I explained the differences between cat, non cat, and hybrid and even told him to look at the blaze kings. I also stated you could always buy something like the Drolet to get through the winter and then sell it in the spring for a $200 dollar loss and get what you want.

 

Simple strategy....Put in an order for the Ideal Steel and then find a cheap @$$ stove with 6 inch pipe on craigslist. The cheapo will get him by until the Ideal is delivered. I saw an Osburn 2400 for $200.00 not too long ago.

 

That would make more sense then living with a lesser stove for the next 20 years.

 

I disagree with the idea that anyone who doesn't have brand X has a lesser stove and I'm not sure that is a fair assumption to make.

 

You're entitled to your opinion and I am to mine. Chill out.

 

How insulated is this home? I would think going with the T6 over the T5 would work well. But, I am a big fan in over-sizing for the flexibility and the rare winter night when you need more heat.

 

Well if he wants cast iron it will be tough finding a new one for under $2000. What about another Dutchwest? I think they sell under that and he can keep the old one for parts.

 

I don't see a problem with what Certified said, nor do I see where he needs to "chill out" since he stated his reply in a polite manner. He is simply saying there are many stoves out there that will meet the needs of many users and labeling them as "lesser stoves" is an inaccurate description.

 

It is an OLD OLD cabin....... Think hand hewn logs with lots of chinking between the logs. He said that the logs still move some and he gets cracks here and there that have to be patched. Given that information I'm not sure how well insulated to consider that but I know nothing about log homes. His house also has a basement under it that is finished and has no door to shut the basement and an open stairwell to the living room with the stove so I'm sure there is some additional heat load from that.

He has been calling around pricing stuff from the only two dealers within and hour from here and the only deal found so far is a T6 that is a 1 year old floor model with the full warranty and blower for half the cost of a new one. I cautioned it may be to much stove but that was before considering the basement....... Interestingly enough both dealers who also sell VC, Hearthtone, Jotul, and PE both said they would never recommend a VC and only order them for someone who just has to have one. I probably haven't been that much help to him considering I'm not even sure what I would do in his situation lol.

Man I talked with him about that but he is pretty well done with VC and wants to be rid of them and I can't say that I blame him.

 

Yawn............feel better now?

 

Most of the Jotuls take short wood, like 12-14"

 

Sounds like he could benefit from a larger stove based on this.

I think the T6 would be fine. If cost is still an issue he could go with one of the cheaper, 3 cu ft, steel stoves until he can save enough for the more expensive stove of his choosing. But, I wouldn't worry about a T6 in there or any other 3 cu ft stove based on your description.

And, yeah, I can understand the thought process on the VC stoves.

 

Maybe you need to "chill out" or step away from the computer for a bit.

 

You know I'm not sure on the Jotul wood length but that is a good point since all of his wood is cut to 18". I will text him and tell him to consider that but I guess at an absolute worst you could always recut it although that would be less than ideal.

 

are you done yet? lets move on.

 

The Oslo takes up to 24" splits. I couldn't see him using anything smaller than an Oslo.

 

What is your problem?

 

lets move on..........

 

I think the T-6 will work well.

 

Here is a Cumberland Gap for $1500. It is the just a bit larger than the Encore with a 2.39 Cu Ft firebox. Should be within driving distance.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/for/4730521929.html