What's too hot?

I happily let me noncat steel stove run at 750. That's when it really starts making some heat. Most owner's manuals don't give a maximum temperature but say to not let any part of the exterior glow. That would be really hot.

I regulate my flue temperature so as not to ever exceed the 1000 degree rating.

 

My father's new insert did not have any max temp info w/ it, so he called the manufacturer. They told him he can safely run it 750 but try not to go beyond that.

 

I'm a victim of overzealous trial testing my thermometer. In short, I broke it, probably too big of temperature changes too quick. It has a small weld that broke, now the spring isn't secured. I have two options, replace it, or fix it. I could try JB weld, but the specs it's good up to 500 degrees, which isn't good. Maybe a very small drop of furnace cement?

I had some good tests going, but I think what did it in was taking it outside and setting it on snow. ... My tests were going pretty good, the temps matched up pretty well with the infrared. I set it outside on a metal wheel barrow, and it matched up, 60 degrees out. The snow test matched, they both showed 30 degrees. But all that doesn't matter now, even if I am able to repair it, it needs to be re-calibrated.

The low temps matched up pretty good with the infrared, my next step was tonight with a blazing stove.

Don't try this at home!



Broke!

 

If you liked that model and you trust the numbers it gave you- order another one. You can spot check the temps to get your confidence up, but don't go full torture test if you're getting comparable readings.

 

I might be safer with a military spec thermometer.

The temps were matching pretty good, I wouldn't mind another one like it. I need to repair a brick, I think I'm going to order the furnace cement and see if that gets me anywhere.

Back on the original purpose of this post, I think I'm ok with how the temps have been going. It rarely gets that high, but when it does the stove shows no sign of stress. That's in line with several comments.