In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process. Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation wise etc.

On 10/23/2018 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.




Â* I'm afraid I won't be much help with the regs , but thought I'd
mention there are two types of low-emission stove in case your research
hasn't turned that up . One uses an "afterburner" technology to consume
objectionable emissions , the other uses a catalytic device . Do check
out both types before you buy ! We heat with wood , our stove is
outdated but efficient .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !

Thanks for the response, appreciate it!

Did you install your own? I have a chimney but think it needs some TLC before putting it back to use.

I've been looking into some so far and have been able to distinguish between catalytic and non-catalytic, is that what you are referring to? Or is the "afterburner" technology something else?

Been looking at some reviews and comparisons, this one in particular talks about non-catalytic vs catalytic: https://heattalk.com/best-wood-stove-reviews/

But in terms of use, are we free to use them however we want or does it depend on your local authority etc?

On 10/24/2018 06:25 AM, Bob Green wrote:
But in terms of use, are we free to use them however we want or does it
depend on your local authority etc?

I cannot address the UK at all but in this US county wood stoves are
banned within city limits but allowed in the unincorporated parts of the
county. In other words, ask your local authority, not the usenet.

On 10/24/2018 7:25 AM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the response, appreciate it!

Did you install your own? I have a chimney but think it needs some TLC
before putting it back to use.

Â* You're probably going to have to put a liner in that chimney ,
stainless steel I think is what they use .



I've been looking into some so far and have been able to distinguish
between catalytic and non-catalytic, is that what you are referring to?
Or is the "afterburner" technology something else?

Â* Yes , cat and non-cat . If I remember right , the non-cat units add
combustion air to the smoke stream to burn it more completely before it
goes up the flue . Look up TLUD (top lit updraft) burners for an idea
how that works .



Been looking at some reviews and comparisons, this one in particular
talks about non-catalytic vs catalytic:
https://heattalk.com/best-wood-stove-reviews/

Â* Good web site , the section on combustion tech describes what I meant
about combustion air added to the smoke stream .



But in terms of use, are we free to use them however we want or does it
depend on your local authority etc?




Â* Out here in the woods of north central Arkansas there are no
restrictions . In an urban area that may not be true - you need to check
with your local authorities .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !

On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

I don't have any technical wisdom to add. The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.

On 10/24/2018 5:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

Â*Â*Â* I don't have any technical wisdom to add.Â* The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.

Â* They weren't all that committed in the first place I betcha ... I
could buy wood , and it would be cheaper than heating with propane . But
I have 12 acres of heavy woods and lots of trees that can/need to be
harvested . And I need the exercise . Just finished with a red oak trunk
that was 28" at the base . 20" long rounds estimated weight was around
250 lbs ... I used my neighbor's splitter , it can be used vertical ,
mine's horizontal only and I have no way to lift that much . That tree
(and another almost that big) wasn't mine , but free if I'd come and get
it .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !

Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it. I guess I'm going to have to carry out some more in-depth research before I take the plunge. I've also been reading about pellet stoves now and how they are basically more automated, so I may go down that route instead.

What's your opinion on pellets?

On 10/24/2018 6:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

Â*Â*Â* I don't have any technical wisdom to add.Â* The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.


I quit using my fireplaces mostly because wife does not like the smell
of smoke but it was work and dirty having to constantly bring in wood
and the dirt and the bugs with it.

We have a neighbor whose wood burner is built into the whole house oil
heat system. He uses very little oil but does work hard collecting wood.

On 10/24/2018 6:37 PM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it. I guess I'm going to have to
carry out some more in-depth research before I take the plunge. I've
also been reading about pellet stoves now and how they are basically
more automated, so I may go down that route instead.

What's your opinion on pellets?




Â* IIRC they cost 2 or 3 times as much to fuel as a regular wood stove .
I have no direct experience .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !

"Terry Coombs" wrote in message
On 10/24/2018 6:37 PM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it. I guess I'm
going to have to
carry out some more in-depth research before I take the
plunge. I've
also been reading about pellet stoves now and how they
are basically
more automated, so I may go down that route instead.

What's your opinion on pellets?




IIRC they cost 2 or 3 times as much to fuel as a regular
wood stove . I have no direct experience .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !


The cost depends on the availability of wood. If you
have your own lot then you only have to cut and split
it. If you have to buy a load of wood you still have to
cut and split it which, of course, adds to the cost.
Are you in good enough physical shape to do it? I
used to burn wood but now I have health problems
so I switched to pellets. I have a Harmon PP38 that
has now burned 66 tons in the last 10 years and the
only work is moving the bags. For the same price I'd
have to pay for a load of logs per year! And no work!
This stove is a bottom feeder, that is, the pellets are
pushed in from behind and below the fire. No need to
shut it down to dump the ashpan. And the temp in here
is constant. I'm glad I took this route as this stove has
been trouble free for all this time.

On 10/24/2018 05:37 PM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it. I guess I'm going to have to
carry out some more in-depth research before I take the plunge. I've
also been reading about pellet stoves now and how they are basically
more automated, so I may go down that route instead.

What's your opinion on pellets?

How is your local supply? Years ago when I was driving truck I picked up
a load and when I delivered it I thought the place looked very busy with
all the pickups parked around. Then i found out the store had run out of
pellets two weeks prior. it was strictly off my truck and into a waiting
pickup.

I talked to one woman while they were unloading my truck and she said
"It was horrible, We had to burn wood and there were all these bugs and
it was dirty and almost ruined the carpet."

They're relatively expensive but if you go that route I'd suggest
keeping a pallet or two ahead.

On 10/24/2018 04:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

I don't have any technical wisdom to add. The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.


The biggest drawback I found was getting home to a cold house. There was
nobody home to feed the stove so even with a good airtight model the
fire would have burned down very low when I got home from work. By the
time I got the place up to temperature it would be time to go to bed.

On 10/24/2018 06:09 PM, Frank wrote:
On 10/24/2018 6:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

I don't have any technical wisdom to add. The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.


I quit using my fireplaces mostly because wife does not like the smell
of smoke but it was work and dirty having to constantly bring in wood
and the dirt and the bugs with it.

We have a neighbor whose wood burner is built into the whole house oil
heat system. He uses very little oil but does work hard collecting wood.

Most people around here get permits to cut trees on forest service land.
I think the permit is $5 but that's only the start. There's the
chainsaw, splitter, and so forth. If you don't have one, throw in the
cost of a beater pickup. Don't forget to factor in the repairs after you
try to haul a ton and a half of wood in a 3/4 ton pickup.

There are unforeseen expenses too. A friend of mine correctly figured if
he cut on the uphill side of the road he could roll the logs down to the
road. Not a bad plan but one of the chunks bounced off a couple of rocks
and broadsided his truck. At least it only got the front fender and not
the door.

The ranch supply store used to have a placard by the cash register
outlining how much you could 'save' burning wood. I forget if they
factored in the cost of the divorce when the wife gets sick of studying
entomolgy in the living room. For extra points fall over the dog while
carrying a bucket of ashes and coals out and burn a few holes in the rug.

On 10/24/18 6:37 PM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the responses! I appreciate it. I guess I'm going to have to
carry out some more in-depth research before I take the plunge. I've
also been reading about pellet stoves now and how they are basically
more automated, so I may go down that route instead.

What's your opinion on pellets?

There are also corn burning or multi fuel stoves. Corn would be
an option
in my area. In Britain?? It's between $3 and $3.50 per bushel
depending on
delivery date in the middle of the U.S. The highest ever prices were in
the area of $7 per bushel. That didn't last very long. This site
popped up on a search.
http://cornflame.net/index.htm
No idea how good these products are compared to others.

On 10/24/2018 10:57 PM, rbowman wrote:
On 10/24/2018 06:09 PM, Frank wrote:
On 10/24/2018 6:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

Â*Â*Â*Â* I don't have any technical wisdom to add.Â* The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.


I quit using my fireplaces mostly because wife does not like the smell
of smoke but it was work and dirty having to constantly bring in wood
and the dirt and the bugs with it.

We have a neighbor whose wood burner is built into the whole house oil
heat system.Â* He uses very little oil but does work hard collecting wood.

Most people around here get permits to cut trees on forest service land.
I think the permit is $5 but that's only the start. There's the
chainsaw, splitter, and so forth. If you don't have one, throw in the
cost of a beater pickup. Don't forget to factor in the repairs after you
try to haul a ton and a half of wood in a 3/4 ton pickup.

There are unforeseen expenses too. A friend of mine correctly figured if
he cut on the uphill side of the road he could roll the logs down to the
road. Not a bad plan but one of the chunks bounced off a couple of rocks
and broadsided his truck. At least it only got the front fender and not
the door.

The ranch supply store used to have a placard by the cash register
outlining how much you could 'save' burning wood. I forget if they
factored in the cost of the divorce when the wife gets sick of studying
entomolgy in the living room. For extra points fall over the dog while
carrying a bucket of ashes and coals out and burn a few holes in the rug.


All true.

Neighbor that had moved last year, when he moved in a few years ago a
large poplar that I had planted just off the corner of our lots fell
between us taking down a few other trees. We split the cost of removal
and cutting them up and I told him that he could keep all the wood which
he was grateful for - maybe about 3 cords.

What neighbor had not considered was that wood was cut to length but had
to be split. He also had to haul it up the hill in the back to put near
his house. He was not happy with this but just did not understand that
this was the way things were done. Even though workplace was his back
yard it took him and his son quite a while to get the work done.

On 10/24/2018 7:32 AM, Terry Coombs wrote:
On 10/24/2018 7:25 AM, Bob Green wrote:
Thanks for the response, appreciate it!

Did you install your own? I have a chimney but think it needs some TLC
before putting it back to use.

Â* You're probably going to have to put a liner in that chimney ,
stainless steel I think is what they use .

I will add to that, The Stainless liner is way easier to clean than
masonry, and reduces the chance of creosote smell getting sucked into
the house when you are not using the stove. I keep thinking of wrapping
my liner in the chimney with Rock Wool insulation which should reduce
the cleaning even more by keeping the liner hotter. Insulated pipe above
the house chimney is of even more value. That's where the creosote
really grows.

On 10/25/2018 05:23 AM, Frank wrote:
Neighbor that had moved last year, when he moved in a few years ago a
large poplar that I had planted just off the corner of our lots fell
between us taking down a few other trees. We split the cost of removal
and cutting them up and I told him that he could keep all the wood which
he was grateful for - maybe about 3 cords.

If by poplar you're referring to cottonwood that is one of the few
native hardwood species we have. It's generally considered to not be
worth burning unless you're building a bonfire down at the river from
one a beaver cut down. They are pretty this time of year.

Larch is the best we have, followed by ponderosa pine and douglas fir.
Back east people wouldn't look twice at those but you burn what you have
and deal with the creosote.

On 10/25/2018 9:49 AM, rbowman wrote:
On 10/25/2018 05:23 AM, Frank wrote:
Neighbor that had moved last year, when he moved in a few years ago a
large poplar that I had planted just off the corner of our lots fell
between us taking down a few other trees.Â* We split the cost of removal
and cutting them up and I told him that he could keep all the wood which
he was grateful for - maybe about 3 cords.

If by poplar you're referring to cottonwood that is one of the few
native hardwood species we have. It's generally considered to not be
worth burning unless you're building a bonfire down at the river from
one a beaver cut down. They are pretty this time of year.

Larch is the best we have, followed by ponderosa pine and douglas fir.
Back east people wouldn't look twice at those but you burn what you have
and deal with the creosote.


It was a hybrid poplar and I assume it does not burn that well but was
advertised as fast growing for firewood. I had planted a few as a quick
shield in that area years ago and they got pretty big. Most fell in
another neighbors yard. If a tree falls in your yard it is up to you to
remove it. I had a similar situation with a white pine snapping off
into my yard this spring and had it removed. Nobody burns pine here
because of the creosote. I see on TV shows that pine is all they have
to burn in many northern or high places. That neighbor now lives in
Flagstaff, AZ which is all pines above 7,000 ft. there.

Other trees knocked down were wild cherry and apple which are good
firewood. Most firewood sold here is oak.

On Thu, 25 Oct 2018 00:37:11 +0100, Bob Green
wrote:

What's your opinion on pellets?


Can't say for certain. Are these pellets similar or the same wood
pellets used in meat smokers (outside)? Some pellets are cheaply made
and others have quality hard wood. For better BTU.

How long will a bag last you?

rbowman posted for all of us...



On 10/24/2018 06:09 PM, Frank wrote:
On 10/24/2018 6:25 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/23/18 5:12 PM, Bob Green wrote:
In the process of researching wood stoves and the installation process.
Looking for recommendations and advice on what I should know regulation
wise etc.

I don't have any technical wisdom to add. The very few people I
know who tried
them tired of the work involved after a year or two.


I quit using my fireplaces mostly because wife does not like the smell
of smoke but it was work and dirty having to constantly bring in wood
and the dirt and the bugs with it.

We have a neighbor whose wood burner is built into the whole house oil
heat system. He uses very little oil but does work hard collecting wood.

Most people around here get permits to cut trees on forest service land.
I think the permit is $5 but that's only the start. There's the
chainsaw, splitter, and so forth. If you don't have one, throw in the
cost of a beater pickup. Don't forget to factor in the repairs after you
try to haul a ton and a half of wood in a 3/4 ton pickup.

There are unforeseen expenses too. A friend of mine correctly figured if
he cut on the uphill side of the road he could roll the logs down to the
road. Not a bad plan but one of the chunks bounced off a couple of rocks
and broadsided his truck. At least it only got the front fender and not
the door.

The ranch supply store used to have a placard by the cash register
outlining how much you could 'save' burning wood. I forget if they
factored in the cost of the divorce when the wife gets sick of studying
entomolgy in the living room. For extra points fall over the dog while
carrying a bucket of ashes and coals out and burn a few holes in the rug.

Or like the fires I responded to because the owners would put the hot ashes
in a paper bag on the basement stairs... Have not heard of call like that
for awhile but I am sure there are candidates out there.

+1 For the chimney lining post.

--
Tekkie