Just when you think you have it figured out. i always set me damper with the handle even with the ash lip, it usually runs around 550 or 600. tonite i had it going like normal and looked at it after awhile and it was 750 on the stove top. i am so afraid of this thing overfiring while i am not around. my stove pipe it turning white as well, but i think it's just the pipe i got from the Do It Center. the pipe temp is usually 350 or 400 when the stove is cruisin. wood it's well seasoned as well, which this year i am finally ahead of the game on wood and it is much nicer having dry dry wood. maybe you 30 users can help me out a little