Damper Talk

[wkpoor]

I have a damper installed and pretty much use it full closed all the time. Of course they are designed so they can't fully shut of the gas flow. But I bought a Dura-black damper assembly recently to go with my new Dura-black stove pipe and discovered theirs have a large open slot in the center. Which means I would have less control over the draft. I think I'll swap a solid plate for that open one before I install. I think I now know why I heard about a dealer installing 2 in a pipe to get control over the draft. If he was using the same as he sold me then I can see where he would need 2.

 

[NH_Wood]

I use my at about 1/2 closed on most fires during colder weather - full closed seems to either lead to some smouldering. Hard to test, but I think 1/2 closed does keep a little more heat in the stove. I don't use it much during the warmer weather, since the draft is already a little sluggish and I want to keep a hot fire in the box. Cheers!

 

[NH_Wood]

Ok - here we go. Just did the final adjustment on the primary on a full load. Closing the damper 1/2 in 5 min. I'll close it full after 5 min and let you know what happens to the fire. Cheers!

 

[NH_Wood]

Had nice secondary at 1/2 closed. Closed damper fully - within a minute, secondaries filled the box from the smoke build-up, and within about 4 min, fire smouldering - had to open the damper and primary to re-catch and then back back down. 1/2 closed is my sweet spot for holding heat with a good clean, hot burn. Cheers!

 

[wkpoor]

I have so much draft I can basically just leave the draft closed at all times regardless of where I'm at in the burn cycle. If I open it even slightly the draft will pull the flame something terrible. I have a much better expereince with my stove since adding a damper. Before damper windy days where all but impossible to regulate.

 

[WellSeasoned]

I have 6' of dbl wall than 10' class A, but a damper for me is probably unnessesary right? Or would it be better?

 

[wkpoor]

I'm just guessing most don't need a damper till the run is 25' or higher. Thats just a guess.
However its been pointed out to me that other factors effect draft besides chimney height. Location like being in town surrounded by other buildings, trees, out in the country, on a hill top ect. Not only do I have 41' from stove to cap I'm up high on a knoll and nothing but fields around me close.

 

[begreen]

I have 6' of dbl wall than 10' class A, but a damper for me is probably unnessesary right? Or would it be better?

Skip it. The Castine want's good draft.

 

[geoxman]

I use my old Griswold on every burn. I have 45ft of lined chimney from the first floor stove to the chimney cap. If I don't use the damper the burn times are shortened and the stove does not throw out as much heat. I never get smoldering or smoke coming from the chimney unless it is at start up.

Of course they are designed so they can’t fully shut of the gas flow

I have never seen a solid damper that did not allow some air through it. good luck

 

[wkpoor]

I have never seen a solid damper that did not allow some air through it. good luck

I'll have to take a pic next time I clean. Only air that get by is where it doesn't fit tight inside the pipe.

 

[geoxman]

yeah post a pic! I have only ever seen cast iron ones with holes. I would love to see a picture of your stove as well, they are really cool looking stoves-IMHO