Old 118b up and running!

I finally finished the install yesterday and I could not be happier! What a nice burning stove, stays right around 400 stove top with very little effort and there were plenty of coals to keep it going this morning.

The liner install was no picnic at all and I wouldn't try it again under the conditions I have. My existing flue is approximately 6.5 x 11 and has 2 corbels in it, about 25' high, ending at a fireplace in my semi finished basement. I knew I'd never get a 6" liner down there so I went with a 5" liner and even that was a bear to get in. I was really hoping to snake right through the existing damper without destroying it but in the end I had to cut part of it out and chip out a few brick from the back of the fireplace. But, it's done and I'm happy, nice strong draft and very little visible smoke when it's cruising.

The old timer that had my stove before me made this slip on ash catcher/funnel sort of thing. It fits over the ash lip on the stove and helps guide the ashes and coals into the bucket. Works great!

All filled up for the overnight run.

sounds like you got a good stove running there......looks like a nice packed load in there too! Glad to hear that 5" liner is pulling good draft, I bet you're tickled about that!

I am thrilled with it so far! I'll give the liner a sweep in a month or so and get the real test results which I expect will be pretty good.

I was hoping no one would ask that question... Still using the old ones for now. They are cracked but still intact and not warped so I feel safe in using them. I'm waiting for some materials to make new ones, hopefully soon.