Pegged the thermometer for the first time this year

[lopiliberty]

I was sitting on the couch reading hearth.com forms and I noticed the secondary's where firing pretty heavy but was to lazy to get up and check the temp. By the time I convinced myself I needed to get up and check the thermometer was pegged. It was hot enough to make the air wash glow. Turned the fan on and it settled down to 700. I don't panic anymore. It usually happens a handful of times each year. What worries me is how many times it happens that I don't know about

 

[Smoked]

Seeing this reminded me to check mine...it was rolling. I had done the first cutback but not the final. It needed it

 

[Swedishchef]

I have a stove pipe thermo on my setup. I can tell how my fire is going by a few things: thermo temp on my probe, pings and tings from the stove and the look of the isnide of the firebox.

That being said, normally every single year I have a "hrmm...that's the smell of curing paint from my stove pipe" and realize that I forgot the door open 1/2 inch, etc. Don't leave your initial light off until you're cruising...the instant sweaty palms are not fun. lol

Andrew