QUESTION ABOUT AN OAK

i cant see how were you put the oak really matters assuming you can stop the wind funneling through?

Under the porch is likely better, leeward sides are typically lower pressure, so you'd have a little more opposition to draft. Probably insignificant when running, but might unnecessarily draw air when not running, or make it hard to start. Windward side might help draft, but also draw air when not running. Chances are you'd have no problems with any position, but best to minimize the odds.

TE

Back of the stove, in the middle of the stove (both horizontally and vertically) and facing down.

Great, thanks for the info.