Before you read on please beware that this is a very long thread. I intended to keep this as diary as stated in the title. This will help me to realize its recorded history and to learn from it. Also, I hope it'll serve others who are also learning to burn this stove or similar stoves. Thank you for reading and adding to this thread! Edited on 2/21/11.
I guess I finally get to live up to my VC name.
Only a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this site, while researching on stoves I was looking at. I had given a deposite on a reconditioned "Large Cat." This thing was taken appart completely, then put back together with new gaskets and cement as well as some brand new parts. It was a roller coaster of decision making. But after a long time I decided to stay with my original choice. The price was really good and the stove is only 5-6 years old. I was really glad to get it home tonight! It may not be a BK, Woodstock or Jotul, but I trust this stove will serve me very well for as long as I own it. I'm also proud of joinning the DUTCHWEST LARGE CAT family!!
So, thanks to all the people who helped me with this decision, wether you like or dislike the Dutchwest stoves. I've learned so much from the members on this site, in so little time. So much so, that I feel I can make more educated decisions about stoves on my own.
I'm laid off so the research on this site has kept me sane. I feel like I'm part of the Hearth.com family! I've learned a lot from all of you, and laughed with you too. This is a good place on the web!!
I'm going to break in the new seams tomorrow then will fire it up to see how well it works. I know it'll take a while to learn the new stove. But I'm really glad to trade up to an EPA rated stove. I'll post back with the results and some pics after it's installed. Take care fellow burners and burn on!
I guess I finally get to live up to my VC name.
Only a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this site, while researching on stoves I was looking at. I had given a deposite on a reconditioned "Large Cat." This thing was taken appart completely, then put back together with new gaskets and cement as well as some brand new parts. It was a roller coaster of decision making. But after a long time I decided to stay with my original choice. The price was really good and the stove is only 5-6 years old. I was really glad to get it home tonight! It may not be a BK, Woodstock or Jotul, but I trust this stove will serve me very well for as long as I own it. I'm also proud of joinning the DUTCHWEST LARGE CAT family!!
So, thanks to all the people who helped me with this decision, wether you like or dislike the Dutchwest stoves. I've learned so much from the members on this site, in so little time. So much so, that I feel I can make more educated decisions about stoves on my own.
I'm laid off so the research on this site has kept me sane. I feel like I'm part of the Hearth.com family! I've learned a lot from all of you, and laughed with you too. This is a good place on the web!!
I'm going to break in the new seams tomorrow then will fire it up to see how well it works. I know it'll take a while to learn the new stove. But I'm really glad to trade up to an EPA rated stove. I'll post back with the results and some pics after it's installed. Take care fellow burners and burn on!