Question, is the side draft feeding air above the grate, at the base of the fire? If so, that is what I would use to regulated the fire. The front draft controls look like they are below the grate. That is good for coal, but not so for wood. If I have it right and you are burning wood, I would use the front control for starting the fire only and the side control for regulating the fire once it is started.
First thought is that the stove's clearances are not being honored. I see the attempt at a shield with the metal, but then there is a vertical board right behind the stove? That should not be.I'm particularly concerned about the flue pipe. It is much to close to wood. The metal sheeting behind it is not a real heat shield. Over time the wood behind that metal could char and ignite. This needs to be corrected.
The 90's are not helping the draft, but first check the wood supply. Is it truly well seasoned and dry? If not, try some lumber scraps. Also, are you running the stove with the bypass open until the top gets up to temperature? The bypass must be open until the stove warms up.
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