Fire Chief FC1500 install

[Mrpelletburner]

Just some photos of the secondary air delivery.

 

[Case1030]

Just some photos of the secondary air delivery.

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Oh wow doesnt even look like they preheat the secondary air?

 

[brenndatomu]

Just some photos of the secondary air delivery.

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So the secondary air just has a straight shot in after that damper door thing? Geez these things are simple!
And no wonder you have to run 'em so hard to get them to clean up...the air is not being superheated...that air delivery system is sooo simple...too simple. Looks like another reason you have the fire at the back...that's where the air comes in and it doesn't look to have the air holes sized progressively larger like many do either...so it takes the path of least resistance, first hole it can find.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Oh wow doesnt even look like they preheat the secondary air?

Honestly, the surface area under that box is so hot, it has to account for preheated air.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

So the secondary air just has a straight shot in after that damper door thing?

Looks like another reason you have the fire at the back...that's where the air comes in and it doesn't look to have the air holes sized progressively larger like many do either...so it takes the path of least resistance, first hole it can find.

That “fire at the back” is one reason why I think the file temps are so high. The heat is being concentrated right under the rear of the furnace.

 

[Case1030]

On the tundras it goes under the firebox bed then up the channels at the rear of stove inside the firebox, after that they go north south with tubes distributing the air. So for drolet and other manufacturers go through all that effort to preheat the air it has to do somthing beneficial.

 

[brenndatomu]

That “fire at the back” is one reason why I think the file temps are so high. The heat is being concentrated right under the rear of the furnace.

But the heat/fire still has to go forward, around the front of the baffle to get back to the flue, no?

 

[brenndatomu]

On the tundras it goes under the firebox bed then up the channels at the rear of stove inside the firebox, after that they go north south with tubes distributing the air. So for drolet and other manufacturers go through all that effort to preheat the air it has to do somthing beneficial.

Yes, the secondary air intake on the Tundra, Caddy, Heatpro, Max Caddy is probably 4' long (each side) until it gets to the tubes...I'd bet that's 1000*F (+) oxygen feeding the fire.
The primary air system is pretty long on the Kuuma too...secondary air tubes are only maybe 2', but almost all of it is exposed to the fire.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

But the heat/fire still has to go forward, around the front of the baffle to get back to the flue, no?

In theory yes. However the front side of the stove doesn’t measure anything close to the heat inside the flue. This is one of the point I have brought up to HY-C.

 

[laynes69]

Here is the inside of a Caddy/Tundra.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

Here is the inside of a Caddy/Tundra.View attachment 238433

Same design between the 2? Why would someone buy the Caddy for the extra $$? Yes I have read threads explaining the 2, but still can’t figure out why the extra $$.

 

[Case1030]

Same design between the 2? Why would someone buy the Caddy for the extra $$? Yes I have read threads explaining the 2, but still can’t figure out why the extra $$.

You can buy addons for the caddy that aren't made for the Tundra (oil burner, ac coil, electric furnace elements. And as far as I know they have a mini grate instead of a plug for ashes. More setting you can adjust but nothing a temp controller can't do. Just a bunch of small things that add up. The tundra and caddy on paper look like they took the EPA test as the same furnace... must be similar enough to have the same results.

 

[brenndatomu]

And the Caddys are bought only from a dealer...ever hear of dealer mark up?
The Tundra and the Caddy line originally had more difference between them than they do now since the TII came out...firebox and general design has always been the same though

 

[brenndatomu]

In theory yes. However the front side of the stove doesn’t measure anything close to the heat inside the flue. This is one of the point I have brought up to HY-C.

You are comparing apples and oranges here...inside of the pipe vs outside of the firebox...

 

[Case1030]

1 hour after fresh reload. Also haven't cleaned the window in 2 weeks. Wood moisture 18-22%.

 

[Mrpelletburner]

1 hour after fresh reload. Also haven't cleaned the window in 2 weeks. Wood moisture 18-22%.

Can someone please explain the timer/controller?

 

[brenndatomu]

Can someone please explain the timer/controller?

DIY hack to make the Tundra "Kuuma-ish"

 

[JRHAWK9]

Same design between the 2? Why would someone buy the Caddy for the extra $$? Yes I have read threads explaining the 2, but still can’t figure out why the extra $$.

I betting, even though they are similar in firebox design, quality of materials are different. They have their entry level models and then the higher up models. To relate it to computers, most companies have their entry level consumer marketed stuff sold at the Best Buy's of the world and then they have their business class stuff. Big difference.

 

[JRHAWK9]

I wanted Pontiac blue, but couldn't find a reasonably priced high temp blue that I liked...so yup, red it is

good man.

 

[sloeffle]

Same design between the 2? Why would someone buy the Caddy for the extra $$? Yes I have read threads explaining the 2, but still can’t figure out why the extra $$.

When @laynes69 and I bought our furnaces the Tundra didn't exist. If I were to do it all over again, I'd buy a Kuuma or get a lambda controlled boiler. If money weren't an object I'd buy the biggest Garn they make or buy a Froling and put 2k gallons of storage on it. Then you would be cooking with gas

 

[laynes69]

All said and done....I think I paid around 1500 after it was all said and done..so I cant complain. If I ever needed to replace ours, I'd consider the larger tundra.

 

[laynes69]

I betting, even though they are similar in firebox design, quality of materials are different. They have their entry level models and then the higher up models. To relate it to computers, most companies have their entry level consumer marketed stuff sold at the Best Buy's of the world and then they have their business class stuff. Big difference.

I worked for a pump company, the premium pumps were hundreds more than the entry models. The difference, color and warranty! As far as warranty, they were rarely needed. The Caddy is dealer controlled and service is there, where Tundras are consumer. I highly doubt they change materials between each.

 

[sloeffle]

All said and done....I think I paid around 1500 after it was all said and done..so I cant complain. If I ever needed to replace ours, I'd consider the larger tundra.

I *think* I paid about double that and then some.

I worked for a pump company, the premium pumps were hundreds more than the entry models. The difference, color and warranty! As far as warranty, they were rarely needed. The Caddy is dealer controlled and service is there, where Tundras are consumer. I highly doubt they change materials between each.

The heavier fire bricks on the Caddy are better IMHO. Does the Tundra have sound dampening material on the inside of the furnace ? Other than those couple things, I'd say they are the same.

 

[brenndatomu]

I worked for a pump company, the premium pumps were hundreds more than the entry models.

Was that the "blue pumps", or the "green pumps"? I took a class at the "blue pumps" "university/training center" in 2015...impressive place!

 

[brenndatomu]

Does the Tundra have sound dampening material on the inside of the furnace ?

No