Hearthstone Phoenix Small Crack

[bucolic]

Hi,
I just recently purchased a used Hearthstone Phoniex stove and noticed a crack on the top center stone.

Was just wondering if this was anything to be concerned about or if small cracks are normal.

Thanks for any help!

Here is a link to some pictures:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AJ6oWHC6sfCDtb6B7

 

[webby3650]

Unfortunately this is normal for a Hearthstone. I don’t think it’s a safety concern, or may leak some air in is all. Keep a close eye on the other stones, when they crack it will allow air into the firebox which can make it hard to control.

 

[bucolic]

Thank you very much. I don't think any air is getting in as I am having a hard time getting the stove up to 400 degrees. The seasoned wood I bought isn't so seasoned. Hovers right about at 300 with draft full open. If I open the Ash door it roars but with normal operation it stays about 300. I'll get some seasoned wood and I think it will burn properly.

 

[webby3650]

Thank you very much. I don't think any air is getting in as I am having a hard time getting the stove up to 400 degrees. The seasoned wood I bought isn't so seasoned. Hovers right about at 300 with draft full open. If I open the Ash door it roars but with normal operation it stays about 300. I'll get some seasoned wood and I think it will burn properly.

Seasoned wood will certainly make a big difference. Don’t get into the habit of using the Ashpan door for air. You’d be better to leave the front door cracked for a little bit. Just don’t forget about it.

 

[Woody Stover]

Hovers right about at 300 with draft full open. If I open the Ash door it roars

You normally get more heat after the stove is up to temp with the air cut to 1/4 or less, when the fire gets lazy and the secondary burn occurs in the top of the box near the burn tubes. But depending how wet the wood is, this may not work as well as it should.
Don't use the ash door, it creates a "forge" down there and may crack cast iron parts in the bottom of your stove.

 

[bucolic]

You normally get more heat after the stove is up to temp with the air cut to 1/4 or less, when the fire gets lazy and the secondary burn occurs in the top of the box near the burn tubes. But depending how wet the wood is, this may not work as well as it should.
Don't use the ash door, it creates a "forge" down there and may crack cast iron parts in the bottom of your stove.

Thanks for the tip!

I'll give it a shot and I won't use the ash door!

 

[shoot-straight]

I had a Phoenix for 10 years. Didn't know till I sold it (moved it from alcove) that some of the stones looked to have hairline cracks. No issues with operation at all. Not sure if they went all the way through even.

That ashpan door is a problem. Latch it and keep it latched. Heck, even seal it shut. People aren't kidding about the forge effect.

 

[bucolic]

I had a Phoenix for 10 years. Didn't know till I sold it (moved it from alcove) that some of the stones looked to have hairline cracks. No issues with operation at all. Not sure if they went all the way through even.

That ashpan door is a problem. Latch it and keep it latched. Heck, even seal it shut. People aren't kidding about the forge effect.

Good to know! Thanks!

 

[webby3650]

The only stove where cracks are not only inevitable but acceptable...