Is my wood stove viable?

[Vashman]

Hello all,

I have recently purchased a home. It was built in 1970 and was owned by one couple until the second one passed recently and the house was sold to a flipper where I purchased it from. The basement has a wood stove. The seller had no information on it for me. I tried to foil request any permits involved from the town and they came up with nothing on file. I had a chimney company come out to inspect and clean only for them to tell me they can't since it pre-dates UL listings. They then quoted me $15,000 to install a new wood stove and chimney. This is not in the budget. I have watched videos and read up on some things about wood stoves but I will admit I am in a little over my head. I know nothing about wood stoves for the most part.

So I would appreciate any help, advice, and information I can get regarding my situation. The inside has the logo of Mr. Bar-B Q. Google tells me that Mr Bar-B Q never made wood stoves. It is definitely installed and set up for use. There is ashes in it so it was being used. Was that chimney company just blowing smoke up my rear? Pun intended.

My main question is: Is this stove safely usable? Would you use it? What would you do to get it in working order?

Thank you for any advice or information!

 

[begreen]

It's what is called a Franklin stove or fireplace. Not sure about the BBQ name, it might have been a model sold by Sears, Montgomery Ward, etc.

The chimney system looks like it might be ok up until the wonky transition at mid-deck level. What does the label on the Tee say for make and brand or part number? If the bottom parts are savable, the it might just cost redoing the upper section with proper bracing.

The stove is more of a fireplace. It'll eat wood like candy and one has to be careful not to put too much wood at one time. The doors are leaky and a large fuel load can runaway and create some very exciting moments. For a replacement stove, Drolet makes some good units under $2000.

Regardless of the decision, stoves need fully seasoned firewood to burn properly. Most firewood sold in not fully seasoned.

 

[Dieselhead]

Lower pipe kinda looks like galvanized single wall?

 

[begreen]

Lower pipe kinda looks like galvanized single wall?

I am hoping it's 8" chimney pipe in galvalume, transitioning to triple-walled, air-cooled chimney pipe.