Like many folks posting here, I am curious if I am getting reasonable performance from my stove. First some background- I have a Buck 81 insert (non-cat, with 2.4 cubic ft. capacity). I have a 18.5 ft. interior chimney, with insulated liner and capped at the top. Don't have a block-off plate yet, but plan on adding one ASAP. I have been burning oak, locust and hickory. Other than start-up, never see smoke from the chimney, glass stays clean except for hazy streak about 2" wide (vertical) on far left side on glass. Do have some problem with build-up of coals. Moisture meter indicates wood is 15% to 19%. I have a magnetic thermometer on front of stove, above the door. Here is a record of one burn cycle today, which is typical:
1. Full reload at 11am on good bed of coals- stove temp 280
2. 11:15- stove temp 400, cut air back to 75% open
3. 11:20- stove temp 450, cut air back to 50% open
4. 11:25- stove temp 480, cut air back to 25% open, good secondaries
5. noon- stove temp 510, good secondaries
6. 12:30- stove temp 500, still see good secondary burn
7. 1:30- stove temp 430
8. 2:00- stove temp 400
9. 3:00- stove temp 350, opened air back to full, as wood had turned to large chunks of coal
10. 3:30 stove temp 300, reloaded
Does this sound reasonable, or should I be getting longer, hotter burns? Sorry for long post, but wanted to provide as much info as possible- deeply appreciate any and all responses. Thanks!
1. Full reload at 11am on good bed of coals- stove temp 280
2. 11:15- stove temp 400, cut air back to 75% open
3. 11:20- stove temp 450, cut air back to 50% open
4. 11:25- stove temp 480, cut air back to 25% open, good secondaries
5. noon- stove temp 510, good secondaries
6. 12:30- stove temp 500, still see good secondary burn
7. 1:30- stove temp 430
8. 2:00- stove temp 400
9. 3:00- stove temp 350, opened air back to full, as wood had turned to large chunks of coal
10. 3:30 stove temp 300, reloaded
Does this sound reasonable, or should I be getting longer, hotter burns? Sorry for long post, but wanted to provide as much info as possible- deeply appreciate any and all responses. Thanks!