DexterDay.....thanks for your info! I can run the combustion blower during the cleaning juist as you do. I also realized how I was getting the black dust on my mantle. Many times I would streach a 7 day clean to a 9 day clean (because of stuff going on) by using a small paint brush, I would slowly and carefully brush the entire inside of the stove down into the ash bin. I never realized that a lot of ash was coming out the door. The fix...stop doing it.....no more black dust on the mantle! ******Muffler, I picked up a "Muffler" $4+ bucks at home depot for the rigid shopvac, haven't tried it yet....has anyone. I suppose it will make my vac sound awsome and add a couple more HP....he he! Thanks, Bill