Ok maybe I was a little far fetched about the soapstone firebrick replacement thing, but it sounds like it would work. I didn't think about the heat going out of the flue though. My old stove Federal Airtight had a damper I could close but it was a catalyst too. I'm just trying to get the most out of my stove. Here's another question. Could I put a slab of soapstone in the shape of the top of my wood stove over the flue exit of course and then reap the benefits of some extended heat release. I was gonna get a Woodstock Stove I just didn't have the money at the time. Plus it might add a little style to my Avalon Rainier's black box stove look. Don't get my wrong it's nice lookin stove just lookin for some input. Any input is greatly appreciated. Take care I'm sure ya'll hear from me again soon.