Starting 29th straight winter: VC CDW SENECA
- Thread starter rwh63
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That's a good testimony to a solid design. How often has the cat been replaced? Is this still the original refractory? It looks to be in good condition.
haven't kept track of the cat replacement, but i would estimate about every 6 seasons.
to me, the CDW was like Scion to Toyota, a budget line below their main products. the exterior panels have all held up well. original glass. the porcelain is thin, and cracks and chips, but that is only cosmetic. inside, the fireback, ash grate, baffle, damper get replaced every blue moon.
the real design issues with the CDW stoves is the integrated inner top. it is not terrible thick, and ultimately warps, esp. on the right side. that throws the damper and cat hole out of whack, and necessitates a teardown replacement. that itself is not terribly hard, and with all parts on hand, you could do it in two days if pressed. i usually get it done over several. probably done three since new. parts, incl. a new cat, might run $4-500.
to me, the CDW was like Scion to Toyota, a budget line below their main products. the exterior panels have all held up well. original glass. the porcelain is thin, and cracks and chips, but that is only cosmetic. inside, the fireback, ash grate, baffle, damper get replaced every blue moon.
the real design issues with the CDW stoves is the integrated inner top. it is not terrible thick, and ultimately warps, esp. on the right side. that throws the damper and cat hole out of whack, and necessitates a teardown replacement. that itself is not terribly hard, and with all parts on hand, you could do it in two days if pressed. i usually get it done over several. probably done three since new. parts, incl. a new cat, might run $4-500.
