Thanks - Dauntless installed

[steel city fire]

We had our VC Dauntless installed a few days ago. The information and discussions in this forum were so valuable. It won’t be our primary heat but something we’ve been thinking about for a while. This forum gave us the confidence to go ahead with the project. Pictures below. Also, we did just a couple “break-in” fires and all went well.

 

[all night moe]

Always liked the red. One of a couple enamels that catches my eye.
I hope it serves you well.

 

[vatmark]

Nice looking stove. Love the red.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

nice setup.. just remember... dry wood is the key.. get way ahead

 

[steel city fire]

nice setup.. just remember... dry wood is the key.. get way ahead

Thanks for the comment and advice. I have noticed in western PA that people who process/sell wood are using large kilns more and more. Have you used kiln dried vs natural dried? Is there a big difference if both are below 20% moisture?

 

[kborndale]

Thanks for the comment and advice. I have noticed in western PA that people who process/sell wood are using large kilns more and more. Have you used kiln dried vs natural dried? Is there a big difference if both are below 20% moisture?

No difference if the Moisture content is the same, be aware though that kiln dried doesn't necessarily mean the wood is less than 20%. Some places cook it just enough to kill the bugs.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Thanks for the comment and advice. I have noticed in western PA that people who process/sell wood are using large kilns more and more. Have you used kiln dried vs natural dried? Is there a big difference if both are below 20% moisture?

You can look in my signature on how to build a solar kiln.. You really need to look into how its dried before you buy. Most are drying enough to kill bugs not truly seasoning the wood. There is a difference between air drying and kiln wood. You will only notice the difference between the two when the kiln dried wood is 15%MC and below. Youll never really get air dried wood that dry unless you in a desert. You can literally liknd dry your own wood in a matter of months. or let it sit and air dry for 3 years.. Some of my bet wood was kiln dry.. best burning wood I ever had in my stove.. Mu oak was like 5%MC

 

[a59cheffy]

Nice looking stove! I own the same stove in majolica brown. First season was a bit of a learning curve! Second season was a heartwarming experience thanks to all of these fine folks on this forum! If you need advice I would be happy to help. Trust me I made all the mistakes!
Bottom line, dry wood, catalytic combustor installed and an Auber AT digital thermometer.

 

[PJMmaddy]

Also had Dauntless flexburn installed this year. Needed a rear vent with ash pan to fit existing hearth. Somewhat leery due to negative reviews. Have to say, I love this stove so far. Holds coals all night, easy restart , very controllable, great heater. I think negative reviews are due to lack of patience and not following guide. It is a more complex running stove. Learning curve will make it better. It definitely requires dry hardwood and air control is paramount, I burn in non-catalytic mode and have no plan to buy the option. Had a new stainless liner installed and was told SS liners don't like cold 200 degree smoke from a catalytic burn. So far very happy.

 

[Woodsplitter67]

Also had Dauntless flexburn installed this year. Needed a rear vent with ash pan to fit existing hearth. Somewhat leery due to negative reviews. Have to say, I love this stove so far. Holds coals all night, easy restart , very controllable, great heater. I think negative reviews are due to lack of patience and not following guide. It is a more complex running stove. Learning curve will make it better. It definitely requires dry hardwood and air control is paramount, I burn in non-catalytic mode and have no plan to buy the option. Had a new stainless liner installed and was told SS liners don't like cold 200 degree smoke from a catalytic burn. So far very happy.

Do what you want with this information.

Burning consistently with out a catalyst and having the air cut back will lead to alot of creosote buildup.

Eventually chimney fires.

Who ever told you that the air temperature from a catalyst is cold has no idea of what they are speaking of. My cat temperatures range from 1000 to 1350.. so now way will any ss liner be 200 degrees.

In fact quite the opposite happens. Your stove will stall without the catalyst in it.. why may you ask.. well because the catalyst will keep your draft up... how.. well that catalyst running at such a high temperature keeps the stovepipe warmer when its running.. buy burning the remaining fuel that was going to make all of that creosote

Just saying...

For reference.. I have the large 2n1 the next size up from yours and have seen many come on here saying the same as you.. then posting about the smell of creosote, creosote dripping from the stovepipe, the lack of draft because the stovepipes clogged, posting about strang noises coming from the pipe and it glowing red..(from the fire raging in the stovepipe)

Dont take any of this the wrong way.. im not picking on you.. Im glad your excited and you should be.. go on amazon and buy the 130 dollar catalyst

There are times you can burn without the cat..

 

[steel city fire]

Nice looking stove! I own the same stove in majolica brown. First season was a bit of a learning curve! Second season was a heartwarming experience thanks to all of these fine folks on this forum! If you need advice I would be happy to help. Trust me I made all the mistakes!
Bottom line, dry wood, catalytic combustor installed and an Auber AT digital thermometer.

Thanks for the reply and information. Just wondering if the doors on your dauntless get really dark and cloudy when you burn with the catalyst?? It could have been late in the season and not very. Old outside or using soft wood?? But the few fires I made definitely had dark glass produced. Thanks for the information.

 

[PJMmaddy]

Thanks for the info. Been burning wood for 60 years. Never had a chimney fire. Clean chimney at beginning and middle of burn season. Quality of wood and burn habits more critical to creosote formation. Only burn ash ,maple, beech and oak which are free to me and well seasoned. As others have said on this site chimney temps are lower with catalytic and creosote , though less, will still form. 10 hour burns are more than enough for me. Don't need the expense and added routine of a catalytic add-on.

 

[steel city fire]

Nice looking stove! I own the same stove in majolica brown. First season was a bit of a learning curve! Second season was a heartwarming experience thanks to all of these fine folks on this forum! If you need advice I would be happy to help. Trust me I made all the mistakes!
Bottom line, dry wood, catalytic combustor installed and an Auber AT digital thermometer.

Thanks for the information. Do you have trouble with doors getting really dark when burning low or with the cat engaged?

 

[PJMmaddy]

Been burning the Dauntless for 6 weeks and everything good to go. Glass problems may be running this airtight stove to cool. This stove throws a lot of heat for its size and maybe oversized for some applications. Had to install 5.5 " liner due to chimney flue limits but at 26', draws well. Ran a brush up the liner and creosote wasn't excessive. Though I will clean more than my normal 2x a season. Now getting 12 hour burns with easy clean and restarts. Forced to buy this stove due to rear exit flue setup hearth dimensions, and initialy was spooked by all the complaints b ut so far very pleased. I did not purchase the converter and probably won't at this point,