the temperature of the back of my stove, with the primary shut all the way is 859.7*f!!. i measured it right where the outlet bolts to the back of the stove when i noticed the dull red glow of the cast iron there. i have read a lot of posts regarding this to be " normal" according to VC but i am still , justifiably, concerned. i have a mag therm on the top of the stove which reads 550* , and another on the outlet collar itself that reads 750* f. i took out my fluke digital temp meter and put the lead on the stove right next to the bolt for the flue collar. so if surface temp x2 equalls interior temp does that mean i am over 1700* inside the secondary chamber? should i be worried? or should i take up blacksmithing and use it like a blast furnace? does the encore nc take its primary and secondary air in through the oak inlet? i am seriously considering a short duct and manual damper to control this baby,.......what do you guys think?