New Wood Burning Guy - Insert Suggestions and Ideas

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JeffStinson said:
Looks discontinued.. :/

I really like the Osburn 2000 insert. I think that would be the perfect fit, but the price is the only thing holding me back
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I can't comment on that particular stove, but that seems to be the most popular price point. If you can possibly stretch it to there, I think you'll be much happier in the long run. But look at everything else in that price range as there is a lot of competition there and a lot of great stoves. Pacific Energy's Super insert, for example, has a reputation for long burn times.
 
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(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Osburn-2000-Wood-Burning-Fireplace-Insert-w-Blower-Free-Shipping-New-/221292943770?pt=US_Fireplaces&hash=item338616599a)
 
Sprinter said:
I can't comment on that particular stove, but that seems to be the most popular price point. If you can possibly stretch it to there, I think you'll be much happier in the long run. But look at everything else in that price range as there is a lot of competition there and a lot of great stoves. Pacific Energy's Super insert, for example, has a reputation for long burn times.
Click to expand...

Yea, I’m trying to find the Super insert. I’m having troubles finding them, as I know PE’s new inserts are dropping this month.


Sons924 said:
(broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/Osburn-2000-Wood-Burning-Fireplace-Insert-w-Blower-Free-Shipping-New-/221292943770?pt=US_Fireplaces&hash=item338616599a%5b/quote)]

I’ve had my eye on this for a while today.
Click to expand...
 
you will still have to figure in the freight cost. The Osburn has a bigger firebox. Vermont Castings just sold out to Monessen, but i still bought a VC Montpelier. It is a cast stove, and the savannah is a steel stove. The osburn is 75000 btu while the savannah is 55000 btu.
 
Based on my budget, need for clean/inspection/install, I think I’ve found my setup.

I’m going with this insert: Vogelzang Colonial Fireplace Insert - Model# TR004
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200394621_200394621

Reasons Why:
  • 6-8 Hour Burn Times
  • 2.1 csqft Firebox
  • Budget and great reviews
  • Recommended by members here
  • Shroud is included

6” Stainless Liner Kit: ($220 shipped via BO)
  • (broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/261059871393?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Block Off Plate

As for the install, I’m probably going to have my chimney inspector do the install as they offer that service. I will discuss everything with them tomorrow on inspection/clean.

I will follow up with everyone tomorrow! Let me know what you think!
 
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You may want to read up on the issues involved with Vermont Castings.
Warranty at time of purchase, may not necessarily hold long.
This has been an issue every time they were bought out and changed hands.
 
JeffStinson said:
Based on my budget, need for clean/inspection/install, I think I’ve found my setup.

I’m going with this insert: Vogelzang Colonial Fireplace Insert - Model# TR004
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200394621_200394621

Reasons Why:
  • 6-8 Hour Burn Times
  • 2.1 csqft Firebox
  • Budget and great reviews
  • Recommended by members here
  • Shroud is included

6” Stainless Liner Kit: ($220 shipped via BO)
  • (broken link removed to http://www.ebay.com/itm/261059871393?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Block Off Plate

As for the install, I’m probably going to have my chimney inspector do the install as they offer that service. I will discuss everything with them tomorrow on inspection/clean.

I will follow up with everyone tomorrow! Let me know what you think!
Click to expand...
That's a nice looking insert for a good price! Good luck and keep us posted..

Ray
 
That's a good smiley. My father in law has the volzengang free standing stove "the performer". It's an absolute beast. It heats 3000 sq ft with ease. So I can say good things about the brand.
Now that u made your mind up get you friend to drop off some wood and get it stacked and covered ASAP. Don't forget to do your break in burns.
 
JeffStinson said:
Quick update:

Going with this insert based on price and firebox size, including the surround.

http://www.northerntool.com/mt/www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

Stainless 15' x 6" liner, cap, and block off plate.

Total project cost with installation and 2 cords of wood: $1800
Click to expand...
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

This link works.. Nice looking insert and nice price! What is the cu. ft. of the firebox?

BTW save your receipts to get the tax credit :)

Ray
 
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Good deal. I believe this is about a 2 cu ft stove. It should definitely put a dent in those heating bills. Take some shots when it gets installed.
 
begreen said:
Good deal. I believe this is about a 2 cu ft stove. It should definitely put a dent in those heating bills. Take some shots when it gets installed.
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Thanx BG! Are these made in USA or Canada? Seems like a well made unit and good pricing.. Checking out their website.. Good info there..

Ray
 
Century is an SBI brand. I am not sure if they are making all their products in CA. The last I read the Century plant was in Orilla.
 
begreen said:
Century is an SBI brand. I am not sure if they are making all their products in CA. The last I read the Century plant was in Orilla.
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Looked at the online brochure after posting and saw it was written in Frenglish and figured Canada.. Seems like a solid product at a solid price.

Surprised how dead this forum is and looking forward to more chatter.. How have you and the family been?

Ray
 
raybonz said:
Looked at the online brochure after posting and saw it was written in Frenglish and figured Canada.. Seems like a solid product at a solid price.

Surprised how dead this forum is and looking forward to more chatter.. How have you and the family been?

Ray
Click to expand...

Oops. here it is:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

Sprinter said:
Sounds like the perfect solution. Good job in your research.
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Thanks! You guys helped me out a lot.

My chimney sweep said i should open a wood stove shop since i was rattling off inserts. After he saw the layout of my home, he said this will easily heat the size plus the upstairs with ease.
The chimney was in decent shape, clean, but we need to remove the flue baffle, run the liner, and then install the block off plate, all which is going to be done by him. He gave me a great price for the installation, inspection, and quick clean. ($500)

I really appreciate all the help everyone has been in my searches for the alternate heating insert, and i couldn't have done it without you.

This week's to do:

  1. Order the insert
  2. Get 2 Cords of seasoned wood stacked and covered, & ready.
  3. Gather some pallets for kindling and start collecting newspaper
  4. Purchase other small supplies: Axe, Hatchet, Maul, Ash Bucket, fireplace tools, and inside log rack.
  5. Mantle solution to block off heat to tv, purchase and hide small fan to move the air around TV.
 
raybonz said:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

This link works.. Nice looking insert and nice price! What is the cu. ft. of the firebox?

BTW save your receipts to get the tax credit :)

Ray
Click to expand...

Oh i will. I'm frugal, so I'm keeping that receipt for sure!

begreen said:
Good deal. I believe this is about a 2 cu ft stove. It should definitely put a dent in those heating bills. Take some shots when it gets installed.
Click to expand...

I plan on completely offsetting any heating bill, and strictly heating with wood. I will purchase oil for emergency/cold nights only. (100-200 gallons)
We measured the square feet off the main living area, and with keeping the doors to the upstairs closed, and our room bedroom's open, this insert should easily produce the amount of heat we'll need + more!
 
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As I recall, you said you will be buying seasoned wood from a friend. To make the new stove work properly it is critical that the wood supply be dried to a certain point. You should get a moisture meter and measure the wood on the face of a fresh split. 20% moisture content is what you shoot for. You can get away with up to about 25% with a little loss of efficiency, but over that you run the risk of creosote problems and generally poor performance. The problem with the term "seasoned" is that it has no real meaning. Actual moisture content is what is important.

If it doesn't meet those specs, get back to us and we may be able to help you with some workarounds. Good luck with everything.
 
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Sprinter said:
As I recall, you said you will be buying seasoned wood from a friend. To make the new stove work properly it is critical that the wood supply be dried to a certain point. You should get a moisture meter and measure the wood on the face of a fresh split. 20% moisture content is what you shoot for. You can get away with up to about 25% with a little loss of efficiency, but over that you run the risk of creosote problems and generally poor performance. The problem with the term "seasoned" is that it has no real meaning. Actual moisture content is what is important.

If it doesn't meet those specs, get back to us and we may be able to help you with some workarounds. Good luck with everything.
Click to expand...

+1000

Sadly very few sellers advertising 'seasoned' wood will deliver dry wood. Partly because most people don't know any better and partly because they couldn't actually make a living storing hundreds or thousands of cord in rows for 2 years before sale. Odds are the split when you order, if you get a good one it may have been split and piled for 6mo.

Most all of us went through misery our first year with an epa stove due to the wood. Like sprinter says check it out and let us know. There are options.

If you can afford it consider buying 2 years of wood now, it will get you a JumpStart on having real dry wood next year. You might be able to negotiate a quantity discount.
 
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Agreed if you can find truly seasoned wood at this time of year you have hit paydirt. Resplit some of the wood before accepting the load and check the freshly split face of wood to avoid unpleasant surprises. If the wood is truly dry, expect to pay a premium price. Do it without complaint.
 
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