Hi, I live in Alaska and just bought a house with a big old Blaze King. I'm attaching pictures. We are having a cleaning and inspection done in a few weeks. If anyone could provide the following advice:
1- previous owner used the stove, but mentioned he welded a crack in the door. I don't even know if this stove is safe to use. Thoughts?
2. Previous owner had a hand fashioned grate to put in the door, so you could watch the fire since this doesn't have glass. I'm sure that isn't safe, since the door is probably supposed to remain closed....am I correct?
3. Does anyone know exactly what model this is, so I can download instructions? It looks like PTJ, but I can't find that model online, or any info.
4. How dry does wood have to be for me to run this? I'm guessing one of the only benefits to a super old stove is that it isn't so finicky with wood moisture levels. I have both spruce and birch at varying moistures.
5. Any tips/tricks/advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm totally new to a wood stove.
6. Is there any danger to me or my family by (correctly) operating a stove this old? I have an infant and I'm concerned.
And yes, I will be upgrading to a new stove...next year.
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328987-6743b1c30e077525689817ab6241115b.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328988-3ff5bd8eda10a1ab5c126e7f6f178401.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328989-780747df69371ee7474d5ea2264a9798.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328990-ec4cf9bc9c14bafbbcd4e53201af27c0.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328991-87e798fce1364b014524c3f309eea175.jpg)
1- previous owner used the stove, but mentioned he welded a crack in the door. I don't even know if this stove is safe to use. Thoughts?
2. Previous owner had a hand fashioned grate to put in the door, so you could watch the fire since this doesn't have glass. I'm sure that isn't safe, since the door is probably supposed to remain closed....am I correct?
3. Does anyone know exactly what model this is, so I can download instructions? It looks like PTJ, but I can't find that model online, or any info.
4. How dry does wood have to be for me to run this? I'm guessing one of the only benefits to a super old stove is that it isn't so finicky with wood moisture levels. I have both spruce and birch at varying moistures.
5. Any tips/tricks/advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm totally new to a wood stove.
6. Is there any danger to me or my family by (correctly) operating a stove this old? I have an infant and I'm concerned.
And yes, I will be upgrading to a new stove...next year.
![Smile :) :)](/talk/styles/default/xenforo/smileys/grin.gif)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328987-6743b1c30e077525689817ab6241115b.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328988-3ff5bd8eda10a1ab5c126e7f6f178401.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328989-780747df69371ee7474d5ea2264a9798.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328990-ec4cf9bc9c14bafbbcd4e53201af27c0.jpg)
![Old Blaze King advice please Old Blaze King advice please](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/328/328991-87e798fce1364b014524c3f309eea175.jpg)