Temp gauge placement

[Opportunist]

I bought a temp gauge to try with the Oslo. The Oslo has the single wall elbow/pipe that comes with the stove that attaches out the back. Then a short double wall pipe is between that elbow/pipe and the wall. I guess the temp gauge I bought is meant to be used with single wall pipe. So I placed it on top of the single wall elbow/pipe that came with and attaches to the stove.

Will this placement give me accurate readings so close to the stove? I am also wondering how the blower will affect the gauge? The rear shield is open at the top around the elbow/pipe that comes with the stove. So it may blow air onto the gauge that is mounted just a little back and above it.

I have only been burning during the night just to keep things warm. During this short time of burning the gauge is usually borderline between creosote and the good burning temps. So far, not usually above 300 degrees. This is with the temp gauge placed on the top of the elbow/pipe that attaches to the wood stove.

Will the desired temps be a little different at this location compared to if it was mounted further from the stove? (but still on pipes)

 

[begreen]

I'd try it on the stove top, maybe 6" in from the back and 6" in from the side. That worked pretty well with the F400.

 

[EddyKilowatt]

I don't think you can really put a whole lot of faith in either the degree calibrations, or the commentary (e.g. "creosote"), printed on the face of the gauge. There are too many variables in each installation, and the gauge is too loosely coupled to your actual flue gas (by which I mean it is just stuck to the outside of the flue pipe), for these gauges to be a one-size-fits-all sort of thing.

The gauge *does* give useful information that will help you fire the stove better, but due to the lack of calibration you will have to learn through experience what it is telling you. After a few weeks of regular burning and observation of the gauge you'll have a pretty good feel for what "normal" readings are for your set-up during various phases of the fire. You'll be able to use the gauge to for estimating the heat output from the stove so you can match it to the house needs, for when to re-load, for when your new load is fully burning, and for spotting abnormal situations like an air leak in the stove, or obstruction of the draft. If you check your flue regularly during the first few months you'll get a feel for your creosote generation versus what burn temperature the gauge says you have been running.

Eddy

 

[n3pro]

I have two of the magnetic type one on the single wall pipe, the directions call for 16" above stove, the other I would like to have on the top but I have a decorative trivet and plan on using a steamer so I have been moving that one using the stove gloves. Had it on the side, the door above the glass, I like magnets. I also ordered one of the laser IR thermometers - I wanted one for years but never had a use for one but I thought this was a GREAT excuse to finally purchase one. I will be interested to see how different the readings are between the magnetic and the Laser IR. Personally as a first time home wood stove burner I have many concerns so I plan on using both. I also bought extra batteries I have a feeling like a boy at Christmas I will probably kill the batteries in the laser from overuse checking out the temperature of everything around the house. Now I have been rambling and added nothing to the discussion I will quit now.

 

[Opportunist]

I understand that there are many things to consider. (wood type, seasoned etc..) I moved a couple years ago. I moved all of my firewood with me. I couldn't just leave it behind. I have handled the wood no less than ten times. I have had this wood for at least three going on four years. It's not great wood, maybe medium. I've been burning the chunks from this older wood and I can't believe the creosote that is in the stove. Some creosote has found it's way outside the side door past the rope gasket. I guess it'll clear up more when I burn the better wood more consistantly. I was hoping the temp gauge would help me prevent creosote build up.

Thanks for the replies. I'll try moving the gauge around some. I also have a cast iron pot for water. I have a trivet on back order.