What a great website - thank you for providing such a collection of wisdom in one place for a new guy around wood stoves.
Here's my issue...
Last fall I picked up what I believed to be an older Mansfield from a guy who had no idea what it was. It turns out that it was a Hearthstone Harvest ('88-'92 cat model). I paid $125 for it and have spent another $125 in parts, gaskets, etc. The primary air intake and cat cover were both damaged and no longer available, so I am currently waiting to hear what the cost will be to remanufacture them locally. I've been told to expect another $250. So all up I will be right at $500 in with a working stove, looks good, no cracks and a good cat.
Or...
I can flick it off and pick up a 1996 Mansfield with a brand new baffle for $1000. It does have a hairline crack in one of the top stones (but not all of the way through) and two hairline cracks on the lower left side (again not all of the way through). The man described it as 85% like new, with no scratches on the stones or enamel.
Suggestions? My houses just shy of 2500 square feet and it will be centrally located on the main floor. I know that the Mansfield will produce twice the btus, but is it worth it? I told him I would call with an answer tomorrow since several others are looking at it as well.
Here's my issue...
Last fall I picked up what I believed to be an older Mansfield from a guy who had no idea what it was. It turns out that it was a Hearthstone Harvest ('88-'92 cat model). I paid $125 for it and have spent another $125 in parts, gaskets, etc. The primary air intake and cat cover were both damaged and no longer available, so I am currently waiting to hear what the cost will be to remanufacture them locally. I've been told to expect another $250. So all up I will be right at $500 in with a working stove, looks good, no cracks and a good cat.
Or...
I can flick it off and pick up a 1996 Mansfield with a brand new baffle for $1000. It does have a hairline crack in one of the top stones (but not all of the way through) and two hairline cracks on the lower left side (again not all of the way through). The man described it as 85% like new, with no scratches on the stones or enamel.
Suggestions? My houses just shy of 2500 square feet and it will be centrally located on the main floor. I know that the Mansfield will produce twice the btus, but is it worth it? I told him I would call with an answer tomorrow since several others are looking at it as well.