have a woodstock soapstone bought this year and even after following the instructions with the catalytic combuster we have to empty the stove box every 2 or 3 days, we dont get total combustion. supposidly burn cleans and empty once a week. our wood is dry since this spring.... any suggestions?? thanks. maybe we put in too much wood? we stoke it full as it will go...

-- js (schlicker54@aol.com), December 21, 2001

Answers

We have one, too. Does the temperature get up to the 250 degrees before you engage the combuster? The thermometer should set on top of the stove.It has to get that hot, then you turn on the combuster. Which model do you have? We have the Keystone, and have only had "cool" fires with our last batch of wood, which is cherry. Not sure if it isn't suitable or damp, it was supposedly down 1 1/2 yrs. The oak slab wood we had was HOT. The temp got up to 800 degrees, which the stove can handle. I'm very disappointed with this cherry wood. You could also call them. They are very eager to help. I lost my thermometer in our move and they replaced it for free, even shipping, even though it was my fault. Good luck!

-- Amy (kimico@aol.com), December 21, 2001.

Hey Js., I've got one of those charcoal clunkers also.Had it for 3 yrs. Not happy either, need to burn very dry wood and split into small pieces. Need hot fire and stove before you kick combuster in. I empty ashpan every 2-3 days. I've got the Keystone model, looks great, but I believe there's other stoves out there for a lot less $$ which do a much better job of heating.

-- Mike (mikmatting@yahoo.com), December 28, 2001.