View attachment 268159
Here is a pick of my antique small "oak stove". I burn small fires with chunks. I cemented all the seams inside, and put gaskets around the doors. It has a bottom damper to get it going, and a top to keep it going. I have a 6" flue damper just above the exit. This stove still burns HOT if I don't watch it. I like to keep the magnetic therm (just above the pipe damper) between 400-500 deg. I had an older VT castings with a cat. Piece of junk. Hated it. No control, would always smolder or take off. On top of it, it would always backdraft on me. After the chimney fire (oops!) it went to the scrap yard!!! Good riddins! This one is easy to use, but I have to respect it. No long burn times, but I have a small house and the quick heat it produces are good for me. Anyway, go with what you are comfortable with. If 600 seems to hot for you, burn it lower. Dry wood is our friend. Check & clean your chimney often. Stay warm & safe.