So that went really well for me for about two more years then, the unthinkable happened....
I had to fish out a bluebird from inside the firebox in the spring! Thing was a covered in soot. And then the next spring again! Little guy never learned!
So my neighbor had an epa stove with a much bigger firebox. I got to see how that worked. It would burn longer logs and burn longer. It was sweet.
I eventually sold that house and left that setup exactly like it was and the couple who bought the house HAD to have it because of the fireplace. They absolutely loved it.
Now I'm moving into another house...moved in actually. And here's the new project;
I'm done refurbing for now:
It's getting a damper put on the top and then put into the "Heatilator" firebox in my new house.
I never had a single problem with that other insert. The chimney pipe was straight up and all the creosote flaked up and fell right back into the firebox I guess! Never had a stitch of problem with it! It warmed many a teapot for me.