Been using the large version of this stove for 2 winters now. I learned quickly that those holes are a huge design flaw. I took an angle grinder and cut the metal between every other hole to increase the air flow. It cut down the creosote a lot. You might give that a try. It also helps with drafting. It seems you also have your damper closed too much. That will cause the wind to overcome the draft and cause the smoke to come out the door. I also recommend using Creosote Destroyer granules every 4 or 5 fires to help keep the pipes clean. And dry wood is the most important thing. I tried 2 firewood guys last winter and their wood was still too moist. This year I have been going and cutting dead leaning and dead standing trees and splitting it small and making sure it’s covered when it rains or snows. It’s been much dryer than their stuff just after a week or so of being split. Another homesteader my son befriended has been letting us borrow his 27 ton hydraulic log splitter and I’m definitely getting one of those when I have the spare money. You should also get the racks for the sides of your stove. I put wood that I’m getting ready to add to the fire there to help dry it out and warm it up before it goes in the fire. These are decent stoves and super cheap when you catch them on sale and get the club discount. Those holes should have been much larger though.
Thanks.....and I was thinking about that. I thought about cutting top off and making a rain guard....but I like your idea better. Wish I was able to do all that cutting.....I've got trees down all over.
@@Home_sweet_bus I’ll eventually cut the top off of mine and do that, but I’m living in a wall tent and I’m afraid embers might be more of a problem. I need to install a few panels of metal roofing to protect the area near the pipe for a few feet. Good luck with the stove and everything else!
