Blaze King wood stove help!

[Four Paws]

I moved into a house with a Blaze King "King" model stove. It is quite obvious that the stove has been neglected. I am in the midst of a complete clean-out and overhaul. I snapped the following 2 pictures of the 'roof' of the firebox. Notice the gaping tears in the metal? What would cause this? Is the stove shot? There is a bunch of ash packed behind it, obviously it was run like that for a while. Is this common from repeated heat/cool cylces that the steel would tear? I don't have it clean enough to see if this is replaceable (although I doubt it is). I can weld, and have a nice MIG set-up at my place. Think I should cut out the damaged stuff and replace it with some 1/4" plate? Your help is appreciated - This is my first wood stove ever. The things are like $1850 new, so I would like to salvage this one if possible.

 

[RaisedByWolves]

Time for a new stove.

 

[Four Paws]

Really? No helping it? Was hoping I could weld some plate in there. What would cause that to happen...has it just exceeded its life expectancy? Any recommendations on a new stove? Blaze King or any other brands that you guys would recommend? New to this wood stove business.

Thanks, Josh

 

[chowdozer]

I moved into a house with a Blaze King "King" model stove. It is quite obvious that the stove has been neglected. I am in the midst of a complete clean-out and overhaul. I snapped the following 2 pictures of the 'roof' of the firebox. Notice the gaping tears in the metal? What would cause this? Is the stove shot? There is a bunch of ash packed behind it, obviously it was run like that for a while. Is this common from repeated heat/cool cylces that the steel would tear? I don't have it clean enough to see if this is replaceable (although I doubt it is). I can weld, and have a nice MIG set-up at my place. Think I should cut out the damaged stuff and replace it with some 1/4" plate? Your help is appreciated - This is my first wood stove ever. The things are like $1850 new, so I would like

Take it to the scrap heap. Looks like it's seen one too many a hot fire. I realize the damage is internal, but how would you like to wake up one morning and be looking at that on the outside of your stove? Or not wake up? Not worth it. Around here you can pickup good condition woodstoves similiar ranging from free to $100.

 

[laynes69]

I would say weld it, but with it having that much damage there, who knows what else is lingering around it. Who knows a good hot fire, it could expand, crack some more and fall apart, causing a house fire. I wouldnt chance it. If anything buy a new one, then you know what you have and it will last for years to come.

 

[Four Paws]

Looks like it's seen one too many a hot fire.

That's kind of what I was thinking. Well, looks like I am in the market now for a new stove.

Thanks for your help, guys!

 

[BlueRidgeMark]

Take it to the scrap heap.

OR make a planter out of it! Where's Martha Stewart?


Of course, in West Virginia, that's a good lawn ornament....


:hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Rspike]

Stove is shot , dont waste your time on it. Take $1200.-$1500. and go buy you a new good stove for the long run .

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=38319&page=2

 

[MontanaMan]

Hi Paws ... I have a "Blaze King" of the same design, and just finished rebuilding mine yesterday.

From the pics you posted, it appears that the opening for the bypass vent is warped. That would make it almost impossible for the vent to seal properly and route the fire through the catalytic cumbustor chamber, so efficiency will suffer. Also, your pics don't show the air tubes for the catalyst. Do you still have those?

If you still have the air tubes, catalyst, AND if the bypass opening is not warped, I would spend some time welding in some 1/4" plate like you suggested. Cut out the bad stuff, weld in some new stuff and you should be fine. Just examine your repairs for the first month or so to make sure they are holding up properly.

You probably already know this, but I would suggest you run your MIG at high amperage and make sure you get good penetration of the thick joint.

It all depends on how precious your time is. If the repairs don't work, you're only out some scrap steel and welding wire.

Another option is to take this one to the scrap yard and shop around for a high-quality used stove in good shape. That could save you a lot of money, without the hassle of repairs.

 

[Four Paws]

Montana Man,

Thanks for the advice. I will try and rebuild it for the shop...I don't really want to chance things with the stove in the house and all. Death by CO poisoning, or house fire isn't high on my list of ways to die...LOL. I do have ALL the pieces for this stove. It is complete...just damaged.

 

[Rspike]

I'm sure your your smart enough to weld that then your smart enough to know that if the stove was over fired to get to that point and stress crack in the steel where it is cracked than the rest of the steel is also stressed.

Not a debate , just something to think about. Its not about whos right and whos wrong its about safety and knowing when to walk away.

A new stove or even a good used modern stove is not that much money ......especially when it comes to safety and the wood heat is going to pay for the stove over time anyway.

You came here and asked for advise and I'm sure you wanted "good advise" so there is the best advise i can give you.

At least think about it , dont give it the chance to prove me right.

 

[Rspike]

I can weld, and have a nice MIG set-up at my place.

BTW The stove looks "cast" and not plate , so its not mig weldable , Not done right anyway.