Stack Temperature

[All Maple]

What is a optimal temp for stack? Got a 2' x 4 1/2' with forced air.

[maple marc]

You'll get a lot of opinions on this, but with a short evaporator, you will waste a lot of heat up the stack. Your stack temp will be higher than that of longer evaporators. With my 2x6, stack is cooler than my old 2x4. Temperature varies with type and size of wood. My evaporator seems to run just about the same when the temperature is 600 as it does at 1000. Much over 1000 and I start to get spits and splatters.

Marc

[maple flats]

On my 3x8 I got between 750 and 1050 before high pressure air over fire (AOF). Now I get about 500-650. There are too many factors to decide what is correct for yours, if there is such a number. Just observe when you get the fastest boil and record the temp. After doing this several days you might find an average, maybe not.

[bees1st]

Maple Flats, How high up from the base is your thermometer ?

[jake22si]

My 2x3 seems to run best at 1200, with natural draft. Thats when its really crankin.

[Springfield Acer]

My 2 x 6 runs best at 1050 to 1150* and I run over fire and under fire air. I only use an 'El Cheapo' flue minder stack thermometer but I'd bet that it's in the ball park. When it reads 1150*, the SS stack is starting to show a glow if I turn off the lights. My thermometer is just above the stack transition (about 3').

[TunbridgeDave]

I was told at Bascoms 800 was ideal, but there was no evidence to support that. I think if your stack is glowing your wasting a lot of energy.

[ennismaple]

Our Force 5 purrs along beautifully at 750 F. When it drops to 675 F I know its time to fire it up again.