Base Burner???

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OK the light is beginning to come on. Is the exhaust gas path controlled by an internal damper or is it cast in as part of the stove? In the 1912 Hub thread, there appears to be two pipe connections, one coming from the bottom (ash pan area), what is the deal with that? One last question, how efficient and safe (assuming good condition) are these compared to modern stoves? Oh yeah, they are nickel plated, not chrome right? As for the definition, don't believe everything you read on the internet . Thanks![/quote]

My Glenwood has an internal damper that is used to switch between the exhaust gases going straight out the flue to circulating through the base of the stove. I've seen the photos of the 1912 Hub with the two pipe connections but don't know anything about them... Sorry...

Yes, nickel plated is correct.

How safe? I have both a (relatively) modern Vermont Castings and the Glenwood. I don't have any feeling one is "safer" than the other...

How efficient? There are several folk here that feel the base heaters more efficient than the modern counterparts burning coal. Take a read in the thread:

Got the Glenwood Base Burner Installed & Tested Last Night

dj

Here are some picks of the #215 Hub Heater. The back pipe is split in half with a damper that either recirculates the compustion gasses or feeds them up the pipe.

Slick! Kinda makes me wish I was in the market for a new "old" stove. Some are incredible works of casting art! That Hub is not as fancy as some, but still is a beauty!