Ryan Schoelerman

Any advice on inspecting old stoves?  cracks I assume really can't be fixed.. how available are parts for repair or restoration, etc.. what are typical rust out or damage spots to look for?
thanks all!

excellent, thanks for the reply. The farm I purchased has a home built in 1900. old style, wood beam spans, etc.  Building in an RMH is not in my design plans. But adding an older stove I think works well.

Hello,

I'm working on establishing a permaculture homestead and looking into wood cook stoves to augment the gas burning one onsite for both heating and cooking. Doing the craigslist search I see older "antique" wood cook stoves available.. Monarch seems to be a typical cast iron brand. How would an older stove like that compare with buying a new one, say like a Waterford Stanley?

Is a newer build generally more efficient?

I'm not interested in rocket mass heaters.

thanks
Ryan