Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: NewToIt on March 24, 2009, 08:06:03 AM

Title: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on March 24, 2009, 08:06:03 AM
Anyone know of the good, bad or ugly of the Cadillac line of OWBs?  They are made by Pro-Weld Fabricating under their Fuel Source Innovations division, so I read.

Still trying to decide on which brand to go with.... so many options!

Hope it's OK to post this link.... if not feel free to remove it!

http://www.proweldfabricating.com/index.htm (http://www.proweldfabricating.com/index.htm)

Thanks.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: Jason on March 24, 2009, 05:27:34 PM
I say go with Hardy.  'Course, I always say go with Hardy.    :)
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: yoda on March 24, 2009, 05:36:38 PM
 I have never seen one in person, looks like a decent unit, course I spent hours upon hours researching on the internet and ended up making (in hind sight) a poor choice I think :bash: so I think if I had to do it over again I would probably buy one of the big names like woodmaster or C.B. But don't listen to me :bash: :bash: :bash:
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on March 25, 2009, 07:08:46 AM
Yoda,

Same here..... I've been looking (researching) for months and will finally buy in May/June.  Just trying to make an informed purchase.

'If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up with and why don't you like it?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: yoda on March 25, 2009, 07:42:56 AM
Yoda,

Same here..... I've been looking (researching) for months and will finally buy in May/June.  Just trying to make an informed purchase.

'If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up with and why don't you like it?

Thanks.
  I bought a Shaver 165. Main dislikes are #1 poorly insulated, #2 firebox is too small, in this weather I have to load it 3 times a day, below zero 4 times.
  I am planning on taking it apart this summer and insulating it better so hopefully that helps.
  After buying mine I looked at a woodmaster, the firebox on the woodmaster is huge in comparison, some of my problem may be my fault as I think I should have bought at least the next size bigger than what I bought, and they recommended
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: jackel440 on March 25, 2009, 07:27:08 PM
I have seen the cadillac owb at the home show.I have talked to the dealer close to me.They seem to be built really well.I liked some of the features they have.I am building my own boiler ,and plan to incorporate some of the features they have in thier design in my boiler.I would like to go to the dealer and see his in operation.He said he is heating 2 shops and his home with his.Told me to come anytime to see it.He said that if i was to buy one he would buy it back if i didn't like it.
I won't buy his ,but i would definatly like to check it out closer and get some good pictures of it.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on March 26, 2009, 08:10:27 AM
Thanks jackel...

I think I will call the factory (nearest dealer appears to by 4-5 hours away).  Maybe they will give me some contacts of someone relatively close to me that has one.  Another company did this for me, and it was nice to see one in person.

With my luck.... even with all the time I've spent researching..... no matter which one I end up with..... something major will go wrong.  Seems as if every manufacturer puts out a lemon once in a while then, the customer has to battle for help from them.

What to do, what to do!!!
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: jackel440 on March 26, 2009, 07:32:45 PM
[quote author=NewToIt link=topic=235.msg1693#msg1693 date=1238076627

With my luck.... even with all the time I've spent researching..... no matter which one I end up with..... something major will go wrong.  Seems as if every manufacturer puts out a lemon once in a while then, the customer has to battle for help from them.

What to do, what to do!!!
[/quote]
Yeah i know the feeling of something going wrong with whatever you buy.Not just wood boilers either could be anything.Thats why I am goiung to build my own this summer.I am glad i have the tools and knowledge to fabricate my own. ;D
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on March 27, 2009, 08:13:43 AM
Thought some may find this interesting....

I called the Pro-Weld factory twice to ask about their Cadillac line of OWB's and did not get through to anyone on the number from their website..... ?!?!?

Really like the looks and specs of the stove, so even though I don't have a dealer within 200 miles, thought I would call one and get their take on them (however bias it may be).  Called a guy in Indiana (about 4 hours away from my Michigan home) and he said that he only had one stove in stock because the factory had shut down till June-ish because of slow winter sales.  He then went on to say that he has 15 on order and they should be in by the end of July.  After a long discussion about how great the stoves are we parted ways.

Not feeling satisfied with his explanations of the company shutting down for a couple months, I called dealer in my home state of Michigan (about a 10 hour drive!).  He said he had several of the economy models (no electronics) left and some repo's, but that the company was OUT OF BUSINESS!!!!! He said he was only able to offer his own personal 1 year warranty to anyone who purchases a stove from him.

What gives???  I wonder if the first guy new this also, but didn't want to tell me in hopes he could unload his last stove on me!  Or maybe he didn't really know.

If they really don't make them anymore, too bad.  They looked like a good product and I was really interested (at least till I could see one in person).

Now what?  Back to the same old same old I guess.  Looks like I'll end up with a WoodMaster, CentralBoiler, WoodDoctor, FreeHeatMachine, Hawken, or the like.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on March 27, 2009, 08:32:36 AM
Jackel.....

Forgot to ask you in that last post about the dealer near you.  I don't know where you are located, but I would be interested to know what they have to say about the whole deal.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: willieG on March 27, 2009, 03:09:32 PM
1st...i know nothing of this stove or it's company
2nd..i know nothing of any of the most popular stove makers new "gasification" models

however if i was in the market for an OWB i would look closely at the new gasification models as i am almost sure that very soon this will be the only type of OWB allowed in most places

and it they save wood as they say they do then the trade off of more closely monitoring of the operation of the stove or the time it takes to load it properly and keep it at it's best performace level, in my opinion would be worth it

i dont think if i was buying a new OWB now that i would consider anything but a gasificatino model
now that said i also do not have a manufacturer or a dealer that i would recomend as i dont see my self in the future buying one so i don't investigate any of the makes or models

i also hear many advertisements of indoor wood furnaces that are much more efficient...i say...big deal, i like the fire, the ash, the smoke, the dust all outside

Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: rross on March 28, 2009, 11:28:33 AM
I know one to stay away from.  Purchased a Woodmaster in 2001, leaked at 4-1/2 years and at 8 years.  Read the warranty, you pay 40% and 80% of repair bill.  Prorated warranty-Look for a long one!   Model 434 - Always used their chemicals.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: leguftek on December 09, 2011, 10:09:36 AM
Cadillac brand was manufactured by Northern Steel Manufacturing in upper Wisconsin.  They basically stopped making these units in the summer of 2011.  It appears the owner of the company died and a couple of employees have attempted to move forward with the company, but unsuccessful.  They made 3 sizes of units....a 3600, 4800, and 5600.  They are 5000sf, 7500sf, and 10000sf models.  Definitely the best build boilers on the market with super thick boiler plate steel and precision robotic welded seams.

I believe the only downside of the units is that if you loose water due to a leak......the whole unit can over heat and have a total meltdown.  If you are extremely confident in how the unit is sealed and filled, and your always home to detect a leak if it occurs.....then the Cadillac can't be beat.

UPDATE:  The overheating concern has been addressed by the factory...they have vents which close in the event of a total water loss which starves the oxygen supply to the fire and basically shuts the whole unit down before it over heats!  So there is no problem.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: BoilerHouse on December 09, 2011, 11:09:50 AM
Great update.  If the company gets moving again it sounds like a robust product for a potential buyer.

As far as a total meltdown goes - I only run into that problem with uranium fuel in my homemade reactor. Ooops the gieger counter is going off - gotta run.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: jrider on December 12, 2011, 07:05:25 AM
Do yourself a favor and stay as far away from Wooddoctor as you can.  I ordered a unit in August and never got it.  After many calls to full voiceboxes I finally got a hold of the owner - Arthur Turple who seemed like a decent guy on the phone but turned out to be a total crook.  Thankfully, I purchased mine with my credit card and they went after him for their money.  I know of 2 people in my area who have hired lawyers to get their money back on units they purchased in the spring and still dont' have anything. 

I made the decision to go with Portage and Main - a gasification boiler and so far couldn't be happier.  I made payment on one Thursday and it was at my address the next Thursday.  Stove works great.  They are on the high end of OWB's but peace of mind knowing I have a good product is worth it.  Go ahead and do some research or more that is.  I couldn't find anything bad about this company anywhere.  Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on December 12, 2011, 08:44:04 AM
Well jrider, sorry to say but.......

I started this thread a few years ago when I was shopping around.  After much research I ended up with exactly that..... a Wood Doctor.  As you can imagine, Arthur was very nice, accessible and helpful through out the entire process... from purchase to shipment and thru the install that I did myself.  At the time, I was very impressed with him.... now I don't know what to think from all I've been reading! :(

Mine has been great so far, but who knows for how long. They all have something happen over time, and WHEN my does develop a problem, I guess I might just be on my own.  So much for any kind of warranty, so it seems.

Why does this seem to always happen to me?  Tried to make an informed choice and now it appears I ended up getting screwed......
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: oldchenowth on December 12, 2011, 11:43:24 AM
Are you my long lost brother, NewToIt?  That last one could have been my post word for word.  Just pray my WD lasts for many years before I have to do anything to it.  Like you said, guess the warranty probably isn't much good about now.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: leguftek on December 12, 2011, 11:29:27 PM
I've went ahead and purchased the Cadillac after finding the new company owner who is resuming production of the product.  They are still made in the original factory in Elcho, WI....way up in Northland!  I like the stove so much that I am securing a distributorship with the company for the south central Wisconsin area.  I've completely installed the unit myself.  Digging the trench was harder than connecting the stove.

This brand is very durable.  I'd compare it on par with Central Boiler, but $1000+ less in cost.  It's basically slightly less on bells and whistles but better on durability and ruggedness as well as a much larger door for loading.  If you have specific questions or are interested in giving the unit a try.....then contact me at CadillacWoodBurners@yahoo.com.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: yoderheating on December 13, 2011, 05:12:28 AM
 I've been wondering, isn't the Cadillac name somehow protected by registered trademarks?
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: Bull on December 13, 2011, 06:48:27 AM
Nice looking OWB, do you have a link to their website?
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on December 13, 2011, 07:01:20 AM
Oldchenowth..... So it's not just me?  This type of thing does happen to others?  Huh, I feel better now!

I see your in Portland, MI.  I'm in Lenawee County.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: lugnut on December 13, 2011, 08:57:02 AM
Yoda,

Same here..... I've been looking (researching) for months and will finally buy in May/June.  Just trying to make an informed purchase.

'If you don't mind me asking, what did you end up with and why don't you like it?

Thanks.
  I bought a Shaver 165. Main dislikes are #1 poorly insulated, #2 firebox is too small, in this weather I have to load it 3 times a day, below zero 4 times.
  I am planning on taking it apart this summer and insulating it better so hopefully that helps.
  After buying mine I looked at a woodmaster, the firebox on the woodmaster is huge in comparison, some of my problem may be my fault as I think I should have bought at least the next size bigger than what I bought, and they recommended

Newtolt/Yoda......As a side note here, my first Shaver was a 165 and looked as though it was fabricated by a 2 year old.  I upgraded to the next size...a 250.  I will not bore you  with the details of my discussions regarding the workmanship of the 165 and how many people I had to "discuss" the issues with...but had I to do it all over again...I would have gone with American Royal mainly because they are a mere 30 miles down the road from me.  I researched many furnace manufactures before settling on Shaver, but apparently I miss American Royal. 

Shavers eventually turn out okay, but the "customer" had to do many upgrades that "should" have been done at the plant.  Three items come immediately to mind: better insulation; alto damper and most importantly QUALITY CONTROL!

I would like to mention her though in Shaver's defense, that those of us who purchased the Shaver did so because of the price.  You will NOT find another furnace in this price range that has a thicker firebox.  Yes, it dos have  :bash: :bash: issues, but the price is still right if one is on a limited budget and by the way, the time recouping your initial layout of funds will be far less than going with one of the big name brands...oh and by the way, NOT one of these furnaces is without problems.

Lugnut

[i [/i]
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: RSI on December 13, 2011, 10:35:59 AM
I've went ahead and purchased the Cadillac after finding the new company owner who is resuming production of the product.  They are still made in the original factory in Elcho, WI....way up in Northland!  I like the stove so much that I am securing a distributorship with the company for the south central Wisconsin area.  I've completely installed the unit myself.  Digging the trench was harder than connecting the stove.

This brand is very durable.  I'd compare it on par with Central Boiler, but $1000+ less in cost.  It's basically slightly less on bells and whistles but better on durability and ruggedness as well as a much larger door for loading.  If you have specific questions or are interested in giving the unit a try.....then contact me at CadillacWoodBurners@yahoo.com.
Where is Wisconsin are you located?
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: NewToIt on December 14, 2011, 09:25:41 AM
Lug,

When I was shopping around, I was looking for good quality and good price..... best of both worlds!  That is why I settled on my Wood Doctor a few years back.  I must have looked at ten different brands, including a Shaver. No offense, but I ran quickly in other direction when I saw the Shaver first hand.  And now I am kind of glad I did, after following your continuing saga!  But turns out that WD looks to be folding, so I may have got bit in the end anyhow....  story of my life!
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: leguftek on December 21, 2011, 07:32:29 AM
The Cadillac name is intellectual property protected as it pertains to autos and auto parts.  Since this is a completely different product and market segment, the protection does not apply.

I am located in south central Wisconsin, Rock County.  Please feel free to contact me with questions or inquiries about the Cadillac brand of boiler.  We are really jazzed about revitalizing this brand and product!  Cadillacwoodburners@yahoo.com
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: Darrell Lake on December 28, 2011, 02:00:42 PM
Do yourself a favor and stay as far away from Wooddoctor as you can.  I ordered a unit in August and never got it.  After many calls to full voiceboxes I finally got a hold of the owner - Arthur Turple who seemed like a decent guy on the phone but turned out to be a total crook.  Thankfully, I purchased mine with my credit card and they went after him for their money.  I know of 2 people in my area who have hired lawyers to get their money back on units they purchased in the spring and still dont' have anything. 

I made the decision to go with Portage and Main - a gasification boiler and so far couldn't be happier.  I made payment on one Thursday and it was at my address the next Thursday.  Stove works great.  They are on the high end of OWB's but peace of mind knowing I have a good product is worth it.  Go ahead and do some research or more that is.  I couldn't find anything bad about this company anywhere.  Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: scorpian5 on December 28, 2011, 04:14:30 PM
I can not find any info on these stoves i would like to see more close up pics
Title: Re: Cadillac OWB?
Post by: leguftek on December 28, 2011, 04:32:34 PM
I can send a product brochure to anyone who is interested in specs and details.  You can also go to a website to see more info as well at http://www.nsteelmfg.com/ (http://www.nsteelmfg.com/)