Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: andyhowardcity on August 15, 2011, 10:31:00 AM

Title: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on August 15, 2011, 10:31:00 AM
Hello all,
I am looking at purchasing a Ridgewood stove.  I went out and saw the man who builds the stoves.  The firebox is built out of old propane tanks.  I got to see the welding taking place and everything looks good. This is a newer company but the guy worked for Timberwolf for 10 years. My question is about natural draft, which these are, vs. forced draft.  Also, would a 36 x 44 firebox be adequate to heat 4000 sq. ft.?
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Ridgekid on August 15, 2011, 11:23:21 AM
Is this the company?

http://ridgewoodstove.com/ridgewoodsept_002.htm (http://ridgewoodstove.com/ridgewoodsept_002.htm)

It says good for 6000sf.

I'll ask our Administrator to add this company since the recent closure of heatsource1.

BTW- Like the name "Ridge" but not affiliated.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Scott7m on August 15, 2011, 12:51:47 PM
I dont know much about them.  I can tell you that I'm not crazy about natural draft.  I also looked at his accessories and he's telling folks to install a side arm with a mixing valve. I really dont like that whole process either, its to complicated compared to the ease of using a 20 plate exchanger. 

Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Ridgekid on August 15, 2011, 06:47:58 PM
Administrator said he would only add if there was more interest in the product.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: RSI on August 15, 2011, 10:10:26 PM
Also, would a 36 x 44 firebox be adequate to heat 4000 sq. ft.?

I say probably not.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: RSI on August 15, 2011, 10:11:50 PM
If the prices for comparable size stoves in the 2 brands are close then I would take the Woodmaster.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on August 16, 2011, 07:14:34 AM
That's the link to the site.  The intent of this brand is to build something cheap and dependable.  There is no marketing or middleman.  You buy from the guy who builds the stove.  You can watch your stove being built, which I liked.  Thanks for the replies to my post.
I'll let you know how it goes. The cost is only $3,000! plus tax, so that's a major upside.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Scott7m on August 16, 2011, 07:33:58 PM
Also, would a 36 x 44 firebox be adequate to heat 4000 sq. ft.?

I say probably not.

I agree.....  unless your poking wood in it every 7-8 hours.   I donno..  just dont see how it will.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: martyinmi on August 16, 2011, 08:11:27 PM
Also, would a 36 x 44 firebox be adequate to heat 4000 sq. ft.?

I say probably not.
Boy- if my math is right that's almost 26 cu.ft. of wood-about one fifth of a full cord. My first home built on was(is) only 11 cu ft and it heats 1800 sq. ft on 2xday loading. I'll bet if there's baffles to help hold heat in or some type of multi-pass heat exchange to transfer more heat back in to the water jacket it will do an OK job. I would think that you might have to load 3xday for maybe 10-20 days/year when it's very cold.

   Marty
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on August 17, 2011, 10:16:09 AM
Thanks for the feedback, everybody.  I am now looking at buying a used Timberwolf stove.  These are made in Muskegon, MI.  Unit is three years old and the price is right.  The firebox and water jacket are both 3/16 which seems thinner than average, which is a concern.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: merrellroofing on August 17, 2011, 09:45:02 PM
I am not here to badmouth anyone, but I talked to the owner of the Timberwolf stoves a couple months ago.  He told me the whole situation about the the guy from Ridgewood that used to work for him.  All I can say is know what you are getting and who is gonna be there when something goes wrong.  I almost bought a Timberwolf myself, I thought they looked good for the price.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: RSI on August 17, 2011, 10:24:31 PM
If you go take a look at some decent brands like Central boiler, Woodmaster, Nature's Comfort, etc and take a close look at them especially the welds, the bad stuff will be a lot more noticeable. The smaller companies may make a good boiler as good or better than the big ones or might be junk. Because they are small companies it is going to be hard finding someone with actual experience.

Another thing to look at is the pipe connection placement. Some may just pick random places for the fittings. It is important to have them placed where all the water is moving.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on August 18, 2011, 06:59:17 AM
Good to hear something good about the Timberwolf.  The price is definitely right.  I will say that the Ridgewood guy has nothing bad to say about Timberwolf.  He offered to give me their phone number so I could call them.  He has been extremely helpful, even consulting me with buying used parts off Craigslist.  He is building these stoves in a pole barn with himself and his welder who welds on the weekends.  The firebox's are made out of scrap propane tanks and the waterbox is made out of rolled steel.  Spray foam insulation.  I really would like to support somebody who is a small business and trying to do something to get more people off of foreign oil.  The warranty is 100 percent for five years, fifty percent for the next five. It's really hard to knock a guy who will show you everything in his shop, let you watch his welder, tell you you can come out any time, etc.  He would probably do a custom build if I asked him to!  Anyway, I appreciate the transparency, as you can probably tell.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andrewstrucking on August 21, 2011, 09:53:29 AM
andyhowardcity,
       i just recently talked to tim at ridgewood stoves and couldnt agree more with you about the knowledge and his openess about his stoves, although he did not mention about being a former employee of timberwolf.I'm just in the beginning stages of my research and was happy I stumbled across this website. Quite a few neigbors in the area have woodmaster stoves and as far as there concerned, there is no other. the price off the stove and everything else that goes with hooking it up (woodmaster)just puts me out my budget, thats why the ridgewood at 3000.00 was appealing. but lets face it 3000.00 bucks is a big investment for something less than an adequate heat source, or lack there of. I'm not so sure its worth the  gamble to be having problems in the middle of winter (3000.00 compared to the 6000.00 brand name furnace). just curious what your final decision is? thanks for your time, and feel free to add any hot tips about your experience. also if you have not purchased one yet is quardinating a deal possible?? or to much hassle???
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on August 29, 2011, 10:24:04 AM
I didn't buy yet.  Still looking and thinking.  I talked to the Timberwolf owner and his stove comes with a pump and is UL listed, which Ridgewood's are not, as far as I know.  I really do not want to finance and that's why I'm waiting, to pay cash.  I will probably end up buying a Ridgewood if the used Timberwolf I was looking at is sold.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Ridgekid on August 29, 2011, 10:31:05 AM
Financing can be hard nowadays in our economy. Cash seems to be harder. Both my Son and I went through seperate Credit Unions. In order to get the cheaper rate we put up collateral. They take the payments right out of our direct deposits.

Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Nomorepropane on September 19, 2011, 03:57:57 AM
Hello all,
As an owner of a Ridgewood I just wanted to give my 2 cents. With over 20 years in the Heating and Cooling industry I did a lot of research of cost vs performance between different outdoor boilers. With several friends of mine with heatmor units I thought was the choice I was going to make untill my wife found Tim's units advertised in the Auto Rv trader. I thought how good could it be for half the price of a Heatmor. Well I spent over an hour on the phone with him and pounded him with questions, and I decided to go to his shop and check them out. All I can say is everything Tim said it would do it does. My buddy and I each ordered one last fall. We installed both of them ourselves, and have been very happy every since. I am heating 1500sq ft 2 story plus a 50gal h20 tank with the side arm and a 24x 24 garage. I installed and fired my unit on Dec 5 2010 and shut it down about the middle of May. I have never had to fill my unit more than 2 times in one day even on the coldest days of the year. I cut from my own property so I am only guessing but  probably around 20 face cord a year. I bought all my heat exchangers off ebay out of a store in Wisconsin and purchased my stove and underground pipe from Tim, and all my pex tubing and fittings from menards in Clio Mi. I had right around 4500.00 in my parts, compared to the 8500.00 in parts from Heatmor.

My buddy: 2500 square ft house, 50 gal H2o tank with side arm, and a 32x48 pole barn. He bought all his wood last year and bought 18 face cord plus cut down 1 medium tree.

All in all I am very pleased with my decision in the Ridgewood and am looking forward to firing it up soon again. Dan
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Bull on September 19, 2011, 07:01:23 AM
Congrats Dan and welcome to the site.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 27, 2011, 09:53:40 AM
just wondering how everyone is likeing there ridgewood, considering purchasing one, and there only 10 mins away



Cody
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 28, 2011, 11:09:00 AM
well went and looked at them today, look very well built, thick steel, good strong welds with plenty of penetration, and thick spray foam insulation. Anybody got a update, should be purchasing next week if everything goes well.



Cody
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on December 28, 2011, 08:02:49 PM
How much does Tim want for one of his units?   
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 28, 2011, 10:24:06 PM
http://ridgewoodstove.com/ridgewoodsept_002.htm (http://ridgewoodstove.com/ridgewoodsept_002.htm)


I think for the 6000 $4280 or so with 75 foot of insulated line, exhanger, pump, fittings.

600 more for the bigger one.

The stoves now come with diamond plate roofs and corner trim.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 29, 2011, 10:16:35 AM
ttt!


What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: martyinmi on December 29, 2011, 03:15:24 PM
You get a lot friendlier responses over here than you do over at that other site,don't ya?

Cody, I'll give you my two cents worth since you are a fellow Michigander. If it were me,I'd spend a few grand more and buy one from a dealer who represents larger company that has a solid reputation where warranty issues are concerned. I don't know anything about the Ridgewood boiler, and I do not want to be a guinea pig for any manufacturer. I went with a larger company that has a reputation for prompt service when warranty issues are encountered. But that's just me. I'm getting to a point in my life where I choose not to take the risks that I did even 10 years ago. I know if I have a major issue with my boiler,especially in the first five years, immediate help is only a phone call away. That kind of piece of mind is hard to put a price on.
   Which ever direction you take, I wish you the best of luck. Remember, the above words from me are just actions that I would take based on my situation. Nothing more,nothing less. The path you choose needs to be based on the where you are monetarily, as well as how you are mechanically. Everyone in THIS site applauds you in your decision to attempt to break free from "The Man".
   Good luck,
   Marty-in MI
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Bull on December 29, 2011, 06:46:48 PM
Not a bad looking owb, I went to their website and looked around. I clicked on the warranty tab and it didn't say anything about the warranty.
There is not a lot of info on their site no spec page.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on December 29, 2011, 09:21:50 PM
I have the 6000 sf model.   Firebox, water jacket and smoke stack are 3/8"s  thick.  Pretty simple set up, easy to fix, if needed.   The electronics are from Graingers.     Tim delivered it to me in Pennsylvania for $3550.    I don't expect Tim to come to Pa if it develops  a leak.   I can weld.   The paint job on the steel structure, legs etc; is a little weak,  needs primed.   But I stuck mine in a shed, as planned,  to keep the weather off of it.   We will see how it works out.    I was going to get a CB 5036, I like the ripple top firebox layout, but the $9500 price for the unit and set-up stuff, plus my labor,  scared me off.  And the CB only has a 5year warranty on the firebox, according to the dealer.  A buddy at work has the 5036, which he loves.   Said its easy on wood.   
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Bull on December 30, 2011, 03:33:34 AM
What kind of warranty does your 6000 have? That is a great price
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on December 30, 2011, 04:48:36 AM
When I bought it, back in March, the warranty was 5 year 100%, but electrics not covered, then another 5 years at 50%.   Pump has manufacture warranty.   All the electronics are available for under $100 from Grainger.   
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 30, 2011, 08:09:35 AM
I thought tims welder said they were 10 year warranty now, 1 year electric. Did yours come with insulated line, heat exchanger?
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on December 30, 2011, 07:42:35 PM
Get him to put the warranty in writing.   Mine just came with one pump.   I got the insulated line,  heat exchanger and some other stuff off of Ebay from an outfit in N.Y. state.  Tims prices on the units are kinda all over the place.   The website price is either $4100 or $3400, depending on what page you're looking at, for the same unit. On Graigslist, they're like $3200.   You price of $4280 for the unit and all the stuff ain't bad.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on December 30, 2011, 11:06:44 PM
Ya I think I'm gonna spring for the larger stove and try and get him to throw in some more insulated line.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on January 04, 2012, 03:09:23 PM
Ya I think I'm gonna spring for the larger stove and try and get him to throw in some more insulated line.
      So how did it go?   Get tim to paint it better.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: robins44 on January 10, 2012, 10:14:53 AM
still waiting on the bank  >:(
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: mremm on February 24, 2012, 07:13:56 PM
I had tapped into my neighbors Woodmaster 5500, as he is elderly and I did most of his wood anyway. I'm just not getting my 2500 sq ft house up past 65 degrees, so I'm looking at putting in my own stove.
I don't want to spend a fortune, so the Ridgewood looks good to me - $3300 instead of $5000 or more. I'll have to call and ask about the non-blower aspect, although I had to change both blowers on the neighbor's during January of this year - I think my hands are finally thawed.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: 6pacmac on February 25, 2012, 09:16:56 PM
The damper, non blower set up works good on the Ridge boiler.   But I think a blower is now available as an option.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: mremm on February 27, 2012, 12:20:33 PM
Thanks. I'll call and see.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: Scott7m on February 27, 2012, 01:09:06 PM
I can assure you you'll get a good answer, no manufacturer would tell you something don't work well. 

I'd rather pay the extra and be with a company that will actually will be in business in a couple years.  With the new regs they won't be here to offer any support in the future.  I also don't like the idea of using scrap metal to build stoves.  The metal in your boiler should be clean and new when you first start it up.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andrewstrucking on March 20, 2012, 06:19:25 AM
Hello All,
           I purchased a ridgewood 7500 last october (2011) installed it my self, I installed 500 ft. of pex going to 3 buildings. total of 5000 sq. foot not including my hot water, which I ended up using a 20 plate. i used the pumps and pex that ridgewood recommended, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about it all, i thought worse case i would have to eliminate 1 of the buildings if the furnace struggled. Considering we had above average temps here in michigan this year, the furnace produced as it should and i could not be more happier with my 3000.00 plus savings compared to a big name furnace. I have friends with woodmasters, heatmor and central owb's. I can say the natural draft was not an issue, but I'm pretty confident it will not burn green wood like the forced air models. I had no problem finding seasoned wood, so this was not an issue ( I did mix some green in with seasoned and still no issues). i can also add that each of my friends at one time or another every winter are changing a fan, there again not an issue for me. although I bought an extra solenoid, which is what works the draft door on the ridgewood., but did not need it this season. Certainly the warranty is a concern because if ridgewood go's out of business, the warranty is useless, i hope other people see how good the product is, buy from him, ridgewood will stay in business and everones warranty will be valid. Just wanted to put my infomation out there for all the people that were skeptical like myself.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: andyhowardcity on March 21, 2012, 06:50:51 PM
Thanks for the info! What was your wood usage and burn times?  The only thing that stopped me from getting one is they are not UL listed which my insurance company requires. I anlm looking at timberwolf now.

.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: jbc on October 29, 2012, 08:30:48 AM
Just for a little update on the Ridgewood lineup...

I purchased the 7500 unit, installed it myself---heating 2 homes both over 2500sf., plus one pole barn 24x30 uninsulated. The install went as planned, got Taco pumps from Menards, underground from Tim @ Ridgewood for cost ($4.50 a foot!) the rest of my pex fittings from Menards and Home Depo--you can tell that it's wood boiler season--parts for 1" pex sell FAST!...Used the one solid band/barb connections from recommendation of a friend that used the leaking shark quick connects---DO not use them, they will leak upon spring/winter start up and cool down.

Anyhoo, trenched 275 foot of pex 2' down in the ground, bought my heat exchangers off of E-bay for $125+/- a piece, used a old truck radiator and a box fan for the pole barn (cheap and works GREAT!), got my water treatment off line with a test kit....and only had one small leak I had to go back and take care of--typical chinese pipe threading B.S....

After running a few face cord threw the stove (mainly cheap slab wood) it runs absolutely fine---final cost for 2 homes, 275 foot of pex, pole barn--treatment--renting a trencher-$6,600 done-running-working great!...Almost 1/2 the cost of 2 different OWB reps I had out to the house for estimates!...I simply dont see with the resoarses available with the internet why someone would not attempt to install one themself--or for that matter sublet a install (was quoted $1,500) and have a Ridgewood installed at there home/business.

I simply can not see a disadvantage to using this stove manufacture---you cut out the middleman profits (I see no reason to support someone else in these times)--work with a honest well seasoned builder and have a quality product---Thanks a Ton Tim and company!

I am getting use the the large "slap" of the vent of the natural draft system--it rings $$$ saving each and every time I hear it...

JBC
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: victor6deep on December 01, 2012, 08:58:25 PM
Probably not ul listed because of the exposed romex wire going to his pump in the pic. Haha what a joke, some half assed romex connector on the pump. One pic shows ashes almost level with the loading door also. Average stove only weighs 1800? Not impressed.
Title: Re: Ridgewood Stove vs Woodmaster
Post by: baldwin racing on December 02, 2012, 06:35:09 AM
Hello all,
I am looking at purchasing a Ridgewood stove.  I went out and saw the man who builds the stoves.  The firebox is built out of old propane tanks.  I got to see the welding taking place and everything looks good. This is a newer company but the guy worked for Timberwolf for 10 years. My question is about natural draft, which these are, vs. forced draft.  Also, would a 36 x 44 firebox be adequate to heat 4000 sq. ft.?
natural draft work really well if set up right  ...like force fed boilers. you do not have a blower than runs alot and go bad from time to time.... you would just have a little 24volt motor that opens and closes....not saying they wont go go bad....just saying they dont move as much as one spinning....I will agree with the rest of these guys will he back his welds and boilers up? and what bothers me he is using old propane tanks to begin with not buying newer metals welding on older metals are more likely to have pits and corrusion..... some you can see and others you dont.....
it's all up to you in the end...do you spend little more for a bigger name wich is not always the best quality welds but have warranty.....long as the go buy what they say.....
kelly