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
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]