I have a Wonderwood stove that is in desperate need of grates.There are 2 grates each measuring 11 3/4" long and 10 " wide. I was told that these models were manufactured by a company called United States Stove Co. One of the grates is seriously broken so I am very fearful of starting up the stove. I live in the Catskills of NY and I can almost smell the snow coming so I am in a hurry to find out any information leading me to this company. Thanks, Sandi Grund

-- sandi grund (sgrund@in4web.com), September 20, 2001

Answers

Sandi,

If the grates are cast iron (and they probably are) they can be welded. It does, however, take a person versed in welding cast iron. I had someone repair my wood cookstove that way.

Good luck.

-- Cordy (ckaylegian@aol.com), September 20, 2001.

You could also have a local ironworker, tradesman or company make replacements out of iron or even steel. Won't last nearly as long as cast iron (say five or six years rather than a couple of decades) but will be MUCH cheaper.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), September 20, 2001.

Sandi The address for the United States Stove Company is 111 Industrial Drive P.O. Box 151 South Pittsburg, Tennessee 37380 I've sent for info on their stoves before. You can ask about replacement parts also. Good luck and stay warm Bill

-- Bill Jaddatz (Billshsfrm@aol.com), September 20, 2001.

Don't just ask for replacement parts to be got in for you, or shipped to you, without confirming the price. I mean really REALLY don't. That's how my father learnt about the difference in cost between locally made and genuine parts. The genuine grates were something approaching ten times the cost.

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), September 20, 2001.

When I needed new grates, I went to the salvage yard and bought pieces of steel, cut to size. I believe I was lucky enough to get Manganese (NOT MAGNESIUM), This type of steel can stand very high heat. I am getting a new stove this year and they look just like they did the day I made them. I have used them for 6-7 years with hot fires. I blew 1" (approx) holes into the plate in a pattern of 5-6 across and 10 or so down. I think I spent around $15.00, I was lucky enough to know someone with a torch. Good Luck,

Wayne Roach

-- Wayne & (LYN) Roach (R-Way@msn.com), September 21, 2001.

Wonderwood circulator model 2941 has the exact size you are looking for. Go to http://www.usstove.com to find a dealer. You need Part number 40076 and who knows how much they cost? My back one is shot also but even though I have the equipment and skill to weld it back together with nickel rod I would no do so. Weld will soften easy with heat and soft is not good in the heat! I have thought about replacing grate with fire brick. Zola

-- Zola Zapata (zeddzedd@att.net), November 29, 2001.

Yikes I just called US Stove 1-800-750-2723 They want $45.32 each for the grates. What a rip. I will make my own!

ZZ

-- Zola Zapata (zeddzedd@att.net), November 29, 2001.