Cheap Smoke Shelf for Stove

[apparition]

I am not on here much but wanted to share. I have a Reg.ency fireplace insert and the smoke shelf fell apart. A local business had a 36 x 24 x 1 sheet of ceramic fiber board (16# density) for $40. They said that the high pH smoke will react with the aluminum oxide and probably eat it in about a year. It has lasted five years and I only needed 1\2 the sheet. I still have the other half. This board feels something like felt and can be cut easily with a table saw (wear a dust mask). I cut the shelf in two pieces and put a lap joint between so it can be removed and replaced for cleaning. they may be willing to ship if you need it: Nock Refractories, Cleveland Ohio 1-800-487-6625.

I also found out that the fan bearings do not last as long as I would like and the fan assembly is expensive. The bearings for this are not a standard size but since the fan has no real torque a wrap and 3/4 of electrical tape around the shaft adapts the 1/4 inch shaft to fit an inline roller skate bearing (7mm x 22mm x 7mm) size 608. These can be purchased off E-Bay for $1.99 to $25 depending on what you want. I was told that rubber side shields would prolong the life enough to make it worth the extra price.

Have Fun!

 

[brenndatomu]

Good pointers.
What stove do you have?

 

[apparition]

It is a Regency 3100 insert. It is the primary heat source for the house. I only run the oil furnace when it is below 0. Oak will keep the heat all night. Ash will keep the blower running in the morning but there is just coals left. I wish it held two more logs (about 6" more firebox into the room) as I can get paid to cut ash. Oak is harder to find.