Put this stove in with a little help from my dad. I decided to DIY the project after finding out from the retail installer that he would not do the install the way I wanted. (ie: he told me I did not need to clean/ have a chimney inspection done prior to the install, there was no need for a top plate and, last but not least, a damper block off plate was a waste of time.) Frankly the guy's lack of installation knowledge, or his unwillingness to communicate it, scared me a little bit. Or maybe I spent a little to much time on hearth.com getting advice about the proper installation techniques. 
Regardless, the job is done! The way I wanted it done! I had the chimney cleaned and inspected, put in a full SS liner w/ a terracotta top plate, a block plate at the damper that is sealed up nice and tight, I also leveled the hearth with masonry cement & a piece of 22 ga sheet metal just to make life a little easier.
The liner was a cinch to drop in and because I have the last 2 ft of the pipe ovalized; it slipped easily thru the damper area. The toughest part of the install was connecting the stove to the liner, because the stove was forward a few inches from flue opening. No worries though, we pushed the stove far enough back to connect the the sleeve easily, used the metal straps supplied with the stove to anchor it and then dad went up on the roof and pushed on the liner as I pulled on the stove. We were able to slide it forward enough to get the surround on. And "wall-la" the install is complete! It's all over but the burning.
Dad and I fought over who would start the first fire; he won. I figure he earned it. Be carefull, all you dad's out there, your daughter's are watching and learning your values. I will happily admit to being my father's daughter. I admire all his hardwork and even though I hated cutting and hauling the wood as a kid; I love it now! In fact, I saw that a neighbor took down a nice oak yesturday and left the wood out by the street for pick up, so I am off to load it up in the truck/haul it home and split it with my maul.
Regardless, the job is done! The way I wanted it done! I had the chimney cleaned and inspected, put in a full SS liner w/ a terracotta top plate, a block plate at the damper that is sealed up nice and tight, I also leveled the hearth with masonry cement & a piece of 22 ga sheet metal just to make life a little easier.
The liner was a cinch to drop in and because I have the last 2 ft of the pipe ovalized; it slipped easily thru the damper area. The toughest part of the install was connecting the stove to the liner, because the stove was forward a few inches from flue opening. No worries though, we pushed the stove far enough back to connect the the sleeve easily, used the metal straps supplied with the stove to anchor it and then dad went up on the roof and pushed on the liner as I pulled on the stove. We were able to slide it forward enough to get the surround on. And "wall-la" the install is complete! It's all over but the burning.
Dad and I fought over who would start the first fire; he won. I figure he earned it. Be carefull, all you dad's out there, your daughter's are watching and learning your values. I will happily admit to being my father's daughter. I admire all his hardwork and even though I hated cutting and hauling the wood as a kid; I love it now! In fact, I saw that a neighbor took down a nice oak yesturday and left the wood out by the street for pick up, so I am off to load it up in the truck/haul it home and split it with my maul.
What a beautiful sight!
