Anybody build their own insert?
I have a small firebox in my masonry fireplace and am using a smokedragon insert now. I would like a more efficient insert but my choices seem to limited by the small size of the firebox. It has a 23.5" x 23.5" opening and the back is closer to 18" wide. I have looked at the Lopi Answer and similiar inserts but think a "custom" homebuilt might better suit my needs.
I'm thinking I would try to find a used door with glass as a start. I have (6) 30"x 60" sheets of 3/16" steel plate that I rescued from a dumpster at work. I also have a 30"x 30" square of 1/2" plate. These should provide the bulk of the raw materials. I am confident in my welding abilities and have all the tools and space needed to take on this project.
BUT, I do want to research this as much as I can and hopefully only build this once.
So, anybody build their own insert? Got any tips? Any web links or other reference material that would help?
I plan to draw up something in paint real quick and post it to give a base for people to tweak.
I have a small firebox in my masonry fireplace and am using a smokedragon insert now. I would like a more efficient insert but my choices seem to limited by the small size of the firebox. It has a 23.5" x 23.5" opening and the back is closer to 18" wide. I have looked at the Lopi Answer and similiar inserts but think a "custom" homebuilt might better suit my needs.
I'm thinking I would try to find a used door with glass as a start. I have (6) 30"x 60" sheets of 3/16" steel plate that I rescued from a dumpster at work. I also have a 30"x 30" square of 1/2" plate. These should provide the bulk of the raw materials. I am confident in my welding abilities and have all the tools and space needed to take on this project.
BUT, I do want to research this as much as I can and hopefully only build this once.
So, anybody build their own insert? Got any tips? Any web links or other reference material that would help?
I plan to draw up something in paint real quick and post it to give a base for people to tweak.