Firebox brick removal

[Insco2]

Hello all,
I've spent a lot of time in the background reading and informing myself via great people here. I purchased a used Lopi Freedom Bay wood-burning stove. After getting home with the stove and liner I realized the dimensions of my fireplace was too small. I don't plan to ever use the fireplace without an insert. This will be the home we retire in so the next recipient at a later date can deal with Yankee in the insert out if chosen. So my question for you is am I able to remove some of the Firebox brick and order to make this insert fit? I'm only short two inches in depth unfortunately. Thanks for any help.

 

[begreen]

You can cut into the brick a couple inches with a grinder to square off the rear of the fireplace so that the insert fits. Wear a mask and eye protection.
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/cutting-or-grinding-brick-in-fireplace-to-fit-insert.156373/

 

[Insco2]

I thought about that. But the brick is at a 45 degree angle. With A 4 inch grinder I think at best I might be able to penetrate an inch of the brick. I didn't mention on my first post that this is an exterior fireplace with masonary clay lined flue.

 

[begreen]

You'd be surprised how quickly a grinder will chew through the brick. The alternative is to have the insert stick out a bit more on the hearth, maybe with no surround. Or make a filler piece to fill the gap between the fireplace and the surround. Just be sure there is 16" of hearth in front of the insert door, or add a hearth extension to make it up.