Glitch with potential install

[EmmyQT]

We're continuing to move forward with the potential install of the Osburn 2400 and now realize while the depth of the fireplace is 23" which is well above the 16.25" depth required, the fireplace box width gets smaller towards the back making it about an inch short. The Osburn dealer suggested to maybe either 'notch out' about half inch on each side of the fireplace box 6.75" from the back wall to make it fit or that it would be okay to stick out an extra inch in the front and that the faceplate would just need to have something placed between the 1" space between it and the brick. Has anybody else dealt with this and if so how did you solve this dilemma? Out of the two suggested I think I like the sticking out 1" more than cutting into the firebox. Does anybody have any ideas on what to use for the 1" space in back of faceplate that would look decent or if there's another way around this? I've done so much research on the Osburn and would like to stick with it if possible.

 

[Oregon aloha]

I had an angle iron frame made to fill the gap and painted it to match. I have also notched the brick on an other install about a half an inch where the smoke shelf met the back wall. Both installs worked out fine.

 

[W.B.]

I broke out the angle grinder on mine. I had a substantial amount of metal to remove from mine though.

 

[BrotherBart]

Is that a steel pre-fab fireplace firebox? Or all masonry?

 

[rwhite]

If I understand this correctly (from refering to the manual) the stove needs a minimum width of 31 5/8" and 16 1/4" minimum depth. At 16 1/4" back from the face your width is less than the 31 5/8 that is needed, correct? I would measure back from the fire place opening 16 1/4" and determine the width there. If it only needs 1/2" more of width (and it's a masonry fire box) I get an angle grinder out and notch the brick a 1/4" on each side. You can get a masonry wheel for a 4" grinder. Have someone with a spray bottle of water to keep the brick wet while your cutting to keep dust down. Notching the brick seems easier than finding a method to correct the gap in front and willl make a cleaner install. Believe me you will notice the gap on the face everytime you look at the stove.

 

[EmmyQT]

Is that a steel pre-fab fireplace firebox? Or all masonry?

It is all masonry.

 

[EmmyQT]

If I understand this correctly (from refering to the manual) the stove needs a minimum width of 31 5/8" and 16 1/4" minimum depth. At 16 1/4" back from the face your width is less than the 31 5/8 that is needed, correct? I would measure back from the fire place opening 16 1/4" and determine the width there. If it only needs 1/2" more of width (and it's a masonry fire box) I get an angle grinder out and notch the brick a 1/4" on each side. You can get a masonry wheel for a 4" grinder. Have someone with a spray bottle of water to keep the brick wet while your cutting to keep dust down. Notching the brick seems easier than finding a method to correct the gap in front and willl make a cleaner install. Believe me you will notice the gap on the face everytime you look at the stove.

I think I will go the angle grinder route ... I totally agree with that I would notice gap constantly. Thanks for your input! Quick question though where it's about an inch short (meaning 31 5/8 falls at about 15.25 in), would I have to notch out 1/2 inch? Or would the 1/4 be good enough? I will measure width at 16.25 in and see what the width measurement is there. That might answer my question. Say if it's an inch short there also that would mean I'd have to notch out 1/2, correct? Would that still be okay structural wise?

 

[PLAYS WITH FIRE]

I would use a respirator and plastic to cover you and the opening to keep the dust out of the room....unless this no concern.

 

[EmmyQT]

I would use a respirator and plastic to cover you and the opening to keep the dust out of the room....unless this no concern.

This is Definitely a concern, will do and thanks for the tip!

 

[W.B.]

I would use a respirator and plastic to cover you and the opening to keep the dust out of the room....unless this no concern.

This is what I did. Built a cardboard wall around the fireplace and covered everything in plastic. It did a very good job of keeping everything contained. If you do this though, a respirator and eye protection are a must.

 

[David.Ervin]

a respirator and eye protection are a must

And ear protection! It'll get loud in there with an angle grinder vs fireplace.

 

[mstoelton]

Make sure the respirator has a HEPA (high efficiency Particulate Air) filter The filter will be purple in color). Do not skimp on this and use a cheap dust mask. You want a real respirator. each of us Only has one set of lungs and they don't like brick dust.

 

[W.B.]

And ear protection! It'll get loud in there with an angle grinder vs fireplace.

For sure! I forgot to mention that.

 

[rwhite]

I will measure width at 16.25 in and see what the width measurement is there. That might answer my question.

Do that and it will tell you how short of the 31 5/8 you are. Good tips as well on the masks, eye and ear protection (you only get one set). The bricks are likely 4" wide. Check back with the amount that has to be notched but it should be fine structurally.

 

[EmmyQT]

Do that and it will tell you how short of the 31 5/8 you are. Good tips as well on the masks, eye and ear protection (you only get one set). The bricks are likely 4" wide. Check back with the amount that has to be notched but it should be fine structurally.

It was hard to get completely accurate measurement as grate heater is still installed and hard to get around that and door, but as a preliminary measurement, I believe it's approximately 30" at the 16.25 depth point. So roughly .75 inch on each side, should that be okay? One thing I know is I'm not looking forward to 1 5/8 inches worth of brick dust!! I will definitely take everybody's advice and try to keep things as contained as possible and make sure protective (especially) lung, eye and ear gear is used.

 

[EmmyQT]

Great, great news ... no grinding or notching of the firebox necessary!! Doing more research on this, the actual width of the Osburn 2400 is 29 5/8 without the side leveling screws (which those are 5 inches from back and plenty of room there). Long story short, we have the necessary width for insert required!! ... onward we go