How bad is this idea (remove stove now and then)?

[RichGraham]

I'm consider a wood stove (Jotul F3CB, 1300 sq ft house, blah, blah, blah....). And the spot I'd like for it is ideal, (almost) all the time.

BAD IDEA? - I'd like to know if it's feasible to remove the stove and move it to storage on occasion. Like, if I need the space for a long dinner table for a holiday, or even to put the stove in storage for the summer. Aside from the logistics of moving the heavy object (dolly, couple guys, no problem), is it feasible for me to detach/remove an interior portion of the stovepipe and stuff something into it to block it? And then re-install after a couple days?

 

[HotCoals]

Sure you could!
One guy on here used to put it out in his garage for the summer.

 

[dougand3]

Be careful not break firebricks, glass and stove legs/platform. You might find a metal cap to fit over the exposed pipe in the ceiling.

 

[firefighterjake]

You could . . . providing it is cooled down and no fire is in it (betting you knew that already.) Drawback would be the hearth (unless it is also portable) . . . and just how old it would get to move the stove in and out of the home very often. Then again . . . I'm kinda lazy and hate hauling around things that are heavy.

 

[RichGraham]

Thanks for your insight. Specifically, my house has become the place for Thanksgiving and Easter dinners, and the stove would be in the way of the long table. So I suppose I would install the stove Thanksgiving weekend (after the big meal) and remove it to storage again some time before Easter. I mean, until I get tired of that game and just leave it in place all year.

 

[dougand3]

Put a tablecloth over the stove and it can be the kid's table.

 

[BrotherBart]

I wouldn't do it. The F3 being cast iron you risk creating leaks in the joints every time you move it. That and the fact that the sucker is downright heavy and the risk of breaking one or more legs every time you move it just ain't worth it.

Mine was dropped during delivery and it broke both door hinges off the front of the stove and the entire front casting had to be replaced.

 

[DickRussell]

If there is enough space in that room, it might be less work to swap the one big table for 3 long, skinny (2-ft wide) tables, arranged around the stove, with one side open for serving and access to the stove. That gives everyone a view of everyone else and all are huddled around the warmth for turkey dinner.

 

[begreen]

Possible? Yes. Advisable? No. Every move risks something going wrong, soot, mess, a chimney pipe that needs to be capped, stress on the stove, the risk of rusting in an unheated space, etc.. The stove will mark a time for new traditions. Maybe put the table on a diagonal, or break things up into different seating groups at two tables?

 

[Sconnie Burner]

Sounds like a lot of hassel and possible damage to the stove. Set up a youngsters table or use one of those folding banquet tables in a different area. Much lighter and easier to store!