Little Buck and confusion on setup

[wheeling365]

Recently picked up a Little Buck 26000 for in my place as in insert to help offset the cost of oil. I found the user manual on line and have read it. I don't have the cash for a full liner this year so I have been trying to figure out what I need for a direct connect. I also want to make sure the stove will provide enough heat before I invest a bunch of cash for poor results.

I know I need some kind of 3 1/2 x14 adapter to come off the stove but they all seem to convert to 8" round. The issue becomes that my flue above the smoke chamber is 7x13 so I don't see shoving 8" round into it as an option. Its my understanding that going down in size isn't always a good thing since it can cause issues with the stove.

I'm sure I'm not the first one to have this issue. I've tried searching on here and calling a few local sweeps as well as visiting a local stove store. I don't know what search terms to use to find what I need as I'm still new to this. It seems like unless I want to drop a bunch of cash on a new stove and a full liner nobody local wants to be very forthcoming with info about options.

So I guess what I am asking is what options do I really have to do a direct connect with this?

 

[mellow]

You will have to ovalize the 8" liner to get it to fit in your flue once you are past your damper. You can buy the liner adapter from Buck: (broken link removed to http://www.buckstove.com/partsstore/home.php?cat=23)

You will need to install a block off plate, search for that on here.

(broken link removed to http://www.rockfordchimneysupply.com/articles.php?article=How-to-Install-a-Liner-through-a-Damper)

Other buck parts can be found here: (broken link removed)

 

[bsruther]

I don't know if they can still be found, but I had an oval adapter on mine, direct vented with a blockoff plate and 4 ft of flex liner. It worked great, even though my chimney is only 13 ft. Make sure all the gaskets have a good seal and it should burn pretty well. Slowing down the fan motor noticeably extended my burn time.

 

[wheeling365]

Thank you for the sources. It looks like its time to do some reading. I see a possible new issue after looking at the adapter. I measured from the flue opening to the back edge of the trim panel. Its about 4.5". The thickness of the wall inside the top of the firebox is something like 4 to 4.25 thick. It looks like I am going to have issues with the adapter and need to cut the damper.

Is it acceptable to just mark the spot that needs cut out and have at it with a grinder, sawzall, plasma cutter etc... To remove that spot or should just plan to take the entire damper out?

 

[mellow]

Just remember, once you cut that thing there is no going back. If you are ok with that then start with the smallest amount needed. I used a sawzall and grinder on mine.

Just think about this, if this is just a project to test if this works then why not get a newer insert and make it worth your time, you shouldn't need to cut out as large of a chunk for a newer insert with a 6" liner.

 

[wheeling365]

I thought about a newer insert but between the cost of one and that I really like the fact that this one can do wood or coal if neeeded. I don't plan to use it with coal until I would have a full liner done. I also have no intention of using the original fireplace because its just not very efficient.


I might look into having a local shop build the stack adapter so I can get it more centered into the opening so I don't have to cut as much out of the fixed damper side.

 

[tfdchief]

I thought about a newer insert but between the cost of one and that I really like the fact that this one can do wood or coal if neeeded. I don't plan to use it with coal until I would have a full liner done. I also have no intention of using the original fireplace because its just not very efficient.


I might look into having a local shop build the stack adapter so I can get it more centered into the opening so I don't have to cut as much out of the fixed damper side.

My son and I both custom made our stack adapters. I reduced to 7 inch for my Buck 26000 and it drafts great at only about 13 feet of flue. My son's 27000 had to be reduced to 6 inch and it is a tall chimney in the center of a 2 story house and does fine after start up. A little sluggish to begin with. If you google Buck 26000 you will find lots of reading.