1st off, let me start off with the 2 typical Newbie disclaimers: I am an woodstove idiot and this is a great site. OK: I have a 1988 VC Resolute Acclaim in my vacation cabin. The stove pipe has to be replaced. It is a 9 foot straight run to ceiling box. The present set up is a 6" increaser at stove top to a 7" pipe. Question #1: should I stay with that set up, or go to a 6" pipe and put the increaser up at the connection to the chimney? #2 So that I can clean the pipe from inside, where is best to locate the slip pipe (Im willing to use a step ladder)? #3 I was going to buy HeatFab pipe, but their increaser has right angles that looks like it would be a shelf for creosote, vs. other manufacturers increasers which appear to be gradual--which pipe would people recommend? My last question pertains to the refractory material that I stupidly poked a couple of holes thru with a screw driver as I was cleaning stove after the pipe was removed--can I, or should I, fill the holes with anything? Thanks for any advice. I look forward to being part of this community.