Smoke Shelf Question

[Danster]

I am new to this forum so please bear with me. I am in the process of installing a new woodburning fireplace insert in my home. I have a masonry fireplace that was built approx in 1993 when my house was built. I am installing a new stainless liner to the insert and the smoke shelf is in the way. I started the process of removing the shelf so I have a straight shot down the chimney but now I hope I haven't made the mistake of removing this out of my firebox. My firebox is 1/4" plate steel, the smoke shelf appears to be 1/8" steel. It is ok to cut a hole in the top of the firebox to accommodate the new liner? I will install the liner and it will be wrapped in insulation. I started cutting the top of the firebox yesterday and can see inside and see it is wrapped in steel sheet metal, probably 1/8". I guess if Ive screwed up I can weld this back in place.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.


Thank you!

 

[begreen]

Normally one cuts out part or all of the damper to make clearance. Is this not an option?

 

[Danster]

I have removed the damper from the smoke shelf. The shelf protrudes quite a bit though and I would like to have a straight shot down the chimney if possible. Is there a risk of cutting this out when I will be insulating the new liner and there is existing steel and gray masonry cement block currently installed?

 

[begreen]

It may be ok if this is a heatform with full masonry surround and the liner is fully insulated. Otherwise it's not uncommon to have a 15 deg. elbow at the stove to handle the angle.

PS: Welcome to hearth.com.

 

[Danster]

The best I can tell this is a Superior Heatform Fireplace.

 

[bholler]

The best I can tell this is a Superior Heatform Fireplace.

Yes you usually need to cut out some in those to get enough clearance