Stove cement for Defiant II rebuild

[IowaHuntr]

Hey guys, I am replacing a cracked lower fireback on my 1980 VC Defiant II and decided to tear it down and reseal the whole thing. I got this Rutland furnace cement but noticed it says best for gaps 1/8” or smaller. The beads of stuff I chipped out of the channels were much larger than 1/8”. Is there some thing more suited for this rebuild? I want to do it right the first time. Thanks so much!

 

[D. Hermit]

You're fine. Those gaps are all 1/8 in or less. You see more because of the overflow. But where the metal seams actually join, its pretty much touching.

 

[IowaHuntr]

Thank You! I was pretty sure this product had been recommended on another thread but wanted to be sure before I started assembly. Much appreciated!

 

[D. Hermit]

Thank You! I was pretty sure this product had been recommended on another thread but wanted to be sure before I started assembly. Much appreciated!

No problem. I use this in my restoration shop, and I know for a fact Jotul uses it on their brand new stove assemblies as well.

 

[IowaHuntr]

No problem. I use this in my restoration shop, and I know for a fact Jotul uses it on their brand new stove assemblies as well.

Any idea how many tubes it takes for a Defiant II? I got 4 but maybe I should have some more on hand? Thanks

 

[D. Hermit]

Between 4 and 5 should do it. You want to be pretty liberal w the cement.

 

[fbelec]

yes yes i used the same on my defiant

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

4-5 tubes? Are you using the toothpaste tubes or caulking tubes as shown?

 

[D. Hermit]

4-5 tubes? Are you using the toothpaste tubes or caulking tubes as shown?

Caulking tubes. For a full rebuild.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

Caulking tubes. For a full rebuild.

Good to know, I feel like the vigilant are 2 or so tubes, do the 2 piece backs and baffle float dry or are they cemented in place?

 

[peakbagger]

FYI, I strongly suggest you do the casting cleanup outdoors with a HEPA filter respirator, most refractory cement has fine silica which is not good for your lungs. I remember when I did mine 30 years ago, I was coughing up black stuff for a couple of days. Since Covid most folks have access to HEPA masks. I wore a pair of coveralls and threw them in the wash without any other clothes right afterwards.

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

FYI, I strongly suggest you do the casting cleanup outdoors with a HEPA filter respirator, most refractory cement has fine silica which is not good for your lungs. I remember when I did mine 30 years ago, I was coughing up black stuff for a couple of days. Since Covid most folks have access to HEPA masks. I wore a pair of coveralls and threw them in the wash without any other clothes right afterwards.

N95 disposable masks with the flapper valves are the best, and they are cheaper by the dozen by far. Personally if it is a stove i am going to have on display somewhere or plan to resell after an initial once over with a stringer brush on the grinder all the parts go into the cabinet blaster and get fine steel slag blasted. All of these activities warrant a good form of breathing protection, wear one just once and see what it looks like when you are done.