Regency I1200 Bottom Plate Question

[Bogman]

Hi to all
So I am close to embarking on a historic journey - the purchase of my first wood stove. I ended up choosing a Regency I1200 unit because its the only wood stove insert that will fit into my fireplace.

But I had some questions that I hope people can help me out without before I actually buy. Due to the particular dimensions and layout of my existing fireplace, I would like to use a bottom faceplate on the unit. regencys user manual sugests that this faceplate can be cut down from the 8" dimension to whatever is required (using some sort of cutting device). Has anyone actually done this?? Or does this have to be custom ordered from the manufacturer. I would like to use a 6" dimension.

Also, when a bottom factplate is used, I assume that the insert front actually sits on this for support, does anyone know how the back of the unit is supported? It would seem to be floating in the air?

I would appreciate any feedback

 

[begreen]

Welcome bogman. The stove definitely doesn't rest on the faceplate. It sits on the fireplace floor. Are you trying to raise the insert above the fireplace floor?

If you can post a picture of your current setup it may help to visualize your particular concern.

 

[Bogman]

Hi
I'm trying to raise the entire fireplace / insert up so that it fits better with the existing fireplace trim and looks better. Another reason is that my fireplace is rather tall and narrow. 30" tall. and I'd like a little more overlap of the plates over the existing opening. See an attached pdf that shows some sketches I did.

If say I could get a 6" bottom plate, do you think I could build up the 6" below the unit with loose bricks and some sort of fireboard? Not sure
Bogman
"Peat is my deoderant"

 

[Bogman]

The pdf is to large - I could email it to you to take a look?
I would appreciate your opinion

 

[begreen]

You could use bricks or maybe 4" cement blocks to raise the stove.

PDFs won't post. Try making a jpeg image about 800 x 600 from the pdf.

 

[STOVEGUY11]

I installed one last year for one of there gas inserts. I had never seen the thing before, there wasnt much info in the book about it, but the customer wanted it. They called it a hearth trim kit and was described as being used if the unit was raised up inside the fireplace. I open the box up and all it was, was a 6" piece that attached to the the surround of the unit. It wasnt desinged to actually raise the unit up. For the i1200 they call it a bottom faceplate and fan support, but there is no description in the book what its actual purpose is. I do not think it actually raises the unit in the firebox. You could always have your dealer contact Regency and get an idea how this thing works.

 

[Bogman]

Do you know how heavy the gage of steel is for the suurounding trim? I've never seen them up close and am wondering whether its a cast iron or bent sheet metal. I'm guessing sheet metal just based on the look.

I'm wondering if it could be cut by oneself with the proper tool.

 

[BrotherBart]

All of the surrounds I have seen these days are pretty thin stuff. Sheet metal.

 

[Bogman]

Thats good news. Nothing that a recripocating saw and a fresh blade won't solve

 

[blackgooseJT]

Bogman,
That piece cuts real easy with a thin metal cutting wheel on a 4.5" grinder. Measure and mark it with pencil or tape, and have someone (also with eye protection) help hold it.It's easy and fits together nicely.You may find that the stove body is more stable if sitting on mortared masonry rather than just sitting on anything stacked

blackgooseJT

 

[Bogman]

Thanks blackgooseJT, its reassuring to get the feedback before I make the purchase. What I'm going to do is make up a 6" height inside the fireplace using bricks and sand. Once its all compacted down, I'll put a 1 to 2" mix of dry sand and cement over the lot and create a level base. I could do the whole thing with mortar but I want to build it in such a way that I can demolish it if future needs dictate.

The only thing thats disappointing about the whole stove buying experience is the dealer who is elusive at best to answer any questions. Perhaps its because I'm probably small fry on his radar screen, I don't know. Not too many dealers around and this guy did give a good price.

 

[blackgooseJT]

Sorry to hear that your buying experience has been less than ideal. Owning the I1200 insert should make up for that. It is a well engineered and elegant little heater.In my experience Regency stands behind their product.If after accepting your payment for the stove the dealer remains obtuse, the factory rep might ought to encourage him to get a little more involved. Best of luck to you.

blackgooseJT

 

[clamp01]

Bogman;

I am on my second Regency 1200 (my first was actually the 1100 model - pretty much the same thing) so let me offer some things I know about them.

1. I can assure you this is a well made and effective insert - it will pay for itself in a few years based upon tradional fuel prices.

2 Pros - well built nice design, low maintenacne, big viewing window, high heat output (MUST get the blower)
Cons - small fire box/burn time (3-4 hours max), ceramic baffles on top of firebox will become brittle and crumble
(but these are covered by the lifetime warranty)

Overall I am very pleased with the unit.

 

[Bogman]

Thanks for the post and feedback on the unit. I like how it looks in the fireplace, nice.

I choose Regency not initally because of its quality but because it was the only insert that would fit into my fireplace without any major masonry work. Other brands such as Avalon or Vermont Castings had similar products but were just too wide.

In any event, I'm still hounding the dealer to get me a revised price so I can get this thing installed.

Do you mind me asking, how is the fireplace sealed off from the room? Do you have a damper block off plate or is it sealed around the trim?

 

[clamp01]

They insulated/blocked the stove pipe heading up the chimney after taking out the old damper. The unit is MUCH less drafty the original fireplace, so it is a added benefit when not even burning. The stove location in my house is the lower floor of a split level, so it can get quite chilly there. The remarkable thing is how well the upper floor gets benefits of the heat as well....I have a stairway with a 2 story ceiling and a ceiling fan at the top, you can feel the 'warm breeze' in the stairs in winter when the stove is cooking.

I would also recommend the 24kt gold door option, it makes it look real nice and its shine lasts a long time (I had my old unit for 5 years and it looked like new when i sold the house)