After removing all of the crumbling/cemented in firebricks, I got busy installing and cutting bricks as needed. Went to Tractor Supply and loaded up on new fire brick - used a segmented diamond tip angle grinder blade - the bricks cut very easily as needed. I also had a piece of 5/16" plate steel cut to install as a baffle plate. Using a couple of pieces of scrap angle I welded them onto the bottom sides of the plate to assist in holding the top row of bricks in place. Following the ideas from this forum, I angled the baffle plate up and directly at the bend in the top. Even sawed the upper side fire bricks at an angle to support the plate - and cut out notches in the bricks for the short pieces of angle originally welded onto the sides of the stove.
I just need some colder air here in Western Colorado... been wearing shorts the last week since I got here! I will burn a small test fire.
![[Hearth.com] Papa Bear baffle plate installed [Hearth.com] Papa Bear baffle plate installed](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/330/330695-79f235862fbe7266a0ca453a6db1517d.jpg?hash=zDc2394fmw)
I just need some colder air here in Western Colorado... been wearing shorts the last week since I got here! I will burn a small test fire.
![[Hearth.com] Papa Bear baffle plate installed [Hearth.com] Papa Bear baffle plate installed](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/330/330695-79f235862fbe7266a0ca453a6db1517d.jpg?hash=zDc2394fmw)