Fisher Woodstove Question

[Lynne]

Can I still use the stove until I find someone to re-weld?
I have a Fisher woodstove, age unknown; We’ve used it for 17 years and it was bought used. Today While cleaning the ashes out I found the firebrick on the left side had collapsed. The bricks are broken and the top iron guide has fallen off. Is it just age/ wear and tear that caused this to fall apart?

TIA

[Bearfootfarm]

Is it just age/ wear and tear that caused this to fall apart?

That would be my guess. Thousands of heat/ cool cycles probably broke the weld. And you could probably get by without any "guide" as long as you replace the firebricks and dont bang them up to much when putting wood in.

[Lynne]

Wasn’t sure what to call the “guide” ; but you understood what I meant right?
So, don’t use the stove without the brick on one side? Is that what you are saying wait until I can replace the brick.

The wear and tear question was because I was traveling last week and while I was gone the teenagers in the house kept the stove going. I’ve seen what they can do and destroy . Thought maybe they were trying to force a piece of wood that is cut to long into the stove and this happened as a result.

[Up North Louie]

Your firebrick will degrade and crumble over time; that's to be expected, and they are easily and inexpensively replaced. The retaining guide can be welded, but it will likely have to wait until the end of heating season and done with an arc welder. A gas braze won't do it.

That said, Fisher stoves are legendary for holding up. You can replace the brick now to the best of your ability, and start figuring out who has a welder that can come to you, on a generator. [That is, unless you have 220 somewhere, like an electric range, and the receptacle is configured properly] Or pulling the stove out to go to the welder.

Be cautious putting in wood. The brick is there to hold heat, not protect the stove. I ran mine a couple months without brick and it was none the worse for wear, just not as efficient.

Fixing is cheaper than replacing. You'll be fine.

Don

[Silvercreek Farmer]

I have a fisher and I think it will be fine, if you have one of the larger two door models, you could probably build the fire off to the good side if you are worried about it. Or if you clean up the surfaces and set in new ones with either furnace cement or that stove sealant in a tube, they would probably stick in just fine.

[Cabin Fever]

I would get the firebrick replaced as soon as possible. The firebrick prolongs the life of the steel firebox by promoting uniform heating and protecting the steel from hotspots. Continued heating of the "unprotected" plate steel can cause warping with time.

[mwhit]

We replaced some firebrick in our stove this year-- it's only $3 or $4 per brick (not sure exactly, DH went and got them). I'd replace it ASAP because like Cabin Fever said it can cause it to warp.

Michelle

[humbug]

I have a Fischer also. I don't see why you couldn't still use it until you get it fixed as long as you replace the firebrick. On the side under the guide it stands on end doesn't it? I haven't tried it, but it will stand up without the guide won't it? The firebrick is not all that expensive to buy, I think they were a couple of dollars a piece when I replaced mine.

[Lynne]

Thanks
I can get the fire brick tomorrow when I go into town for other errands.
As of now, i still have a welder, rod and the 220 line to run it - just not the knowledge. Guess I'll be looking for a handy - person to help me.

[neolady]

Just a note for you info.

If you have homeowner insurance, and they find out that you have had a wood burning unit repaired by anyone other than an individual certified by the original manufacturer, or the original manufacturer itself, you are going to have problems with the insurance company.

Any repair or modification to any certified unit will decertify it unless the repair is done by the manufacturer or their recognized facility. Of course most of the Fisher units were not certified, unless it is one of the later manufactured units, so.....and of course Fisher have not been in business for quite a number of years now.