I have a Fisher Momma Bear in my shop, which I bought used, but it's almost like new, other then a little rust. My question is regarding the stove pipe coming out the back. I have always hated having to use an elbow behind a stove to turn up. I want to convert it to a top pipe exit. I am a welder and doing it, is no problem. But on the inside I see no baffle and I was wondering if I will loose a lot more heat going straight up as opposed to going out the back first into the elbow? I see pictures of these types of stoves with the top stove pipe exit, so I was just wondering do I need to add a baffle of some kind? And if so, what should the baffle look like. I mean it's no problem to weld a plate in there or something but I would like to get it right the first time. Does anyone have any pictures of this conversion or added baffles, etc.?
I've done a few baffles and it's easy, I'll post some pics of it. Once you cut out the back and cut the top for the pipe, Then is the time to install the angle iron for the baffle plate. It just makes it easy welding. Use a 3/8 plate or thicker for a baffle, anything thinner will warp. Experience told me that!!!
I have a Baby Bear in my garage that I converted from rear to top exit. Can’t comment on if it made a difference but it sure works well!! Love these old fishers. I’d love to have a momma bear but they seem to be getting harder to find
Here's a baffle I made out of an old 3/8" plate was in out scrap yard at work. It was Great! Notice the angle iron I welded on the side, that all you need to do and make it extend even or past the upper flue. This was in a Grandma bear but the same concept applies to all, you just want to deflect the heat and flame from going up the chimney flue.
No wonder I can't find any! HAHAH I did see there is a Papa Bear for sale in Central PA right now on Marketplace
