Block Off Plate

We use these..http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-sheet-metal-folding-tool-96523.htmlto to bend sheet metal....
Or these..http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-jaw-straight-sheet-metal-seamer-98728.html We call this one "duckbills".

 

I'll probably do something along those lines. Maybe not the kitchen, though.

 

The top edge of my flat screen LCD TV is just about the perfect size.
Have one of those?

 

Wait, what's so funny?

 

Yeah, wait a few years; with the quality things are made with, that will be all it's good for...

 

Heck no.
Still burning, have a miserable cold, and have not yet found anyone who has sheet metal any wider than about 6-8 inches. Maybe this summer, if not, next.

 

Panning for gold? Wow, what fun! I had an aunt who used to find semiprecious gems, on the beach in Oregon, then tumble them. They just looked like gravel and stones to me.
Odd thing, back in the eighties, I had no problem buying 4x4 sheets of sheet metal for a project. I am sure I will find some, maybe HD or Lowes can order it for me.
Going back to work tomorrow, tired of goldbricking.

 

Lowes and HD all sell sheet metal around here... make sure your not looking for roof flashing. Yes, same basic thing though flashing is usually is narrow aluminum rolls and sold with roofing stuff. Sheet metal is rectangular flat pieces sold in the hardware isle if I remember correctly, usually next to rods, square tubing, angle, and all thread pieces (and I used steel). Perhaps any other hardware store might have it too.

I drew and cut a template first with cardboard just to make sure everything was right. Then extend each edge 2" or so to give you and edge to fold and tack up to the masonry. I don't have any wiggle room with my liner so the 6" hole had to be exact. Of course it turned out to be about 1/2" off still so I had to open it up slightly. I just stuffed more Roxul AFB around the pipe. To fold the edges I clamped the sheet down with a piece of angle steel on the edge of a sheet of plywood. Then with a piece of 2x4 I folded it over. The ends were a little more tricky since I already had the front and back folded so I couldn't lay the sheet down and clamp to the plywood any more. I think I made a raised edge with a piece of scrap 2x4 cut about to the width of the ends, then used a similar process.

I cut out a similar shape with Roxul AFB to insulate it. I could only find this in a much bigger package than needed. If you were closer I'd give you some of my extra. But it can always be added in other places around the house for insulation. After everything looks good I tacked it up with a couple masonry screws. Again I had to buy a whole box just for a couple nails.









Not sure if I really could tell any difference. I think this is more important on an exterior fireplace, especially if it is not air tight at the top. I'm not sure if mine is air tight at the top but they did use a good top plate and the skirting is all sealed with silicone at least. My chimney is also interior. I just jumped on the block-off-plate bandwagon. One thing is for sure, there isn't any wiggle room. To reinstall the liner into the stove I had to go up onto the roof and lift the whole thing up 3 or 4 inches. I think I pulled the whole assembly up and put a couple 2x4's on edge under the brackets. Then come back down inside and slide the insert in. Then go back up on roof and lower liner back down, hoping its lined up. Probably much easier if you have someone to help. Not sure in my situation if I'd do it over again. However, with a free standing stove on my upgrade list, would be much easier to hook up with a block off plate. No messing with lifting the liner and sliding >500 lbs inserts.

 

Thanks, T-Stew! Great pictures. I would not have thought about making a "mold" with the particle board.
I asked Home Depot when I was there, and they had was the rolls of flashing; I admit I didn't ask at Lowe's yet. I am sure I will be able to find it somewhere.

 

Awesome write up with pictures T-Stew. Definitely going to come in handy when I make mine.

 

I had to go into Westminster yesterday, so I checked Lowe's--they had sheet metal, but the largest pieces were 24x30. Not sure if that will be big enough for my big ol' fireplace; I couldn't find anyone at the desk to ask if they can get any larger, due to time constraints. I will keep on it.
I will probably plan on doing this in August or September, so I have lots of time to find materials.

EDIT: Ha! Home Depot online has what I need. Pick up at store. Back in business.

 

I hadn't thought about it before but I suppose there isn't any reason you couldn't do it in two halves if you can't find bigger sheets, just overlap em slightly and if you want a good seal then a bead of hi temp silicone.

 

Thought about that last night looking at the tiny pieces in Lowes...
Wasn't sure it would be a viable alternative. Heck, might even be a better idea!

 

That came out great T-Stew!!