Ok, in a previous thread I asked about converting to top pipe exit conversion and adding a baffle. I understand and can do that. But now I have another choice to make. I am taking the old Pacific Super 27 out of my house to make room for a new stove there. So, I will now have the choice of installing the old Super 27 in the shop or the Momma Bear. I am leaning towards the Super 27 now, because it will take up less room in the shop, and has much closer allowable wall clearances. You know shop space is always of a premium. But I suspect the old Momma Bear would have the capability of more quickly warming the shop up, from a cold start. Another question is, I was going to sell either the Momma Bear or the old Super 27, which is worth more money?
First, what's it worth to someone? Fishers are getting rare'r but they are out there. People are just asking CRAZY insane prices for them and the sit, and sit, and sit... The 27 is a newer stove and will go quickly if you sell that. Now, I am very partial to the Fisher and my family and I have had one since 1975. My Grandma can get a room 100º in an hour if I want to. The Fisher is simple and I like/prefer simple. Your Momma bear would get you $400.00 and if you sit on it maybe $500.00. I purchased my last Momma Bear for $250.00. Now, the decision is entirely up to you. Which one do you like the best? If your going to go through the work on the Fisher then use it!
I won't modify the Fisher unless I do plan on using it. I am leaning towards installing the 27 in the shop, because it will take up quite a bit less room in the corner of my shop, due to clearance requirements from the wall, etc.
Sounds like a plan. I see no reason you can't get $300.00 to $400.00 for your Fisher. As stated, these people think they will get Big bucks for them and for the record, They are now "Illegal" to install because they are not a CAT stove. As long as nobody knows it's fine. Insurance companies won't cover you now, the regulations that were imposed stopped the Insurance for covering a fire. Go figure. For a shop they are fine. I have a 1980 Grandma in my home and it'll never come out.
I thought so too, and posted such on a thread on another forum...but turns out they backed off on that part of the new rules (as far as can't move, or install a non EPA 2020 approved appliance...the original rules were going to be that you could use an old stove in an existing install, but you could not move it to a new install...yours or anybody else's...and yes, the insurance companies were going to police it) Now as far as putting a stove in the shop...make sure you always call it a "shop"...most insurance companies won't cover a "garage" with a solid fuel fired heater in it. And most companies want the stove to be at least 18" off the floor too (fumes tend to settle to the floor)
Ok, so the bottom line is you can still install a non EPA stove in a new install? Also, since my old Super 27 is at least 25 plus years old, I guess it falls into the current non-EPA classification? When you say 18" off of the floor, are you saying you need an 18" tall pedestal under the fire box, or does the whole stove have to be sitting on a concrete pad or something that is 18" tall?
Yes. Yes...it is considered an "EPA" stove, since it came after 1988, but it is not "EPA 2020" certified, when the latest round of (strict) emissions limits took effect. Either way would probably work...just needs to be at least 18" high, and be a non flammable hearth (like concrete) its common to see people build a stand out of concrete blocks. Hopefully you have high ceilings in there too...because there is a minimum distance to combustibles between the stove and anything above it that needs to be met...seems to me its something like 60-70". EDIT: here >> A non-commercial service in support of responsible home heating with wood - Installation Clearances For Wood Stoves You need to check with your insurance people on this though...its possible that they just say "meh" and you can do as you please...that is starting to be pretty rare on shop installs though.
We have built angle iron stove stands for a couple "shop" stoves. Looks odd. Works great. Top of the stand sits at 18". The insurance concern is the real kicker. My personal insurance feller was a stickler about having a stove in the "shop". After I convinced him that only a car (his concern) the size of a gen1 Ford Fiesta could even fit in my space he unhappily relented and signed off. I never did put a stove in the shop after that. I had a uneasy feeling it could be a issue in a fire/loss situation. One small electric/ceramic heater keeps it decent and above freezing. That one heater seems to cost $35 a month to leave run full time on low output for a few months. This fall I am considering installing a vented wall mount L.P. heater for real heat when needed. Zero floor space required.
My suggestion is; If it's going on a concrete floor, put it on it's standard legs and put a layer of fire brick under it! Also, what they don't know ain't gonna hurt anyone. Some simple common sense away from combustibles and be done with it. The 18" is what needs to be In front of the stove for hot coal drops and such for protection.
Here are the clearances for the momma bear. *Note*. to combustibles, this all changes when you add shielding. Fisher Baby Bear VI Owner's Manual (Page 9 of 25) | ManualsLib
