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Quadrafire Aladdin-Fixing the Center Baffle in the fire Box?

Discussion in 'Pellet Stoves, Pellet Fireplaces, Pellet Furnaces' started by don2222, May 2, 2023.

  1. don2222

    don2222

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    Hello
    I picked up a 1997 Quadra-Fire Classic Bay CB1200 by Aladdin MFD May 1997 !!
    There are a few differences with this stove and the newer Classic Bays but they are still made today because they are good stoves. :)
    One difference is the way that the center baffle is held up in the top of the firebox. This baffle has a U shaped bracket welded to the back side near the top, and there is another U shaped bracket welded to the top of the firebox. Normally to fasten the baffle to the stove the baffle has a lip on the bottom that holds that end in and there is a bolt that goes thru a large hole in the baffle thru a smaller hole in the bracket welded to back and into a threaded hole in the bracket welded to the top of the firebox!
    Now the problem is that bolt was so rusted and stuck in there it would not budge! However the U shape bracket welded to the back of the baffle gave way and broke off leaving this bracket still screwed to the U shape bracket welded in the top of the stove and the baffle just fell down and will not go back in!!
    So step 1 - drill out the inverted hex head bolt.
    I used a right angle air powered drill and a strong bit for metal which finally worked!
    What is the next step?
    See pics
    Pic 1 - Aladdin Manufacturer Date
    Pic 2 - Center Top baffle shown in the stove as it should be.
    Pice 3 - Center Top baffle removed with U shape bracket still bolted to the top bracket in the stove.
    Pic 4 - Drilling out the stuck bolt in the brackets
    Pic 5 - After atleast a half hour bolt is out!
    Pic 6 - Finally the brackets are separated!

    Now what - Any suggestions??
     

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    Last edited: May 2, 2023
  2. don2222

    don2222

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    Hello
    The original design of holding the center panel in with a recessed bolt was at best very awkward to hold up and screw in after cleaning. Since drilling out the bolt and possibly damaging the threads, I had an Idea for what maybe a better solution for easier servicing.
    I went to the faster store and for a whopping $8.00 I picked up 6 feet of Stainless Steel 1/4” threaded rod, a wing nut, a big washer, nut and a C lock washer all in Stainless Steel which may last longer in a hot firebox with never seez!
    First I fired up the Omni Pro 220 multi price welder and set for Mig 10 Guage Steel.
    Then welded the broken bracket back on to the top side of the center baffle plate.
    Put the baffle back in place with a washer and wing nut. QED - Quite Easily Done?
    How does it look?

    Pic 1 - a cut piece of the SS rod and the nuts and bolts. Total Cost for the parts $8.00 !!
    Pic 2 - Welded the broken bracket back on.
    Pic 3 - Put the piece of threaded rod through both brackets and put the nut on under the top bracket to hold the rod in place while putting the center baffle in to assure it is aligned properly. Then I had to adjust as needed. With it adjusted to go through the hole in the baffle, I carefully removed the baffle and welded the rod in place.
    Pic 4-5 Baffle now easily set back in place with the washer and wing nut.
     

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    Last edited: May 10, 2023
  3. BHags

    BHags

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    I wish I had those skills!
     
  4. don2222

    don2222

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    Hello
    As a finishing touch I added some VHT 2,000 Degs F header spray paint flat black to repaint the fire box and heavy duty Never Seez Silver High Temperature 2,200 Degs F paste. Then painting the old brass color grill to VHT high temperature 2,000 Degs F Flat Aluminum. The outside is Stove Bright high temperature 1400 Degs F Satin Black
     

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    Last edited: May 13, 2023