Expert: James Ball - 9/2/2009

Question
Mr. Ball,
I emailed you several days ago about installing an insert in a metal Martin Fireplace.  You could not find any information or a UL approval for the model for doing such.  What would I have to do If I removed the metal fireplace completely.  FYI the fireplace is in a corner and is capped in with stonework which Im sure is only on the face with a wood mantel.  More FYI, please consider I have a neigbor that is a fabricator, where we could weld a chamber together to house the insert.  If this is kosher what kind of metal should we use, and would we have to line the outside/inside with firebrick, etc.

Please advise, I really want to make this work, Im tired of getting up every two hours in the winter and chucking wood in the current unit.
Thanks,
John

Answer
Welcome back John, that fireplace system is built from the ground up so you can't just remove the fireplace and slide in some thing else.
I suggest you talk to your local wood stove store and go over it with them they might have an idea that will work for you but I doubt you can use that insert for heat as they go in masonry fireplaces 99% of the time.
James