Thanks to Ballengerb1 and Tom for answering my question about getting the shower concrete/stone aggregate shower pan out. I hit it a little harder and it shattered just fine.

The shower pan is removed and I am left with the copper drain pipe and some type of flange stuck on the outside. I started cutting the flange with a cut off wheel on my angle grinder before I realized I wasn't going to get anywhere.

Can anyone tell me how to get this flange off to expose only the copper drain pipe? Maybe it is soldered? Do I need a torch (and heat shield to protect the subfloor) to heat and remove?

The previous base was a 36x36" with center drain. Should I replace with acrylic, cultured marble or a tile shower pan? Anyone have some recommendations on what type to use and what might be easier for the "do it yourselfer" and if I can keep this copper drain pipe? I'd like to do this all myself (to impress the wife - lol.. )

Thanks a bunch,
Steve

You broke the flange? Was it cast iron? If it was then I'm looking down at a lead and oakum poured and caulked joint, ( test it by scraping a bit of the joint. If it's soft it's lead). To remove a poured lead and oakum joint take a 3/8" drill bit and drill a few holes down past the lead and into the oakum.. Push a screwdriver under the lead ring and lever it up. Once it's free you can began to peel the lead ring out. Now pick out the oakum and you can pull the joint apart. Good luck, Tom

Tom, Thank you so much sir. Indeed, you were exactly right and your advice was perfect. I now have a copper drain pipe extending from my subfloor!

Now, on to the shower pan and additional plumbing!

Thanks,
Steve

Damm!! I love it when a plan comes together. Good luck on your project. Tom

I knew you could break up that pan. How many hits did it take? Remember I advised you to use a recipricating saw but to wait for Tom's advice first. You are get some great DIY experience of this project.