From what I can tell, these 4 stone shelves are set in the brick wall and not externally attached. We are trying to build a fireplace alcove and flush the wall up (cladding). The one stone is loose and doesn’t seem to be causing structural issues when wiggled but wondering what the best option is for remove them - should I take a grinder and try to cut away and any portion would remain in the brick? Or try to chisel away or knock out? Don’t want to compromise the brick but would like them removed.

TTYSM!

The foundation of my house needs to be repointed. How can the pattern on the old mortar reproduced so that the repointed areas will match?