motar mix...worries..

[The Darling Dome]

I built my dome using a mix of 1 part portland cement, 5 parts lome (sand with some clay in it) and 1 part lime. I also used second hand red brick. It has been about a week since i finished building and the dome still smells of motar. I have fired it twice.
I got the mix out of a book by Russell Jeavons. I am worried that the portland cement mix and the old bricks may be toxic (old bricks came from a chimney - i think) and that i may have to knock my beautiful dome down and start again. Any thoughts? Will the smell go away? Is the mix OK? Bricks OK?

[dmun]

Re: motar mix...worries..

Lome? You mean loam, like topsoil? If that's the case you probably have some organic matter that's stinking the place up. There are people who successfully build ovens from mud and straw, so I think the smell should go away with repeated firings.

And yes, ordinary red brick is perfectly safe, unless it chips or spalls and pieces get in your food.

[The Darling Dome]

Re: motar mix...worries..

The loam (lome) here is used by builders to lay mortar. It is basically reddish/darkish sand with clay. Not sure of the ratio but at least 80 to 90 percent sand. It is a fine sandy feel when dry but sticks together well when wet.

I was more worried about whether or not I should have used portland cement.

[Hank10746]

Re: motar mix...worries..

The loam (lome) here is used by builders to lay mortar. It is basically reddish/darkish sand with clay. Not sure of the ratio but at least 80 to 90 percent sand. It is a fine sandy feel when dry but sticks together well when wet.

I was more worried about whether or not I should have used Portland cement.

No problem with Portland cement. Do a google search and you will find no health problems with it. Oder should go away with time and firing it more

[brickie in oz]

Re: motar mix...worries..

Wilcannia hey, Im heading out that way soonish to White Cliffs for opals.

Loam is a term used in various parts of Oz for Brickies sand.
The mortar and bricks will be fine, never heard of either being toxic.
The smell will go away once the oven is cured, two firing wont be anywhere near enough to cure it.

Id love to drop in and have a look on the way up north, I just dont know when Ill be up there?

[Tscarborough]

Re: motar mix...worries..

"Loam" over here is dirt. Of course mortar is called "Mud"...