WFO with a view

[tfasz]

I've been planning this project since stumbling across Forno Bravo last summer. I was quickly inspired, and thought of a great use for the new area we had been planning on fixing up in the corner of our yard. We had an over-grown spot with a decaying shed and retaining wall, a broken up concrete patio, and a imploding old brick fire-pit/barbecue. I hired a contractor to do much of the tear-out and put in a new patio, retaining wall, and concrete platform. Then I started putting together plans for the oven last fall. Now that ski season is over and the weather getting nicer, figured it was a perfect time to get going on putting things together.

I'm building a 36" oven which will end up being a bit tight on the platform. So far I have 3 1/2" of perlite/cement and 2" of Insblock 19 under the oven, and will plan on some type of blanket insulation over the top. Will probably be going with an igloo finish, but may end up putting some type of cover on it if water ends up being an issue.

I am in no rush, so planning on stretching this project out as long as possible (nice excuse to hang out in the back yard). We have an annual party in early August during Seattle's Seafair event so that is my tentative target for some pizza. ;-)

Thanks to James and the community for making such a great resource to aspiring weekend masons and pizza makers.

For some starter photos, here is what the spot looked while we started tearing it all apart.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

I hope they are not tearing out my oven in 50 years, but this old oven had a pretty thick slab. Luckily no re-bar in it.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

New retaining wall and patio go in pretty quick. The platform is a bit lighter than many of the others folks are building - hoping it will hold up the weight ....

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

Started cutting bricks in the garage last fall to get some of the basic ideas/shapes together. I made my own little version of the indispensable tool with the base of a wheel, some threaded rod, and a few pieces of scrap wood.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

I managed to get the insulation base layer setup and in some 2x4's. I mixed the first batch way too dry, a neighborhood cat walked through it later that day and left 1" deep foot prints. I kept it wet for a week and it seemed to take a while but finally setup pretty stiff.

I raised up the 2x4's 2 inches, and then did a second layer of perlite/cement around the outside of 2 layers of 1" Insblock 19.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

Went with a running bond floor after I got a bit too excited cutting my first bricks and forgot I meant to do a herringbone.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

I finally started mortaring bricks a few weeks ago. Really fun to start putting the dome together.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

I cut my bricks last weekend, and got my first arch together this weekend.

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

Oh yeah - and all of the pics and some more are available on the Picassa album in the link below.

[Raffy]

Re: WFO with a view

You weren't kidding about the view. That is beautiful. How far along are you with the build?

[Archena]

Re: WFO with a view

Beautiful!

[fxpose]

Re: WFO with a view

Great view, great site, and the corner set up is looking good!

[Mitchamus]

Re: WFO with a view

looks like an awesome spot!

[schallert]

Re: WFO with a view

From one weekend mason to another, I applaud you. Your location is incredible and will make for great memories with this oven.

Dan

[tfasz]

Re: WFO with a view

Thanks all!

How far along are you with the build?

That last set of pictures is from this weekend - just wrapped up the inner arch and did the 4th level of the dome. The arches and landing area definitely make things more complicated and slow me down. The dome has gone pretty smoothly so far, but I'm sure as it get's steeper and I start joining it into the arch it will be a bit challenging.

I've been using HeatStop 50 mortar. The stuff really works great and certainly simplifies getting the hang of it. Just have to be careful not to let your hose sit out in the sun for a while before using it to mix your mortar. I had one batch go off pretty quick and realized afterwards that the water coming out of the hose was ~100 degrees F. I'm planning on using HeatStop to finish the dome and vent and then use left-overs and maybe mix some homebrew to fill in all of the gaps on the outside.