My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

[heliman]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Sorry - just seen this post now....

My dad lives in PE. I grew up there and go and see my dad at least once a year. Thanks for the invite - may take a drive down to CT on the next trip and hopefully see your masterpiece along the way!!

Rossco

What brings you to PE? Are you from this area? I actually grew up in the Eastern Cape. You are most welcome to visit us in the Garden route when next you visit SA. We can swop some stories over a lager or brandy.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

I built a door to keep in the heat once I start with the curing process. For this I riveted aluminium angles onto the plywood originally used as form for my inner arch. This was then filled with vermiculite and then bolted onto a stainless steel plate. I also screwed stainless steel handles onto the plywood. Started with the curing process and have to say that it seems that the door works very well.

Last pic shows the door in position and also the tiling finish around the oven.

Will start with the 3" blanket insulation next week. I have quite a bit of vermiculite - is it really necessary to add a layer of vermicrete over the blanket, or can the final plaster layer be done directly on the chicken wire? Any input will be appreciated.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Wotavidone

It is a real pity that that is the only impression that many SA expats leave of South Africa. Like any country out there we certainly have our challenges. As far as I am concerned we live in one of the best places in the world. Our family certainly leads a happy and normal life.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Stainless steel flue (still in plastic covering) installed. Had to bend the first section back 150mm so that it could miss an overhead beam where the pipe passes through my roof.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Since my last post I finished the outer arch and then pulled the support over the weekend.

The second picture shows two bricks cut so that the stainless steel flue can fit snugly. This looks scew because I held the camera at a angle!

Will probably start with some curing fires next week. About the same time I will add 3" ceramic blanket insulation. This I will later cover with a layer of vermicrete - then final decorative outer layer and finish.

I also started working on a door - the inside will be stainless steel, then vermicrete and decorative blackwood finish for the back. Will also try to make a blackwood pizza peel. I will post some more pics later.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Finished the last course and the keystone today - what a feeling to finish that dome! I used the IT all the way without any other forms - it really worked wonderfully well.

Here are some pics of the keystone going in, inside of the dome and the start on the outer arch. I installed a vermicrete heat break between the arches and also between the dome tiles and landing tiles. It is great to see that everything is now starting to take shape.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Here are some pics of the progress since my last post.

My arch transition is now complete and the dome is beginning to take shape.

The other photos shows the mini downlight that will be positioned in one of the outer arch bricks. For this I drilled holes into the brick, one of which had to be enlarged with the grinder so that the downlight would fit snugly. I wrapped the light fitting and electrical cord in some ceramic blanket and will also be installing a heat break between arches to minimize the possibility of damage from hot bricks. A box for the light switch will be fitted in the outer layer of the dome.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Rossco

What brings you to PE? Are you from this area? I actually grew up in the Eastern Cape. You are most welcome to visit us in the Garden route when next you visit SA. We can swop some stories over a lager or brandy.

[heliman]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Howzit - I was in PE a few weeks ago and just wasn't able to get a proper pizza anywhere. Seems like WFOs are few and far between there. Maybe I will have to pop down the Garden Route to your place when I'm next there and in need of a tasty snack!

Good luck with the build ...

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Hi heliman

I am building the oven on an existing concrete slab (workspace) next to the fireplace which will remain as is. The oven will therefore sit right next to the fireplace when finished. I think it will be pretty awesome when done.

Yes, all the materials are readily available in SA. I had to courier some of the refractory material from Cape Town, which is a 450 km trip.

[heliman]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Looks really great...

Are you converting the braai area that was here before?

Are all the materials freely available in SA?

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Got quit a bit of work done during the week and yesterday. I now completed the fifth course and should complete the arch transition with the sixth course.

The fifth was definitely the last course where I could sit inside the dome to build. As you can see on the attached photo I already struggled to squeeze my 6ft4" frame in. I will now have to stand in a very uncomfortable position to complete the rest of this corner build.

It is however extremely satisfying to see the progress to date. This is definately a LOT of fun!

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Second course completed.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Here are some pics of my progress today.

First one shows the FB board levelled on dry sand/fireclay mix. Also a small amount of the same mix on top for levelling of the firebricks.

Other two pics of soldier and first course.

I already cut the bricks for this over the weekend; so I think I made good progress today after work.

My work space with this corner build is unfortunately a little cramped and will give my back a good workout.

[Outeniqua]

Re: My 36" build in Southern Cape, SA

Today I cast the concrete to enlarge the slab for the oven and also cut the fire bricks for the inner arch and first course. Hopefully will be able to start with the build Monday after work.

Here are some pics of the extended slab.