My Wood fired Redux

[stonecutter]

I'm chronicling this build on my blog but I figured there are more wfo enthusiasts in here, so what's one more place.....


I wanted to do something a little different on this one, and since it's for me and not a client, the build has been dragging along...mainly because of unforeseen events. It looks like life will allow some progress on the oven right now though.

I started the base last year in late September. The first step was to build a brick Gothic vault, which will carry the weight of the masonry above, while providing a large open space for storage or just a view. The bricks came from a fireplace I remodeled, and they are antique, handmade ones from an old building in Charleston,SC. I dug out what little sod and topsoil there was and put a 6" base made of granite dust, 1/4"-fines, compacted in 2" lifts. There is no frost movement here, and its all clean sand for subsoil...super drainage here.

Here are some shots of the vault after it was built...I deleted all my pics off the gallery so as not to be too redundant.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

After cleaning the brick, I went back and pointed it up.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

The keystones are carved from reclaimed granite from a project I had done in New England the year before. They will be darkened up later to blend in with the brick better, and more carved elements are planned on the finishes too.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

To complete the footprint of the oven base, each side of the vault will be covered in dry stonework. That step took me awhile, because I built it up and tore it down twice, one of the times I was halfway up on each side.

Finally got that part over with....







Corner close up...

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

No mortar in the stonework at that point. Today, I mortared the top course to create a bond beam for cast concrete pieces that will cap the stonework. I also framed up a form to pour a slab which will support the oven. No pics but I'll shoot some tomorrow.

Next step will be to cut and tie rebar for the slab, then pour. I am mixing it myself...no bagged pre-mix on this one.

[V-wiz]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

I absolutly love the bricks and arch. Look forward to see the progress

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

Hey Thanks VW. I'm no brick layer so I was happy with it too.

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

Very impressive craftmanship. Looking forward to seing the rest of the build

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

Thanks Utah. I am working on prep for the slab next...pics to follow.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

Finished the bond beam and the form work for the slab yesterday. I plan on pouring it tomorrow or Monday.

[Sharkey]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

To complete the footprint of the oven base, each side of the vault will be covered in dry stonework. That step took me awhile, because I built it up and tore it down twice, one of the times I was halfway up on each side.

Finally got that part over with....

That is superb workmanship! It looks like it has been there for hundreds of years.

What are your plans for the rest of the oven?

[Tscarborough]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

I am cornfused. Are you pouring a concrete slab there or a perlcrete slab?

[david s]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

I am cornfused. Are you pouring a concrete slab there or a perlcrete slab?

Concrete I hope. Heavy rebar in a vermicrete slab won't do much.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

I am cornfused. Are you pouring a concrete slab there or a perlcrete slab?

It's for a concrete slab...I've got some stonework planned and need the support. Vermiculite will go on top of the slab in the oven footprint per usual application.

[stonecutter]

Re: My Wood fired Redux

Concrete I hope. Heavy rebar in a vermicrete slab won't do much.

Yeah...that would be a move fresh off the turnip truck.