My Old Kentucky Dome

[Acoma]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Well, I would hope Jim can confirm this but I will throw out an idea. Hopefully the more expert builders will back up or dismiss this.
1" Refmix, 2*1" of Insulfrax, followed by Loose vermiculite if enclosed, or the
3" of Matrilite 18 if opened. Again, my suggestion is based on my readings and correspondence for efficient heat.

[rlf5]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

I originally planned for a dome, hence the short clearance to the edge...but the wife is pushing me towards an enclosure b/c its looks nice. She's not really a fan of the dome at all. I already have 25 sqft of 2" ceramic blanket, and 50 sqft of 1". I plan on getting another box of the 2"for the top and middle of the dome. I just hope I have enough room on the sides to incorporate the enclosure walls...

[asudavew]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Looking awesome Ken.

Jealousy exudes from every pore of my body.

[Acoma]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

If your wife is pushing for enclosure and you agree, is it possible to use metal studs to shape your enclosure from outside the hearth? You can possible add area around the hearth if you screw them into the cinder blocks. Doing this will take a little creativity. Your call. Someone may have a better idea to that as well.

[rlf5]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Yes I plan on using metal studs, but hopefully I'll still have room on the hearth for them. The problem with going against the concrete blocks is that i'm awful close to the edge of my slab on the left. We'll see how this all works out..lol. OH and sorry for hijacking your thread Ken.

[asudavew]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Yes I plan on using metal studs, but hopefully I'll still have room on the hearth for them. The problem with going against the concrete blocks is that i'm awful close to the edge of my slab on the left. We'll see how this all works out..lol. OH and sorry for hijacking your thread Ken.

Me too Ken, but one more thing.
Metal studs and track can be found in 1 5/8" width. This should help with your problem.

[Ken524]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

and sorry for hijacking your thread Ken.

No apology necessary! This is all good reading no matter who's thread it's on.

I'm in the same boat as Ron, can't decide on a dome or enclosure. My wife is happy with either . If I do an enclosure, I think I will have the room but it will be tight. I like the idea of framing against the block to create an extra 3.5" on each side. The extra 7" would certainly solve any insulation issues.

Acoma, thanks for the insulation "recipe". That sounds like a good plan!

[rlf5]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

I may just have to load up on ceramic blanket b/c my left and right sides aren't going to leave any room for vermiculite if I go with the enclosure.

Ken

In other news, I'm off to the lab in NM next week. Just in time for the annual hot air balloon fiesta! I guess thats good reason to stop construction for a bit

[Ken524]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

In other news, I'm off to the lab in NM next week. Just in time for the annual hot air balloon fiesta! I guess thats good reason to stop construction for a bit

Yep, the Albuquerque balloon fest is definitely an "excused absence"!

[Brauma]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Ken, I'm new and just reading your great thread for the first time.

Question: did you stack your cinder blocks dry with no mortar? Looks like it.

[Acoma]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

[QUOTE=rlf5;16312]I may just have to load up on ceramic blanket b/c my left and right sides aren't going to leave any room for vermiculite if I go with the enclosure.

Ken


You can get away with the insulation idea without the loose vermiculite if you do the enclosure. The loose vermiculite for the enclosure, in addition to the steps I shared (compliments of Jim) is added insurance for the dome. If you still want the enclosure and you go with the insulation steps I mentioned, you should still have a solid, well insulated dome for the oven. I ask that if anyone out there disagrees or has better method, please share.

[Ken524]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Question: did you stack your cinder blocks dry with no mortar? Looks like it.

Yes... Dry stacked, then filled every other hole with concrete and rebar.

[asudavew]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Are you progressing?

Any new pictures?


I've managed to redo my arch, but I have some big joints on the outside of the dome. I am, however, making some progress.

I think I'm on about the 4th course after the soldier course. It is really starting to turn in, so I will see how well the bricks "stay" in place on the next course. And trying to tie in the arch with dome, isn't so easy either.....

But I can taste the pizza already!

[Acoma]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Dave, you are so close. Don't rush the process, and take a photo.

[biondoli]

Re: My Old Kentucky Dome

Hi Ken,
are you happy with your Harborfreight saw? did it work ok? I am planning to build the oven and I was thinking to buy the same you have, thanks Carlo