The Badger Build

[asudavew]

Re: The Badger Build (hearth lay out)

Still trying to figure out the arch/dome transition.
Thanks
Dick

You will probably think about this until it's done.
Great build so far.

Thanks for posting your progress.
I have to live vicariously these days!

You will be cooking pies in no time!

Time capsule.. great idea.

keep posting!

Dwats

[asudavew]

Re: The Badger Build

Just a tip.

I built forms for my arches....
The first one I left in for .. 3 or 4 days.
When I pulled the forms the arch cracked.

(then came a second building of the arch)



The second one I left in longer.... It didn't crack until I fired up the oven.

So... in hindsight... pull the forms for the arch right away.
Try to make sure it can support itself from the get-go.

It has to do it's job. (and that's coming from a fellow who has to rebuild his arch... after the fact) ... for the third time...

Dave

[gjbingham]

Re: The Badger Build

Looking great Dick! Love those pics!

[thebadger]

The Badger Build (Soldier Course and Rows 1-3)

Gang,

Progress!!!!

Started mortaring the soldier course and the first 3 rows. All in all in went pretty well. My work isn’t as refined as most but it’s mine and I hope it will work. As you can tell I copied another FB Poster (Oventhusiast) on his different color rows for a touch of whimsy. My brick dealer just happened to have 30 or so in the red color.

So far I’ve used 1 1/3 bags of heatstop!!! I bought 3 – 50 lb bags – hope I have enough…

QUESTIONS

1. In a couple of spots I’ve noticed small “cracks” between the mortar and brick – like it’s drying too fast. YES – I soaked my bricks for 1-2 hours (too long maybe) and I think my mortar was wet enough – like peanut butter??? Any suggestions. I’m not too concerned as I only noticed 1 or two places were this happened.
2. When you stop on at a row, what’s the best way to get those bricks wet since you can’s “soak a row”?
3. Do you have to get mortar in every crevis - can you have voids where there isn't any mortar - issues?

I’m hoping to work on the vent/arch next weekend and starting tying it into the rows.

Thanks
Dick

[mfiore]

Re: The Badger Build

Dick,

I really dig the red brick "stripes". I wish I could find red firebricks locally.

I can't tell from you photos, are you cutting a taper on the bricks, or using shims and mortar?

mike

[Frances]

Re: The Badger Build

Dick, that looks really good - love the stripes!

I think small cracks are normal (post a pic maybe?), I soaked the bricks that were already on the oven with a wet sponge right before setting down the next brick, and i would think that your dome would be stronger from having as few voids in the mortar as possible - though having some voids will probably be una-void-able (lousy pun fully inteded)

You'll probably get some more professional advice from other members though ...

[thebadger]

Re: The Badger Build

Mfiore,

I'm just using bricks and mortar. I'm using the HF dry saw so I can't make a ton of intricate cuts so therefore not taper cuts. Working well so far.

Dick

[PizzaJNKY]

Re: The Badger Build

Go Badger! That looks really nice.

[beaglestorm]

Re: The Badger Build

Great looking oven! How tall is you soldier course? I am trying to decide what height to go with.

-Michael

[thebadger]

Re: The Badger Build

Beaglestorm

My soldier course is the 4 1/2" high - standar brick on it's side. I'm aiming for an 18 inch or slightly lower dome for my 36"...

Dick

[beaglestorm]

Re: The Badger Build

Great! 4 1/2" is waht I was planning to use, but was not sure it would look proportional. Actually beeing able to see it now on your oven, the size looks perfect, not too big or too small. Thanks.

-Michael

[thebadger]

The Badger Build (Cleaning mortar from the brick)

Gang,

Not too much progress to report. I did get the sides up for the oven vent.

One question, I tried to clean the mortar off but as you can see there is a slight haze on the brick. What's the best way to remove???

Steel wool?
Water/tile scrubbing pad?
Chemical?

Let me know.

Thanks
Dick

[Les]

Re: The Badger Build

Muriatic acid - wear gloves and glasses, it's nasty stuff. You apply it with a sponge. Since you are looking pretty clean already, I would dilute it 1 part acid, 3 parts water to begin with. If that doesn't do the trick, go to 50/50.

Les...

[brokencookie]

Re: The Badger Build

Dick
Be careful when you dilute the acid. Muratic is a trade name for hydrochloric acid. Always start with your volume of water and add the acid to it. The reaction is exothermic ( gives off heat). If you add water to the acid you can get a very strong reaction up to and including volumes of hot steam.I run a lab and we are always retraining chemists and techs about this fact of life. We have signs all over stating "ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER". Yet once or twice a year someone will goof and we will have to hose them down and write reports.
If you get some on you just rinse well with water. When it dries it will leave a white residue. If you wet the residue it becomes hydrochloric acid again. So,when you are done rinse it more than you think it needs. The solution is dilution.
I am always amazed and the wide variety of dangerous chemical you can buy over the counter. Most people have a ton them under thier sinks and don't even know it.


Bruce

[mfiore]

Re: The Badger Build

Very sound advice, Bruce.