New build - 1.2M dome

[JRPizza]

Yeah, I also didn't want to pull an insert out after I had the bricks all mortared in. If you go with bolts, I recommend slitting the end like I did so you have something to hold while you are tightening the nuts - the mortar might have done the job but this was a trick I have used a few times in the past. I also snugged the nuts down when I mortared in the bricks so the bolts remained seated, then removed the nuts to install the adapter.

[jonv]

I wondered about using through bolts. Was a bit worried about bursting a brick otherwise. Might do something similar to yours.

[JRPizza]

Meant to throw this pic in too of the through bolts. I drilled oversize holes in the brick and used fender washers so the bolt head would seat flat. I ended up having to slot the holes in the adapter a little as I used a crappy masonry bit and the holes wandered a little. The heads embedded in the mortar nicely and the bricks set like the bolts weren't even there.

[JRPizza]

The curves were really easy to cut - I just traced the curve on both sides of the bricks and did the cut - had to come from both sides due to the blade curvature (try it and you'll know what I mean). Then I just smoothed off the curve with a masonry blade in my angle grinder. The grinder works really well at removing material and giving a pretty smooth surface.
For bolts I used 1/4 inch stainless steel and through bolted as shown in the link below. I did not want to use inserts for fear of breaking a brick so went the thru bolt approach. I worked at Boeing for 36 years and was a fastener engineer so I guess you go with what you know . Lots of builds have used inserts though, but I was pretty pleased with how mine turned out.

https://community.fornobravo.com/forum/pizza-oven-design-and-installation/pompeii-oven-construction/380308-39-inch-corner-build?p=386812#post386812

[jonv]

BTW what sort of bolts did you use for the anchor plate?

[jonv]

Thanks! I got the idea for reversing the arch bricks for the vent from your build

I haven't decided yet how I'll cut the remaining bricks. Concave curves are not nice! You made a real good job of those.

[JRPizza]

The arch looks good! Your sawing skills will come in handy when you cut the bricks to enclose the vent on the front and rear. I curved bricks to sit over the arch like in the picture below. Have you worked out what your are going to do?

[jonv]

Sounds like a good plan. I am still hoping to be done by Christmas and in use in time for New Year's Eve. I'll knock up a temporary cover and worry about the exterior cladding next year!

I cut the bricks and dry stacked the arches today. Looks like it should work out ok.

[Bauldy 2]

Looks tidy and well thought out.Looking like you are prepared for the next stage.My brickwork under the landing came out better than I expected decided not to remove centre brick and replace with ash drawer Ive concreted around dome ready for granite .Like you I've templates and cut form and bricks ready for next stage.Unlike you though I have finish granite going to key the surface under the arch I'm going with a 20 mm stainless break because that's the thickness of my insulation board and be easier for me to create u channel.Maybe we will be done by xmas??

[jonv]

Not a lot of time for the oven this week On the plus side, we had a skinny visitor who I abused by sending inside the dome to give it a bit of a clean That's the last time he'll ask whether there's anything he could help with

The insulation arrived and the dome is drying out a fair bit just from the heat lamp - can see a clear difference now between dry and wet patches on the outside of the dome. I wonder how much moisture will be left once the obvious wet stuff has gone...

I've cut the arch forms for the vent and set the first row of bricks on the base on each side. I'm planning on the first three (flat) courses being a full brick wide (looking from the front) - hopefully that will make a good foundation. I've allowed space for a 10mm thermal break and have some stainless U channel to finish that at floor level.

If all goes well, I should get the vent done next week

[jonv]

Good luck with the granite. Anything that helps keep water away from the firebrick has to be a good thing - amazed at just how much moisture they can suck up. I guess you could grind a neat channel in the granite to drain water away...

[Bauldy 2]

Not sure going to either leave it at13 or extend to 17" including Dec.old stock arch.At 13 flu will end up very near front edge I don't want blackening if I can avoid it ,so my add 3" of firebrick to what I have done already then add old stock arch .Granite is called antique brown it's 2nd hand off cuts got to cut and polish myself too expensive will have to offer up several times to make it fit can't be too sure how it will turn out I've never done this before only my second attempt at brickwork, the old stocks quite random in sizes so they are quite forgiving.I may still remove a brick under the granite for ash drawer thinking of high temp silicone to bed granite on a old sheet of 5mm stainless steel to act as a kind of lintel not going to insulate under entrance as I've put a thermal break in, had a couple of ideas for a glass door for keeping a eye on roasts and puddings and a super insulated stainless door for baking.I also think that if I put a slight fall on the surrounding granite I can have a small neat gutter with a grill on it to channel any rain away from the dome.Keep up the good work you have definitely earned those beers.

[jonv]

Probably fairly deep. 10mm break, between 100 and 110 arch, 200 for the 8" flue, and another 100-110 on the front arch. That's before thinking about anything decorative. Probably not notching the bricks over the inner arch. So 16-17".

How deep was yours in the end?

Are you cutting and polishing the granite yourself?

[Bauldy 2]

Just seen weather forecast 12 to 14 next week how deep are you going to do your entrance?

[Bauldy 2]

Nothing wrong with that brickwork boss I'm playing with templates for my granite before I decide on the length of my entrance.Ash tray idea still work in progress I hav built up brickwork to correct height not going to curve granite just over hang 6" and run it to my sink area on right.Heat lamp good idea will all help drive out moisture.We will hopefully both be cooking buy new year.