San Clemente, CA Build

[Gulf]

....On the last 2 chains I did notice a droop as the dome bricks met the arch. What is it with that? It seems to happen to just about everyone.....

oasiscdm Colin found one the simplest methods of staying level across the arch.

[Mongo]

Two weeks ago. Arch is cleared. The right side is painful for me to look at. Strive for perfection but don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Before this chain my cheesy IT collapsed on me about a 1/4 inch without me noticing until I got over the arch. I stuck with that radius so there's a bit of a lip. Not worrying about it too much.
Worked out actually because my plan is to reduce the radius now that I'm over the arch so I have an 18 to 19 inch ceiling for this 42 inch oven.

[Mongo]

Fueled by pizza! Can't stop eating waiting for this thing to be done.

Mini-me

[Gulf]

Actually, it wasn't the "dreaded droop". It appears to me that the arch was just a little too far forward. No worries, you did what it takes to recover. It will perform just fine.

[Mongo]

Catching up on some photos.
Now that the arch is cleared I reduced my radius by 1/4 inch. That produced a larger than normal mortar gap so I added wedges cut from scaps. Came out pretty clean.

[Mongo]

These next few chains were by far the easiest.
Got tired of trying to work between these So Cal showers and put an easy-up over the site. One of the best moves I've made so far. Highly recommended.

[Mongo]

Started looking for material for my counter/food prep area.
Found this piece of soapstone a local stone yard had left over from a job. Beautiful stuff. Going to use it for the landing as well.
Another chain added.
Starting to look like something.

[Mongo]

Finally up to date on my build.
Dome is not yet closed but while I'm waiting on the counter top to cure so I can stand on it, I'm starting on the flu gallery.
I'm doing a brick facade covering the face of the oven front and will extend the outer arch out over the facade.
At this point I have the luxury of full control over the depth of the gallery.

I have plans that range from a depth of 12 to 14 inches.
I want to minimize that depth to make it easier to get in and out of the oven. At 14 inches plus the 6 inch dept of the inner arch that would be 20 inches before you are actually IN the oven.
I've guessing that's about a 56 inch reach to the back of the oven.

I'd be great to know what everyone's flu gallery depth is and how it affects tending pizzas and getting in and out.

[modified9v]

Hey George... enjoyed looking at your build today. I think I answered your question about the depth on my build, but if I had it to do again I’d make it longer than shorter. That 2” will be nothing. Try it with a peel into your oven now from that distance and see if it works for ya.

Best of luck on the rest... looking at your photos brought back many memories. LOL,
Mikie V.

[Mongo]

Actually, it wasn't the "dreaded droop". It appears to me that the arch was just a little too far forward. No worries, you did what it takes to recover. It will perform just fine.

Thanks for that Gulf. Great observation. Arch was actually positioned ok. Turns out my rather cheesy IT had collapsed on me by at least a quarter of an inch in length during the last 3 chains prior to clearing the arch, thus pulling the dome away from the arch.

[UtahBeehiver]

Nice work. The soap stone counters look very nice too.

[Mongo]

Got a lot of work done this past weekend. Final chain in the dome.Not a perfect circle for the plug but really couldn't be more pleased.

[Mongo]

And the plug. Surprisingly easy to shape. Used my second attempt.

[Mongo]

Started on the landing and flu gallery.
Arch forms are cut and shaped. This should be fun.
Also purchased my third blade for the tile saw. Money has lost all meaning.

[NCMan]

Looks very nice.