Michigan WFO

[mfiore]

Greetings! I guess it's time for my own WFO thread.

For those that haven't followed my foundation/stand build, I should point out that this will not be one of those ovens that seem to pop up over night.

It's taking me a lot longer to get to where I am than I ever imagined. I have zero construction experience prior to this. The largest share of my delays, however, can be attributed to being the happy father of 3 small boys. Perhaps starting this project with a 2 month old at home wasn't' the best idea I've had.

For my build to date, feel free to see my foundation/stand thread
http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f6/begins-3819.html

I started with a 48 inch deep (perhaps over-engineered) foundation to withstand Michigan winters.

My hearth stand is 'H' shaped, with an opening in front and back to allow for two smaller wood storage units.


The hearth is poured, the forms pulled, and I'm ready to build!

So far, I've found the concrete and block work to be very enjoyable. Somehow makes me feel closer to my Italian heritage!

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

I have 115 fire brick that I picked up locally (cleaned them out). I wasn't terribly happy with the quality - a lot of chips and scratches. I didn't have many options, however. I even drove 90 miles to Detroit to look at a few places. No better.

Here is my floor laid out and cut. I haven't decided how to position the soldier course yet (different mock setups in the photo).

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

I was struggling with the insulation board for quite a while. Finally threw in the towel and purchased the FB board, which should arrive this week. I considered the K PAC-15, which was much cheaper, but decided to support Forno Bravo in return for the great forum provided for us.

[toddj]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike that really looks great!

[SpringJim]

Re: Michigan WFO

Glad to see your own thread Mike, keep the faith (fathering too)
...your oven will get there!

Good luck with it, Jim

[dbhansen]

Re: Michigan WFO

The floor looks great. I like the multiple shades of color in the brick.

[Frances]

Re: Michigan WFO

being the happy father of 3 small boys.

Congratulations!

You're not alone, I built my oven with the "help" of three kids... although the younger two were lalready 4 when I started. At east a 2-month old isn't mobile yet .

[Ken524]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike,

I really like your block stand layout. Having two openings with a dividing wall is really smart. I wish I did something like that.

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Congratulations!

At least a 2-month old isn't mobile yet .

True, not yet! I agree, sometimes a newborn is much easier than when they are toddlers. That's how I realized how long the project is taking me. He was 2 months old when I started. Now he's already 6 months old!

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

The floor looks great. I like the multiple shades of color in the brick.

Thanks. Unfortunately, along with multiple shades, the bricks come in multiple widths also! They are tough to lay out perfectly even.

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

My FB board came in today! Any thoughts on how far back to ideally place the oven to allow for enough room for a front landing/counter area, yet not be too far away from the oven to be able to use well?

[dbhansen]

Re: Michigan WFO

I think my landing starts about 12-13" from the front of the cantilever, if that helps, but it's all personal preference. I have long arms!

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Well, I have short arms!

I know you haven't used the oven yet, but does it seem you'll be able to work inside pretty easily?

I plan on incorporating some type of cantilevering ledge for a workspace, either poured concrete (like the badger is building currently), or a stone slab. Are there any general principles in construction as to how much should stay on the base, and how much can hang over (I'm sure there is a ratio of some kind)

[Derocherconstruction]

Re: Michigan WFO

I don't know if you tried VanPopplen block co. in Bay City for the firebrick Mike. I bought mine from there this spring, $ 1.95 ea. They had them stored inside, and they were in good shape. I found firebricks in Omer and bought some, and after looking them over they were all cracked. They had been stored outside for a few years, and they absorbed water then froze during the winter and developed cracks throughout. I got my money back for those, and went to VanPopplens for everything. Jim

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Thanks for the reply. Maybe I'll look at them. I got mine at Lincoln Brick in Saginaw (Freeland?). They were only $1.37 ea. I guess you get what you pay for. Maybe I'll get some nice brick for the floor, and the cheaper ones for the dome.