Michigan WFO

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Thanks, everyone! I really appreciate the comments.

As fun as this has been, I found it to be fairly anxiety inducing. I really have no building experience. Actually, this couldn't be any further from my day job. That's one of my reasons for taking photos and documenting the build. The people I work with won't believe I didn't hire this out!

I've spent countless hours at the library reading about masonry, framing, roofing, slate, etc. I wouldn't have even attempted this without the forum. Thanks again.

Daren, the oven's never really done, is it? I still would like some lighting, landscaping, and a door to cover the wood storage areas.

[dbhansen]

Re: Michigan WFO

That's a fine piece of work, Mike! Congratulations!! Here you were trailing me for the summer and now you zoom ahead to the finish line. Must feel great (but weird) to be done.
- Daren

[fxpose]

Re: Michigan WFO

Beautifully done!!

[SteveP]

Re: Michigan WFO

You built one beautiful oven Mike. I really like the shingle material and the copper; it gives it a really classy touch. Great job!

[glindhout]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike, it looks awesome! As Les said, you've certainly set the bar higher for the rest of us... As I haven't yet even finished my dome, I'm feeling like I might have to wrap it up in plastic soon and wait til spring. Enjoy the oven this winter!

Greg & Karen

[trockyh]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike your oven is gorgeous!! I'm printing it to show my family when they come for Thanksgiving what the slab and cement block in the front yard will hopefully look like.
Thanks for the inspiration,
Tom

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Michigan WFO

I'm pretty happy with how the refurbished slate ended up.

Hey Mike,,, Never thought I would hear you say that.....

You did a fantastic job and I wish you many happy pizza's...

Congrats
Mark

[kebwi]

Re: Michigan WFO

Congrats. It's beautiful.

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Well, I think I'm done! 20 months after breaking ground, here is my completed oven.

Thanks for all of your help! This forum has been my "indispensable tool". Now I have a big mess to clean up, some landscaping to plan for the spring, and I need to start learning to use this beast!

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Here are photos of the completed slate roof. I'm pretty happy with how the refurbished slate ended up.

[stonylake]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike, the slate looks great! Used slate is usually quite fragile, it does become brittle. Slate roofs are usually good for about 75 years, and while the slate does deteriorate it is usually the underlayment that wears out. Copper nails are the best way to go (makes for easier repairs down the road), but you can use stainless screws, and a lot of guys will do that in the top couple of courses. I hope to start cutting brick next weekend, get a lot of stuff laid out in my shop this winter and go at it full blast as soon as the weather co-operates in the spring.

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

I put a wood strip at the top to tack the ridge to. Dino's thread was helpful to follow for these steps. The top row was tough. I had to be careful to line up the nailing holes with the gap between two slates below, as there was very little room to nail the slate to.

[mfiore]

Re: Michigan WFO

Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the comments. These tasks don't come easy to me. The encouragement helps.

I'm actually nearly done with the slate. I'm glad I got some extra. The used slate seems a little fragile. I end up chipping or cracking some just by picking them up.

[Les]

Re: Michigan WFO

Mike, I posted in the photo gallery - to reiterate, SWEET. I need to move so I can build another oven. The bar just keeps getting higher and higher.

Les...

[dbhansen]

Re: Michigan WFO

Very nice work - congrats!!