Duane's 42" Build

[Gulf]

It looks like one side was poured wetter and/or vibrated. There also may have been a difference in the way the form released. A wet form board will not bond to the concrete as would a dry board. A good release agent will help transfer the graining you want. Otherwise, it may stick to the form when it is removed revealing more of the aggregate.

[Hamilton]

Hey guys,
Hope this post finds everybody well!
I have attached a couple of photos in hopes that some one may be able to tell why there is a difference. The photos show the difference between the perimeter of the two backsides of the suspended slab and what the other three look like. I like and would like to duplicate the wood grain texture as a veneer around a support for a quartzite piece I hope to purchase to form a landing. The other photo show more of the aggregate in the mix that I would like to avoid but I don't know why there is a difference. The suspended slab was formed with a 5000 series concrete from a company here in town that specializes in small batches
Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks
Duane

[MarkJerling]

You're a master mason! Beautifully done.

[Hamilton]

Have made a little progress as of late.
Next up is to cast a cap for the chimney to secure the vent anchor and start insulating this thing.
I am considering using perlcrete around the perimeter about three inches deep and five and a half inches tall to give the insulation blanket something to set on and perhaps hold the brick floor in place and then do the layers of perlcrete over the both. Any thoughts? Can somebody refresh my memory on the perlcrete mixture? Would the perlcete be a suitable support for a granite landing?
Just figuring this out as I go due to a lack of planning. The chimney looks a little odd as I am trying to keep the mass as small as possible.
Appreciate any help I can get!

[MarkJerling]

Feels great once you have the plug in right!
Well done.

[Hamilton]

Engraving on the plug didn't turn out as detailed as I would have liked but it is done!
On to the entry arch and chimney to see what I can figure out there. Wish me luck.

[Hamilton]

[Hamilton]

Thanks, I will definitely round that edge.
I will also take a look at the front arch although the vertical bricks to that point are already set. We will see.
Hope to engrave my plug tomorrow and get it in place.

[UtahBeehiver]

Grind off the sharp 90 degree edge of the arch brick to make a more rounder profile. I also inset the outer arch an inch smaller in diameter to make a lip at the outer arch. By doing this you have to make sure your door will come out through the outer arch. Since there is only 1/2" and 5/8" reveal this option will probably not work for you. But the rounding of the inner arch will. Also make sure the square inches of your chimney vent area is at least as large of the 8" ID chimney (need for an 42" oven). New ovens smoke a lot when new.

[Hamilton]

Thanks Russell.
Your build was one that definitely set the bar for me to kept it up all the way to the top once I found this forum.
Do you by chance have any suggestions about my concerns with smoke coming out the front due to the fact that my flue gallery will only be about 6.5 inches from the back of the vent arch bricks to the oven entry?
I was thinking I might be able to build a taller flue, if that might help, but given the way I don't have a heat break that would just mean more heat loss to that area.

Thanks again
Duane

[UtahBeehiver]

very nice brick work

[Hamilton]

So close!
Hope to close in the next day or two and the start on the flue gallery and chimney.
My IT made from the caster had me concerned that I was going to hit vertical to soon but it looks like it is going to work out but will require a larger plug. To the newbies follow the experience of the veterans here on how to best handle your IT! Among other things!
Once I get this closed and move onto the gallery I am concerned about the size and flow of the gallery. The entry arch to the oven is 20" wide and 12.5" at the peak the arch.The way I have it set up the opening will only be about 6.5" in depth. Would the height of the gallery/flue before the chimney pipe help with the flow? Would like to avoid smoke coming out the front of the oven

[david s]

I use a thinners based product. Crommelin concrete paving sealer.

Some holes drilled through the slab near the centre is also a good idea so moisture escaping the fire in the underfloor insulation has an exit.

[Hamilton]

Hey David.
Is there a particular product that you would recommend?

[david s]

I you can coat it with a concrete and stone sealer which will retain the wet look as well as prevent water wicking up into your underfloor insulation.