New Build

[JRPizza]

Looks like you would benefit from putting a narrower bracket on the end of your IT. That is what I did when I got to the upper courses and it helped me not disturb adjacent bricks which I was doing with my too wide bracket. Another trick I did was use a T-bevel to figure what angle the bricks should have. I placed the bevel as shown in the pic, then transferred the angle to my brick to cut. I also started marking both sides of the brick and cutting them on end (from two sides) instead of using my bevel jig, as like you I was having trouble with the steep side angle. It went much faster and there are only a few bricks in each course now.

[staestc]

Looks like you would benefit from putting a narrower bracket on the end of your IT. That is what I did when I got to the upper courses and it helped me not disturb adjacent bricks which I was doing with my too wide bracket. Another trick I did was use a T-bevel to figure what angle the bricks should have. I placed the bevel as shown in the pic, then transferred the angle to my brick to cut. I also started marking both sides of the brick and cutting them on end (from two sides) instead of using my bevel jig, as like you I was having trouble with the steep side angle. It went much faster and there are only a few bricks in each course now.

That's a nice tip!

[thevance53@gmail.com]

Yea, it is attached through the wood piece, so I was trying to avoid re-building it. I almost finished that course tonight and there really isn't room for the IT anymore. I can't really use my float any more and I end up filling mortar gaps on the inside with my fingers. These upper courses seem a little more difficult.

[JRPizza]

I was able to use mine all the way to the plug after I narrowed up the bracket. Check out a few builds. Lot's of ways to skin that cat.

[UtahBeehiver]

Mike,

I found near the last few courses, as you experienced, the course angles become more pronounced. This is what we did before the DJ's spreadsheet, back in sliderule days. This is from Texman but used it as well on the last two courses.

https://community.fornobravo.com/for...an-build/page9

[thevance53@gmail.com]

That thread was the most info packed I have been lead to. So much info, it took most of tonight to skim through. I will look at the math and see what I come up with on the last course before the plug. Just hope I can complete the entry arch, insulate, pcrete, and stucco before winter shuts me down and I have to wrap it up for the winter. Thanks for all the help.

[Les]

Or use hot melt glue ;-)

[thevance53@gmail.com]

Finished the last course with the IT yesterday. Followed Mongo's lead on trying to draw the layout of smaller infill pieces and the plug. I jury rigged a support form on a 2x4 with some wedges, and after quite a bit of time shaping the infill pieces, got the dome closed in and the plug installed. Not quite as pretty as Mongo's , but hey, it's done. Got a couple more entry arch bricks installed. I have the anchor plate and chimney pieces so hopefully can get the vent done next weekend.

[Caliea]

Looks wonderful! Congratulations on closing the dome!

[UtahBeehiver]

Mike, congrats on "pluggin" the dome. Maybe pizza by Halloween.............

[UtahBeehiver]

Buehner also carries perlite but Lehi is probably closer to you.

[thevance53@gmail.com]

Buehner is going out of business and is not stocking anything any more, just getting rid of inventory and they didn't have any more. Working on my vent arch and am about 10 bricks short. Damn, now I have to wait until next week to get my chimney installed, but may start to insulate and p-crete before I cure out the oven.

[UtahBeehiver]

You can do some low temp cure with halogen work lights then charcoal without worry too much about overheating and uneven expansionwhile you are waiting for other stuff. With the charcoal you can cook something too. Remember p-crete will retain a lot of water so you really need to get it dried out before you put the final outside coating on.

[thevance53@gmail.com]

Russell, do you have a wood source here in Utah? I can find tons of fir, but not sure where to get Oak or Maple, or something suitable.

[UtahBeehiver]

I do not. I scrounge from friends and coworkers who cut down fruit and hardwood trees. I have seen quite a bit of fruit and hardwood on KSL some cheap or free too. Others split and seasoned cut costs more.