if in fact there are any new problems...
I live in Hawaii on the side of a volcano (Hualali to be specific). Obviously the soil is volcanic rocks with little or no soil. I have found the foundation of a "Portugese" oven in the back yard, which appears to have been made of local lava rocks. I am thinking of reconstructing the oven and turning it into a useful appliance and a backyard feature, but have no knowledge of round, stone oven construction. (Other than what I have been able to glean here, of course.) I will be going to the mainland for a few months during which I will plan the project and then try to complete it next winter when I return. Some specific questions:
1. the oven appears to have been constructed directly on the ground, without a stand. Other than ease of use, need there be a stand?
2. I'd like, so far as is practical, to use the materials lying around, i.e. lava rock. I realize that the construction will be more difficult using irregular shapes rather than bricks, and the floor at least will need to be brick, but the esthetic result will be much better, IMHO.
Any thoughts will be well appreciated. I can send a pic of the existing foundation, if anyone is interested. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with anyone who might be interested.
I live in Hawaii on the side of a volcano (Hualali to be specific). Obviously the soil is volcanic rocks with little or no soil. I have found the foundation of a "Portugese" oven in the back yard, which appears to have been made of local lava rocks. I am thinking of reconstructing the oven and turning it into a useful appliance and a backyard feature, but have no knowledge of round, stone oven construction. (Other than what I have been able to glean here, of course.) I will be going to the mainland for a few months during which I will plan the project and then try to complete it next winter when I return. Some specific questions:
1. the oven appears to have been constructed directly on the ground, without a stand. Other than ease of use, need there be a stand?
2. I'd like, so far as is practical, to use the materials lying around, i.e. lava rock. I realize that the construction will be more difficult using irregular shapes rather than bricks, and the floor at least will need to be brick, but the esthetic result will be much better, IMHO.
Any thoughts will be well appreciated. I can send a pic of the existing foundation, if anyone is interested. I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with anyone who might be interested.
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