Mortar Combat?

[msylt]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Thank you!!

[Tscarborough]

Re: Mortar Combat?

After reading their literature that will work fine.

[msylt]

Re: Mortar Combat?

This is my second post here. Question...I'm already done with the support and platform. The herringbone array of bricks is up. I purchased 150 lbs of what is called Hi Cast from Alsey. The ppl at rhe store said it would work for my application. They also sold me some flue set for the inside side of the joints. The hi cast is moldable fire clay from what I understand. This should work for my mortar shouldn't it??
I also sent a photo of the outdoor kitchen as it is so far. oven in the middle.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Will do, thanks again!

[stonecutter]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Go with the masons sand for your mix since you can get it.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

I'm lucky to have a good supply yard that carries pretty much everything. It's more an issue of my not knowing what is the best bet.

Thanks for the feedback.

[stonecutter]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Any supply yard should carry masons sand, which isn't as coarse as concrete or B type sand. You can always sift out larger particles if coarse is the only thing you can find.. Very fine sugar sand, should only be used in very thin mortar joints...1/8" or less.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Somewhere on one of the posts I read #12 silica sand, but then I've also seen reference to fine sand, which I'm guessing is the play sand. I looked at #12 sand at the rockery and it looks pretty course to me. So I'll check check out the masonry, play or #4 blast sand.

Thanks for the quick feedback.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Mortar Combat?

It depends upon the anticipated joint size. For normal masonry (1/4 to 3/8" joints) it is regulated by ASTM C-144. For fireplaces the aggregate is very fine, but for oven that have both large and small joints, masonry sand or play sand or #4 blast sand will all work just fine. Concrete sand/bedding sand/plaster sand will be too coarse.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

One last mortar question, I hope, regarding sand - what is preferable, fine, medium or coarse? Thanks.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Thanks - I'm not going to monkey with the proven recipe!

[david s]

Re: Mortar Combat?

If you increase the clay content you increase the amount of shrinkage and hence the propensity to shrinkage cracks.

[zekebv]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Aahh, the fog is lifting and I see light peeking through. Gentlemen, thanks very much for the additional explanation.

One last question - in his build, Aceves mentioned mixing a stickier mortar for the later courses by increasing the amount of fireclay. Any thoughts on this?

[Les]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Good Luck on the rest of your build and disregard everything else that is added to this thread (IMHO)...sorry guys.

I have a vision of a guy looking for a cow that shits sand Zek - it's pretty forgiving, don't fret.

[ATK406]

Re: Mortar Combat?

Hello Zekebv,
You need no more information than has been provided above. I know it is not in keeping with the concept of an open forum, but you have gotten as clear a definition of the mortar requirements as you are ever going to get from a couple of the most respected members of this site. If there were a way to freeze a thread at the point when no further comment was necessary it is now...err before the start of this post. Good Luck on the rest of your build and disregard everything else that is added to this thread (IMHO)...sorry guys.

Best Regards,
AT