Questions/Clarification,

[yorkshireknight]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

Hi MMissler,

Your questions and worries reminds me of the headaches I too endured during my build. Living in Bulgaria caused its problems with materials not being available as well as my lack of the local lingo.
All that being said, rest assured that the help from the guys & gals on this forum is priceless and to which I am gratefully indebted.

Not sure how far along with the build you are.
But thinking of the levelling before it has been proven that it needs to be done has to be taken out of your mind.
Concentrate on ensuring your slab or base top is level
I too pondered over the levelling material to be used but that was before I came to start, so I ensured that my base was level to begin with taking time to ensure the shuttering was level all way round.

Even if your top level of wall support is not level the top slab for your hearth can be made perfect by taking time with levelling the shuttering thereby not having to worry about any level mix under your bricks or floor insulation.

Take your time and check everything twice before committing to concrete .
Good luck with your build and keep positive buddy

[cobblerdave]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

G'day
The sands the aggregate, the fire clays the glue that holds those particles together so they don't move when it sets.
In saying that paving can get laid on a layer of sand as long as the surface under that is hard packed like deco granite machine packed down. But the edge must be contained otherwise the sand will act like little ball bearings and allow the pavers to move.
If you using board and its smooth and the surface underneath is true and smooth I don't recon you have to bother, no use adding another step if its not required.
Anyway those are my thoughts on that
Regards dave

[mmissler]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

So since this kind of got side tracked a little....is there anyone out there know why fireclay is mixed with sand for leveling? At this point I am just curious since I will go with fireclay for the leveling, if need be.

Thanks,
Mike

[mmissler]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

Yep, been over here (Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand) about 18 years, it still never ceases to amaze ( frustrate) me. Luckily my wife takes the brunt of it, I have Westernized her in that sense. That's also why I need to appease him somewhat. As long as the oven works well and maintains heat then my goal will be accomplished.

[cobblerdave]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

G'day
It's S/east Asia it is all about "saving face" . That's why I said don't get you worker offside . Regardless of the culture its all about respect
Regards dave

[mmissler]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

I Think it's a Thai thing, if they have never done it, it can't be done since they don't want to be wrong, saving face is big here. I will admit that the contractor seems very knowledgeable. I think I need to appease him to some degree on the build so if need be I will go with just fireclay for leveling.

I guess my question or one of them is does the sand help in leveling or is it a cost issue due the the expense of the fireclay? I guess somewhere in all of this someone decided the 50/50 mixture was at least one good way to go.

I did get my ceramic board and blanket ordered today, I most likely ordered too much since it had to come from Bangkok, about 120 km and the lead time is about 3 weeks, didn't want to be short so I think I will have a very insulated oven. It was about half of what it costs in the USA, was quite surprised by that.

Thanks for the reply.
Mike

[cobblerdave]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

G'day mike
Sorry this is twice " the popping sand has been mentioned" does your workman know something that you don't? What is the local sand? It would be worthwhile checking at this point. Even through another third source, without putting you workman offside.?
Sorry to add to you burden but you have a whilst to the board arrives.
Regards dave

[mmissler]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

Ok, let me first apologize for probably posting another dumb question but after an hour or so of searching and reading I can not find the answer I am looking for.

If I need to level my fire bricks on my ceramic board the general consensus is a 50/50 dry mix of sand and fireclay. I have seen posts where only fireclay is used, so can anyone tell me why mix with sand? (My contractor is worried about the sand....exploding, or popping, not exactly sure). This is part of the trials and tribulations of 2 different languages and cultures trying to build an oven.

Thanks,
Mike

[mmissler]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

Thanks for the info concerning the dry mix for leveling....if required. Makes sense, should keep it simple as possible but then I wouldn't wake up in the morning thinking about this project (along with the dumb things they did on my house the previous day).

Ordering my ceramic blanket and fireboard today, it has a month lead time for delivery.

[Gulf]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

I ran into that same problem last year. Sometimes the Like button would be there, sometimes not. There were other issues too, I can't remember just what they were. But, slow downloading time for this site was one of them. I was using Internet Explorer. On a suggestion from another member, I downloaded Google Chrome.

That fixed it .

PS: I was able to copy all of my shortcuts over from IE to Chrome.

[NCMan]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

I don't think it's that, as I am always logged in.

[david s]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

I think you have to be logged in for the like option to pop up on posts.

[NCMan]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

Since this is the Newbie Thread....I have a question. One of many as I proceed w/my WFO, I'm sure. This pertains to this site. Why do some posts have a place to "like" a post, then some don't? Tried to look it up, but did not find a place explaining that. Thanks.

[cobblerdave]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

So, in essence, a person can lay the Ceramic Board and the hearth fire bricks w/out using anything? Assuming things are all flat and level, of course.

G'day
Of course, in all things ..... Keep it simple
Regards dave

[NCMan]

Re: Questions/Clarification,

So, in essence, a person can lay the Ceramic Board and the hearth fire bricks w/out using anything? Assuming things are all flat and level, of course.