4 courses up... and a big question

[CanuckJim]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

TD,

Five comments that may help: 1. Make sure to soak your bricks before applying mortar. 2. Wet bricks already in position with a cheapo brush and water. 3. Go to Home Depot and buy the narrowest (1/8") pointing trowel you can find (they're too long, but you can cut one down to a workable length); use it to force the mortar into the joints. 4. Pointing mortar is usually mixed on the slightly dry side to avoid staining. 5. Finish point the joints until they shine once the mortar has set up a bit.

Jim

[Acoma]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Jim, well said.

[Throw Deep]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Thanks...will the Home Depot pointer thing.

Had a good day today.

I got some help today and, after a slow start, the help got up to speed and we made good progress. We tore out the landing/arch for the second time and re-built it for, hopefully, the last time. Three more courses also went up...now at 7. We cut the angle iron for the flat "arch" and figured out how to carry the courses around over the top. Tomorrow we hope to finish the dome???

I need to order some things from FB as we look toward the chimney and insulation.

[Acoma]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Your nickname should be Psycho! I hope you are reviewing each course before ripping into the next. Please do.

[gjbingham]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Motivated, Rob, motivated!

[asudavew]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Motivated, Rob, motivated!

Go to bed George

[gjbingham]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Dave, you're two hours ahead of me. I've yet begun to post!

[christo]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Hey Bob!!!

Any more pictures of progress?

Christo

[Throw Deep]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Psycho??? Just highly motivated...getting bonus points from wife for speed & goal to finish before the kid comes home.

More pictures on picasa today. Up to course 12...I'm thinking one more and then the keystone? We'll see. I have to go back to work tomorrow but think I'll get in a few hours late in the day and maybe can finish the dome on my hellish schedule.

The good weather lasted through today (Tuesday)...with a high of about 70F. But a fast moving line of thunder storms are moving through tonight...forecast to be followed by an arctic blast...high only 50F tomorrow...but sunny again. <G>

Picasa Web Albums - Robert - Pizza Oven

[gjbingham]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

50 degrees? That's tropical in my book. Go man go!

You know if time gets tight, there's no reason you can't cure the dome alone, without the arch and entrance completely built. Put an insulation blanket over most of it and fire it up when your son gets home. Smoke in your face? Yes, at least till it gets burning hot. It'll all pour out the front and up, up and away. You can sure as heck cook pizza's in it, even if its not completely done.

George (Go Navy)

[RCLake]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

This has to be a time record

[Acoma]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

I stick to the nickname. There is no way motivation plays at this speed. I am very happy for you. Great ambition and goals. I have yet to see the latest but am impressed by the speed.

[Inishta]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Express pizza oven...............and it's looking great. I like the pool too!

[Throw Deep]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

Nobody told me you needed PhD's in multiple fields to finish the last few courses! I thought for sure I would finish yesterday afternoon but those dang cuts...man oh man!

And it was cold out there too running that wet saw! It was supposed to get up into the 50's but never left the 30's. I had to put a halogen utility light in the dome to warm it up enough to set mortar. I gained some sympathy for what you northern clime wfo builders go through now!

I'm down to the last course and the keystone. Maybe someone will award me my doctoral degrees this afternoon. <vbg>

Bob

[gjbingham]

Re: 4 courses up... and a big question

That's a DDD - Domebuilder Doctoral Degree! Wearing rubber gloves helps with the cold water issue.