My progress

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Post more pics later

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Now that I have figured out how to reduce the resolution on the pics, here are pics leading up to the Keystone.

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Now the Keystone

[lwood]

Re: My progress

and the insulation layer, 4" unexpanded perlite. This is the current status, ran out of perlite about 2 bags short. Have to go get more from where they mine the perlite an hour away. Making progress, will go order the chiminey to be fabricated today.

[cook21]

Re: My progress

great work i really would like to see the finish product it looks like shes coming up well

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Thanks Cook, I would like to see it finished also. I am going this week to get more perlite so maybe soon.

[Lancer]

Re: My progress

Hi John, I'm on Bohol in the Philippines and planning a pizza oven. May I ask where you got your perlite? Is that commonly available here under the name 'Perlite'? Also your fire brick, the guys at the hardware just looked at me funny when I asked them. May I ask where you found them?

Your platform looks great, though I'm no expert. Very large too. :b:

Edit: WoW, I didn't realize there were 4 pages, I see the platform has become an oven!

Just looked through all the pics John, I'm very impressed with your epic accomplishment! That is one incredible dome, it really is.

You mentioned refractory mortar. I went to a large material supplier in Tagbilaran and got nowhere, any advice?

Here's to your progress! :cheers:

[Lancer]

Re: My progress

I saw that thread too lwood,, it's a great idea and looks like you really needed it... you could also fill your dome with sand if you had too,,, But it lools like your doing ok...

Enjoy your vacation,,

Cheers
Mark

Hi Mark, I was considering making a pile of sand into a perfect dome and then placing the brick around and as they rise letting them get their shape from the sand. I wonder though when the sand drys if the piling of the brick, or the elements, doesn't erode the sand dome? My question is would limestone muck be better? Once it solidifies it should be tough enough but maybe I should mix it with sand so I can dig it out easier. I'd hate to build a large dome shaped solid rock. Anyone have experience with this?

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: My progress

Lancer,
I didnt use the sand, but used a wooden skeleton.. (pics below) The sand seems to have worked fine for many people. Some have used inflatable beach balls as well... I think the sand should be fine as long as its wet enough... but of course not too wet... You can see in my pics that i also have a plywood base which helped me keep the circle shape to start...
cheers
mark

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Hi Lancer,
Sorry for the delayed response. I got my perlite from a perlite mine near me in Baao, Camarines Sur. I was lucky to have it close to me. Here in the Philippines, they use perlite for light weight concrete construction in high-rise buildings. Don't know if there are any other mines closer to you. I'll be happy to direct you to my source if you like.

[lwood]

Re: My progress

You mentioned refractory mortar. I went to a large material supplier in Tagbilaran and got nowhere, any advice

Make your own refractory mix, there is lots of discussion on this website about that. Just search on refractory mortar/mix.

[lwood]

Re: My progress

I will pick up my chimney today from the fabricator, very excited to get it installed and start curing the oven.

[Lancer]

Re: My progress

Mark, nice wooden frame, looks like it did the job very well and allowed you access to top and bottom. :b:

Hi lwood,

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll have to get it there but it also occured to me there are some tall buildings in Tagbilaran so maybe they have a place to get it closer. Its very helpful that you made the perlite/insulation connection for me, much appreciated.

Yes I'll look for the tips on refractory mortar right here.

Now my last problem is the fire brick here in the Philippines, any advice?

Good looking oven you have there! Soon you will be in pizza heaven, lwood, you lucky guy.

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Lancer, maybe you can find the real fire brick in Manila but I chose to go with what the locals call firebrick. Which is just terra cotta bricks that they would use for a similar purpose. You will be lucky if you can get some that have actually been fired, not just sun dried. Hope that helps.
John

[lwood]

Re: My progress

Installed the chiminey today....finaly. Broke the front arch in the process, but that is easily repaired. Finish the perlite tomorrow and start the curing process. maybe pizza next weekend. For sure something will be cooking in that oven next weekend.