Half-thick firebricks

[kebwi]

Are thin firebricks okay? I have access to some that look very nice, sharp edged and all that, but they look very thin, I suspect about half the default 2.5". Obviously, the architecture would be considerably different from the Pompeii design, but other than that, would it basically work the same?

Would it require a ton more mortar?

Thanks.

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

There are 496 of these bricks available. My original question stands: Can one design and build an oven entirely with half-thick bricks and is 496 enough for a small 36" oven?

I'm not sure this is a good approach to take, but they're fifty cents a piece. Pretty tempting.

Thanks.

[eprante]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

I am not sure it pencils out. Since you are going to use twice as many bricks, you will have more mortar joints ( not a good idea) and most likely use more than the normal 3 55lb bags of mortar. What savings you gain will most likely be eaten up in extra mortar, time and hassle. Regular firebricks are available in my area for $1.44 each.
Eric

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

As I suspected. I think I'll pass on them then.

Thanks.

[dmun]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

I think they would work. "Splits" as they are known are usually not used because they are the same price as full sized bricks. You would need a double layer for the floor, and you would have more joints in the dome, but they would be less angled, I think only a little more mortar would be used.

Also, the thinner brick would have fewer, smaller inverted "vee" gaps between bricks on the upper layers. If it were me, I'd skip the soldier course, and build your rings up directly from the floor.

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

Interesting dmun. Thanks. Since I can get them for $.50 I'm tempted. Perhaps I can use them for the bottom 2/3rds and buy some full size for the top so I can cut chunky wedges up there (I'm constantly worried about fall-throughs in the ceiling, which seems silly since there are so few reports of that happening).

Best deal I've found on full size in my area is $1.50 and a $1.43 (a little further away).

[jrparks]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

I-XL Masonry in Redmond, WA, $1.18 each.

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

Actually, I-XL is the one that quoted me the $1.43 that I mentioned above, $1.10 for splits. Salmon Bay was the one that quoted me $1.50.

How long ago did you get that quote?

[jrparks]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

I purchased them January and March for my oven. Perhaps they are quoting you retail. I went it asking for contractor pricing and I am not a contractor. I also got my refactory mortar there. Lowes has them for $1.45.

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

Not the Lowes on Aurora at 125th. :-( Nor the Home Depot just down the road at about 120th. :-(

Maybe I'll waltz into I-XL and ask for contractor prices. ;-)

[dpike]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

I-XL in Redmond has firebrick for 1.16. Bought them two weeks ago. Lowes on Rainier has firebrick for 1.49. Same ones.

[kebwi]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

Verified. I called them back and they quoted me the $1.16, splits $.88.

Thanks again.

Ooo, I'm getting close to having a plan. I'm so excited..of course, I haven't even broken ground yet. :-D Actually, I'm considerably more intimidated by the various concrete slabs (foundation, support, insulation). That seems hard to do right.

[dpike]

Re: Half-thick firebricks

Not to hijack this thread, but for your slab consider these guys: Quick & Easy Concrete or Best Way Concrete (i used these guys).
they bring a truck that mixes the dry ingredients onsite, and you wheelbarrow them to your forms. And you only pay for what you use, plus a delivery charge. For my pad, it took less than 1/2 hour to get the concrete in using two wheelbarrows and two friends. And after mixing 30 bags of concrete for my hearth, i would say its much easier.