Raffy's WFO Build

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Meh, I tried to get the Inswool all dried out before filling in the vermicrete, then tried to dry out the vermicrete before doing a thin parge layer of concrete...and NOW I have to dry the whole thing out again before I go full-on with the water-resistant stucco. It's been very very wet this week. I think I'm basically back to square one.

I agree. Its an endless cycle of keeping new concrete hydrated then eventually drying it out. It really tests my patience and discipline. I keep reminding myself good things come to those who wait. And, the reward is PEEEEZAAAH

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

I thought I was a Pyro....but until I built a really big fire in my oven, I was out of your league.

Goes to show we all have a hidden pyro within us. BTW, thanks for the info on the chimney cost. I was afraid it was going to reach that high. I'll be searching for cheap durable material for the chimney after holy week.

The upcoming Easter fiesta in Camsur must be something to look forward to. What I wouldn't do to be there now, but, I imagine the roads leading out of Manila are all congested.

Have a blessed weekend.

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

My inner pyro is happy for today. His hunger for flame has been satiated.

[lwood]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Wow Raffy, looks great. Like the reveal.

[Dino_Pizza]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

I like your 1st pic of the fire Raffy: I can see the big wide flu opening. How is the small smokey fire drawing? Can you see smoke going up? Once you get a bigger fire, you may see the need for a taller vent pipe. What height are looking to add (if any)?
Very pretty arches,
-Dino

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Hi Dino,

The chimney is drawing the smoke superbly. No smoke coming out of the front of the oven. It goes directly to the chimney. I'm looking to add 6-8 feet of chimney provided I can I find material that is lightweight, stiff and durable. I can't do that right now cause everyone is on holiday being Holy Week (Lenten Season). Got anything planned for Easter Sunday?

Regards,
Raffy

[lwood]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

The Holy Week celebration is in full swing here in CamSur. The roads are impossible, but we are staying close to home in the mountains. But everyone is coming up to the Malabsay Falls Nat'l park to excursion, so lots of excursionistas.

What did you end up using on the final outside layer? Did you find any perlite?

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Hey John,

I used perlite for the hearth and for the dome as well. I also have 2" of insulation blanket for the dome. It's insulating very well and I'm very pleased. I read your thread about oven temp and I'm curious about your unexpanded perlite. Is it powder form? Mine are the size of small coffee beans. My supplier had both types of perlite. If you need ceramic blankets I have a good supplier maybe I can have them forwarded to Camsur if you need some more insulation.

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Something interesting happened today. As I fired up the oven for the 500 F curing fire, there were portions on the dome that became "discolored" or had a darker shade of gray. I'm suspecting steam because they are hotter in those areas. I was worried that there may be holes in the dome but there are none that I can see, plus, there couldn't be any holes because we laid the mortar pretty thick and made sure every nook and cranny was filled. Your thoughts?

In addition, the brick on the chimney and other parts of the facade are whitening. Could this be the lime permeating the brick? Is there a way to restore the look of the brick to it's terracotta color?

[lwood]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Actually, the unexpanded perlite is doing better than expected. Sounds like yours is expanded perlite. The unexpanded looks just like gray sand.

Those dark spots have to be water coming out of the dome. Especially if it happened during the firing. I am on my 14th firing and I think it is finally dry

[Raffy]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Happy Easter everyone! I just did my BIG FIRE this Easter Sunday (started fire around 7 am) and the oven performed spectacularly. I had to keep the fire going for 2 hours to get the dome to whiten and reach the right temp. I guess there was still a lot of moisture that's why it took a while. The heat lasted until dinner and all I had to do was chuck in couple of pieces of wood to get it going again.

I cooked dinner consisting of beer chicken and roasted pork with roasted cauliflower and broccoli with a side of roasted "baby" potatoes. To end it all, a slice of banana bread baked in the oven. It was fantastic to say the least. I'm so satisfied with the oven's performance. It cooked everything in no time at all.

I wish I had pictures of the food while I was cooking but all I have is a camera phone with no flash. The lighting conditions were too low even with the fire inside. I could only take pics after it was plated already. The food looked awesome while it was cooking.

Happy Easter again to everyone and to my sis, A, Happy Brithday again! hehehehe. This dinner is dedicated to you!

[eprante]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Congratulations,
Your first WFO meal and it was Easter dinner. Everything looks delicious.
Eric

[lwood]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Looks great Raf....

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Hey Raffy,
Congrats on your first dinner,, The food looks great...

I had to keep the fire going for 2 hours to get the dome to whiten and reach the right temp. I guess there was still a lot of moisture that's why it took a while. The heat lasted until dinner and all I had to do was chuck in couple of pieces of wood to get it going again.

I'm sure after a month or two you will be surprised how much better your oven will perform, Less heat up time and it will retain the heat longer as well,, You did a great job,,,
Congrats Again
Mark

[John K]

Re: Raffy's WFO Build

Very nice Raffy.

The oven has come up fantastic as did your first meal in it!! congratulations

How did the oven go with retaining heat?