Smoke or steam during curing?

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I will slow down my curing process as recommended. Do any of you think I need to repair this or is it ok to leave it alone? THanks, Mike

[david s]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

One of the problems during curing is that the top of the dome dries out first and then of course gets even hotter while the base of the dome and floor are still damp and therefore much cooler. This creates a massive difference in temperature which results in a big difference in thermal expansion and resulting damage. Once the oven is completely dry the thing heats up more evenly, but the damage may have already been done. Keeping a gentle fire (charcoal) going for longer helps keep down the high temp rise in the top of the dome. Also it may be beneficial to leave the oven for a week between curing fires to let some of the moisture lower down migrate back up into the drier dome.

[Neil2]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

If you have some mortar on had then go ahead and patch it. Hairline crack are typical and can be ignored.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Ok, so I have been patiently trying to put my oven through the curing process. I took things slowly since I noticed a small amount of steam coming from the dome during my early fires. I went ahead a put a heater in the dome overnight and used charcoal to keep the oven around 200 degrees for several day. Things have been going well so far with no cracks. Today the goal was 700 degrees and things got out of hand and reached 800. I have a small hairline crack in the inside of the dome. Outside it looks much bigger. I have read some people patch the crack with more mortar and others say "drink more beer and it will go away" To patch or not to patch???? BTW, I am building an enclosure around the dome. Thanks, Mike

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Thanks to all, I will keep you posted. It is great to have some help to lean on. Mike

[Neil2]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I agree with David S. If you are getting a large amount of steam, slow off a bit with your curing fires. Use a smaller fire for a longer time. You have to be patient, there is no need to rush this stage and there is a real danger of damaging your oven if you heat it too hot and fast while there is a lot of water in the brick.

Many have assisted the curing by keeping a small electric fan/heater at low heat in the oven between curing fires.

[Les]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Mike,

I assume you are going to cover this with a blanket. It doesn't matter if it is steam or smoke. You are doing an enclosure so you are safe to keep building (it won't be air tight). Keep the fire going to purge any vapor - no worries.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I know these are out of order but I thought maybe it would be helpful to see the dome construction in more detail....

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

One last one...

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

For some reason I am having trouble posting more than one picture at a time.

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

I will try to post some pictures of the smoke if I can get a good enough image. In the meantime, here are some pictures of my oven so far.... Thanks for all your help. Mike

[Lburou]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Pictures would improve the advice you get about this

I patched my cracks and insulated it. I'm sure the dome is not air tight even now but it doesn't affect the operation of the oven. You may be in the same boat.

Ok, I need some help deciding what to do next. Today I lit another curing fire. The steam or smoke came out of the same area. There is no blackening of the area like in the dome. Probably steam??? My biggest concern is this, I took tomorrow off of work because I wanted to insulate the oven and close up the enclosure and face it with stone. I think I can get that done over the weekend since I have my steel studs up for the dome enclosure. Is it safe to close everything up or should I wait until the curing process is done. Thanks, Mike

[mtalone]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

Ok, I need some help deciding what to do next. Today I lit another curing fire. The steam or smoke came out of the same area. There is no blackening of the area like in the dome. Probably steam??? My biggest concern is this, I took tomorrow off of work because I wanted to insulate the oven and close up the enclosure and face it with stone. I think I can get that done over the weekend since I have my steel studs up for the dome enclosure. Is it safe to close everything up or should I wait until the curing process is done. Thanks, Mike

[SCChris]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

The smoke will leave soot and the steam will not.

Chris

[david s]

Re: Smoke or steam during curing?

If steam is visible, back off with the fire, you risk damaging the refractory.
If it's smoke then the best you can do is to plug the gaps with mortar.