clearing the sides

[TLK]

Hi All,

on my 6th day of curing Casa2G80. Have not had any problem getting the dome to "go white" but can't seem to get the sides white. I thought I read I should move the embers and burning logs off to the cooking side 1st and then to the opposite side before cleaning the floor to get ready for cook. Moving the fire over to the side of the oven did not make that side go white and it appears as if the middle of the dome is going black again. Question is how to I get the entire dome to "go white"?

[kstronach]

Re: clearing the sides

hi TLK,

if your still in the process of curing the oven there may still be some moisture in the oven hence its taking a while to clear, how long have you been firing for? but don't panic, just keep burning and the sides will clear. after a few good full firings when all the moisture's been driven out you'll probably find it will fire up more efficiently. also try and use well seasoned firewood that will help

keith

[TLK]

Re: clearing the sides

Hi Keith, what I am not clear on is am I supposed to move the fire from the center to the sides in order to get a completely white dome? I fired it up last night and kept it in the center but burned it hotter and longer and then just moved it off to the side and got most of the dome white so I am guessing that is what I need to do.

[david s]

Re: clearing the sides

Your oven is not properly dry. Take your time because the bottom of the dome is still wet and there will be a massive difference in its temperature compared with the crown of the dome. This is where you need to take it slowly or damage can result. Yes, spread the coals out to the outsides to get more heat there. Don't go for the "fire from hell" just yet.

[kstronach]

Re: clearing the sides

Yea as above really I normally almost clear the dome then spread out and chuck some more logs on then when they have burnt down side up the coals and you're away. Then just keep some thinner logs or split down logs for throwing on to keep a nice rolling flame round the dome