Super Excited to start new project

[V-wiz]

Hey Gang, new to the forum but not new to the game of food/BBQ/Grilling etc. I'm happy to be a new member . I would really appreciated any help from you guys. Any links as to how to build a pizza oven from scratch would be greatly appreciated, a DIY link? I plan on building the base from cinder blocks, building doors into the base, pouring concrete on the counter top (polish the top for a nice finish). Where do i get the insulation from in Los Angeles? the base/bottom and wall insulation's. Do i just get standard firebricks? or are there different grades? I plan on leaving the round dome shape and applying re purposed bricks and stones around the cement. Again, any help would be appreciated.


Thank you

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Go to the Forno store and download the PDF file on building an oven - it's free. Read through the plans to get a clear idea of what is required. There are many builders in your area that can help with purchasing the materials.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

I cant find it, do i need to add to my cart and enter my info, but its free? is that correct?

[Faith In Virginia]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

The last time I got the plans that is exactly how it works...have fun.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

So add it to my cart and check out?

[WJW]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Yep...add it to your cart. I think now a donation is asked for, but is still voluntary.

As far as the plans...they are great on all sorts of levels. That being said I don't like their ideas for wood storage location in the stand. I built my stand as per the FB plans...with a wood storage in front. Now that I've used it, I think that is a terrible way to do a stand. In the first place, the wood stroage area under an oven is huge. With a single door, you would literally have to get on your hands and knees and crawl in there to get wood from the back. I don't like spiders enough to do such a thing.

The other thing is that if you want to have an ash drop in front you will be dropping hot ashes and coals directly in front of (or into) your wood pile. Big problem. I'm going to brick over the ash drop because it's unusable with the wood storage where it is.

What should be done is that the stand should be built with openings on the two sides with a center wall underneath giving even better support for the oven. That equals stronger stand, more accessible wood storage, and ability to use an ash drop.

Other than that...really love the FB plans.

Bill

[SableSprings]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Yes, you choose it (the free oven plans) and it comes up as $0.00 as your purchase price. A link is sent to your e-mail for the pdf download and you have a set time frame in which to download it.

I agree with Bill that the wood storage is really not very accessible directly under the oven opening. My corner build incorporated movable carts to use the space more efficiently for wood storage and increased work surface. I also put the forward ash drop/bin in front of the oven...so you can pull ashes into the bin and cover it before your clean bake (like for bread) begins.

Again, as Bill says, the FB plans give you a whole lot of information from which you can make your WFO work perfectly for your entertaining needs.

[Laurentius]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Here's the plans:Pompeii Oven Plans2.0

[david s]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

I agree about the wood directly under the door. It is a potential fire hazard. A side door is safer IMO. Also if a door on the opposite side is open then airflow can help keep the wood dry. Using two piers set under the heavier parts of the oven (cantilevered) rather than walls around the perimeter allows both airflow and a lighter weight stand and supporting slab.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Thanks alot guys. Ill take a look at the link asap

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

So im reading this amazing write up and ive got a few questions. As im reading i am taking down notes.

Where do i get fire clay from, sand and fire clay for the base (between bricks and Insulation.
Should i use a Styrofoam templet for the dome?
How are the wood shim cuts determined? i dont understand the exact size of the shime that will allow the curvature.
What is done with the (wooden) shims when the bricks are set? is it safe for (wood) to stay inside the bricks which the hot oven is fired? are those (wood) shims latter removed?

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

So im reading this amazing write up and ive got a few questions. As im reading i am taking down notes.

Where do i get fire clay from, sand and fire clay for the base (between bricks and Insulation.
Should i use a Styrofoam templet for the dome?
How are the wood shim cuts determined? i dont understand the exact size of the shime that will allow the curvature.
What is done with the (wooden) shims when the bricks are set? is it safe for (wood) to stay inside the bricks which the hot oven is fired? are those (wood) shims latter removed?

Where do i get fire clay from, sand and fire clay for the base (between bricks and Insulation.
I got mine from a lumber yard that carried the lime, concrete, block, etc...


Should i use a Styrofoam templet for the dome?

A lot of people used the indispensable tool (do a search, a ton of posts about it). I used a vein that I spun around as I built the walls.

How are the wood shim cuts determined? i dont understand the exact size of the shime that will allow the curvature.

There are some calculators that have been posted but as you set the brick against the tool or vein is will be pretty obvious on what size is required.

What is done with the (wooden) shims when the bricks are set? is it safe for (wood) to stay inside the bricks which the hot oven is fired? are those (wood) shims latter removed

Remove them and fill the void with mortar. I grout bag is ideal for this.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Great, so the shims are removed, the PDF did not state this, its pretty obvious i know but i had to ask. Sounds like a mediocre project. My father is a GC so it should be too difficult. Does everyone purchase the insulation and Cermanic board from this site?

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Can i get away with using red clay brick at the door/chimney area instead of firebrick? I intend to use re-purposed/used brick

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

No - the flue is pretty damn hot. It would probably work if you don't need it to last. I'm pretty sure standard brick will spall. There are some here that know a lot more about the dynamics than I do - hopefully they will chime in...