Super Excited to start new project

[WJW]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

According to my reading...you CAN use red bricks...but only if they are old. (Like 1920's or older).

The reason for this is that in days gone by, bricks were fired to much higher temps during the manufacturing process. This leads to a process called vitrification which is essentially themelting/fusing of various components in the clay into a homogenous substance. Such bricks can withstand higher temps without spalling. (Spalling is a process where the brick faces fracture and shed pieces of teh brick.)

That all being said, I used firebrick purchased from a building supply outlet.

A couple of hints...use the search function. You will find answers to most questions you have, and to other questions you didn't know you had. Read the board on finding building materials. Read the threads by other guys who have done their builds. I did a barrel vault style, but the concepts, challenges, and skill sets required are the same no matter what kind of oven. I learned as much from reading about pompeii builds as I did from threads re vaults.

Everthing you need to know can be found on this site. As you get started start a thread on the appropriate board and you will have advice from very knowledgable people to bounce ideas off of and get you through the rough spots.

Have fun.

Bill

[Laku]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

So let me get this straight, all bricks at the dome will have to be cut in half in order to creat the circle right?

Technically speaking each course has different size brick cuts if you want to stagger the seams. But cutting the first course to half bricks is a good starting point.

[Laurentius]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Did anyone else, read that stuff?

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

So let me get this straight, all bricks at the dome will have to be cut in half in order to creat the circle right?

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Your call. If it's on the internet it must be true Seriously, I don't have a clue - I'm into electronics

No im sure i will do the fire brick. Just putting info out there.

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Not to beat a dead horse but check this out. Alternative for Fire Bricks are the old red clay solid bricks. Firebrick substitute.

If i am able to use clay bricks it would cost 3 times less

Your call. If it's on the internet it must be true Seriously, I don't have a clue - I'm into electronics

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Not to beat a dead horse but check this out. Alternative for Fire Bricks are the old red clay solid bricks. Firebrick substitute.

If i am able to use clay bricks it would cost 3 times less

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Ok good to know. Thanks.

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Yea, the dome will support the weight. I was a little concerned myself so I dropped some steel into the hearth for a buttress, Most have not done that and have no issues.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

I dont want to use a metal flue, just build up brick like a chimney. The dome i want to be covered in stone. So it will be fire brick, insulation, chicken wire mortar then stone, if funds are tight i just might do smooth stucco finish. So if i do stone will the dome support the weight, im not concerend about the base/foundation.

[Les]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

I'm confused. I used a liner for the flue but it can be made from fire brick. I covered it with decorative brick - is that the look you are after? The dome WILL be heavy. Make sure you build the foundation / hearth correctly.

[V-wiz]

Re: Super Excited to start new project

Ok if its not a good idea then im ok with that. I guess i want the exposed stone look. I hate it how insulation and mortar has to be installed to cover up the firebrick, but i guess it has to be done. Instead i guess i will leave the chimeny area exposed firebrick and the dome itself after installing insulation and mortar i will install more stone over the dome. Is this a good idea? will the dome get too heavy??
Thank you.

[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...

[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

[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?