36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

[cobblerdave]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Gudday Bruce
You have got a good round shape alright. A couple of things that might help.
Pull out that trowel, your not finished with it yet. Use the edge to cut the lip off that develops at the bottom for a more difined shape. At the finish of the coats wait till the stucco sets a bit and again use the edge and cut some cross hatching in the surface so the next coat keys to the first. And finally use the flat of the trowel to pat down the last coat for a more uniform finish. if it becomes a little too smooth in parts a final rub over with a damp sponge will give a uniform finish that not to shiny.
Again don't play with the stucco layer too early let them set a little otherwise the coat can slump off the dome.
regards Dave

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Dave, thanks for the suggestions. I went ahead and hacksawed the vent. At the rate we're going the last coat of stucco should be Sunday. Will the oven need to be dried out and go through the curing process? Bruce

[kanoer54]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

bruce,
i have been following your build and your trip out west but have pretty much stayed in the background because i am still trying to learn from the others on the forum. i just want to tell you i really respect and admire your determination. your build is awesome and now you are reaping the rewards of all your hard work. you are almost at the finish line. do you have another project in mind as cool as your WFO?

jon

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

bruce,
i have been following your build and your trip out west but have pretty much stayed in the background because i am still trying to learn from the others on the forum. i just want to tell you i really respect and admire your determination. your build is awesome and now you are reaping the rewards of all your hard work. you are almost at the finish line. do you have another project in mind as cool as your WFO?

jon

Thanks for the comments. I think I will be kept pretty occupied just learning to manage the oven and expanding my skills. I am planning a trip by myself back to Santa Fe, NM toward the last half of August. I am signed up for a 3 day cooking school boot camp that starts on the 26th. I plan to drive and haven't planned out the route but expect to take about three weeks in all.

Are you planning to build a WFO? If nothing else my build illustrates how low the bar is when it comes to experience, skills, and physical ability. Bruce

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Finished applying next coat of mortar. The entire dome has at least one coat and most of it has two coats. Still curious how long after the last coat I can fire up the oven. Thanks, Bruce

[cobblerdave]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Thanks for the comments. I think I will be kept pretty occupied just learning to manage the oven and expanding my skills. I am planning a trip by myself back to Santa Fe, NM toward the last half of August. I am signed up for a 3 day cooking school boot camp that starts on the 26th. I plan to drive and haven't planned out the route but expect to take about three weeks in all.

Are you planning to build a WFO? If nothing else my build illustrates how low the bar is when it comes to experience, skills, and physical ability. Bruce

Gudday
Bruce I think you forgot.... determination .....
Regards dave

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Are you planning to build a WFO? If nothing else my build illustrates how low the bar is when it comes to experience, skills, and physical ability. Bruce

Gudday
Bruce I think you forgot.... determination .....
Regards dave

Actually, the bar might be a bit higher for that one. Bruce

[cobblerdave]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Finished applying next coat of mortar. The entire dome has at least one coat and most of it has two coats. Still curious how long after the last coat I can fire up the oven. Thanks, Bruce

Gudday Bruce
From you a accounts your oven is cured and all you have done is introduce some moisture to the outer layers. If it were me I'd be firing it up at the first chance that ill get that water moving. The vent will be a big help too but you'll find the heat takes a long time to get through the brick and insulation I'm talking days so keep the vent open and watch the wheather.
Once dry I don't know what finish you have planned but if I could suggest go a matt. A shiney finish will only show up any imperfections matt finish will solften and leave less stark effect. And I not saying anything against you stucco skills any cement work will always be a bit stark.
Waiting for the recipes
Regards dave

[cobblerdave]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Actually, the bar might be a bit higher for that one. Bruce

......and you wouldn't figure how to pole vault a wheel chair!
Regards dave

[Gulf]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

I second Dave on the curing, You've got a vent .

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

I second Dave on the curing, You've got a vent .

Dave and Gulf, thanks. I'm looking forward to being able to fire up again.

Bruce

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Gudday Bruce
Once dry I don't know what finish you have planned but if I could suggest go a matt. A shiney finish will only show up any imperfections matt finish will solften and leave less stark effect. And I not saying anything against you stucco skills any cement work will always be a bit stark.
Waiting for the recipes
Regards dave

I have been using Surface Bonding Cement mixed with a Silka fortifier (1:3 with water) to increase waterproofing. I also have been adding some Terra Cotta liquid cement color. I was originally trying for a light shade of terra cotta but with the grey cement mix it dried to a mocha color. We decided we liked the color and decided to go with it. Not sure what the finish coat would be. What is used for that?

[kanoer54]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Bruce,
Yes, I have been working on a wfo for the last couple weeks. i am ready to top out the front arch and set the clay tile flue. i have posted some pics but need to post a couple more again.

Your trip out west sounds nice. Nothing like keeping the cooking skills honed. Keep us posted and send pics please.
jon

[cobblerdave]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

I have been using Surface Bonding Cement mixed with a Silka fortifier (1:3 with water) to increase waterproofing. I also have been adding some Terra Cotta liquid cement color. I was originally trying for a light shade of terra cotta but with the grey cement mix it dried to a mocha color. We decided we liked the color and decided to go with it. Not sure what the finish coat would be. What is used for that?

Gudday Bruce
No you don't need a top coat over that if you already have the colour in the stucco. And anything silka is always good stuff. I'm sorry I didn't pick it before but I had put it down to a dark sand and the colour reflecting of the overhead cover. If be interested to see the effect when it wheathers off in the sun it should look natural and earthy and take away the starkness of concrete look.
Regards dave

[Bec1208]

Re: 36" build in Tallahassee - AKA Bruce's Folly

Added another layer today. Here is pic of my assistant and of the dome. Should have dome finished in a day or two.