Getting my barrel started!

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Another pic with just the floor bottom.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Busy weekend! Got my arch support built and in place. I'm glad I used 1/2 inch drywall as it allowed for quick small adjustments with the utility knife.

I'm so thankful I bought a premixed mortar. I found in convenient to lay 4-8 bricks then pop the lid back on when the kids started attacking each other. I started wetting the bricks for the first row. Then stopped for the rest. Having a wet brick just made it harder to spread a smooth layer. When i used a dry brick I was kicking butt and getting them perfect on the first try. It still allowed me plenty of time to get the entire row in place.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Added another later to the sides and back.

Been searching for methods people have used to stop heat transfer from the oven floor out.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Side note I've been having problems uploading pics. I started emailing them to myself on the iPhone and cutting down on the resolution. Problem solved.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

You should be fine as far as buttressing goes there. Looking good!

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Thanks for the opinion on the barrel having sufficient support. This means I can relax and focus on putting the arch together. I'm trying to do about 3 layers a day which means the barrel should be done in a week.

Rott

[Tscarborough]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

I think it took about 3 hours to do mine, and that was 2 layers of (thin) firebrick. No worries, take your time and enjoy the process.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Your right that I'm obsessing over each brick being level and perfect way to much. I think it's the carpenter in me. I should just throw the barrel up as no one will ever see the thing.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Yeah, you are tapering them so you are not going to be going fast. And as I am sure you know, do not cut the tapers too far in advance of the working face or you will be recutting them

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Actually I found about 200 wedges that are working great. If you look at this latest pic, you'll see I'm doing 2 rows wedges and then a flat to get the curve I want. The flats are the darker row as I had to dig them out of my fence line.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Just keep on bond and you are Gold.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Picked up a tandem trailer of oak and maple logs tonight. For my indoor fireplace I generally cut them around 18''. What do you experienced burners think ? Do I want to keep it shorter or keep a variety?


Thanks

Rott

[Tscarborough]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

18" is fine, but you probably want them smaller diameter than you would normally use in the fireplace. I like them about 4-5" diameter max.

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Thanks tscar for the advice!

Didn't make much progress today as my three year old broke his collar bone and I was transporting him from doctor to X-ray to doctor. Luckily he will heal up nicely. I did manage 4 courses and should seal up the top tomorrow....that will be the test on how bad I'm off true. Another pic from the back side.

Till tomorrow

Rotterdam

[Rotterdam]

Re: Getting my barrel started!

Rain, rain and more rain...

I laid a row and it's not drying fast. Looks like ill need a few more days to get the barrel finished. I liked using the sheet rock for the forms if I need to take a bit off its a quick poke with the trowel and if I need to add a bit I turn a screw into it to float the brick out. Not to mention when it's time to pull them out they will cut or break easy. The two layers of plywood might become part of the second firing.