Struggling to get portable oven temp

[branded]

Hi Guys,

I bought a cheap portable (I'm renting) wood fired oven made from sheet metal and it is somewhat insulated. I know... I know... I know it's not brick, but I think I should be able to get it to 450C degrees if I modify it.

I have drawn up roughly how it's made here: http://i.imgur.com/48kT9R4.jpg

Basically is a half barrel sheet metal oven with insulation between the sheet metal. I believe it's fully insulated in the roof/sides, back and on the door. On the floor, it came with fire bricks on top of an uninsulated sheet metal floor, so there's only fire bricks on the floor - nowhere else, the rest is sheet metal. I bought 25mm of calcium silicate and laid that between the fire bricks and sheet metal floor - so it should now be insulated everywhere. But I'm still struggling to get it to 450C, I get maybe 350C, maybe more if I go crazy with wood..

Is it because the dome is not brick? I know it may be a dumb question, just asking. What do you think I could do? I really thought this would have potential if I modify it.

Thanks!

[okn]

Re: Struggling to get portable oven temp

My vote is to add more wood.

[branded]

Re: Struggling to get portable oven temp

If you look at the oven plan image I provided, I'm putting enough wood to cover eight bricks and as high as the roof.

[okn]

Re: Struggling to get portable oven temp

That sure does seem like plenty, what kind of wood are you using? Are you talking about 450C on the floor or dome? I think you'll have a hard time with 450C on the floor, unless it's a big fire for a long time 3+ hours

[branded]

Re: Struggling to get portable oven temp

I'm using red gum. Any wood recommendations for an Aussie?

[branded]

Re: Struggling to get portable oven temp

I got close, check the results here:

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f25/...rly-21706.html