Started the Process - A couple of Questions

[dmun]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

With the seven inch saw it's either cut-and-break, or flip and cut twice. A 10 inch saw makes life easier, no doubt, especially when it gets to any fancy fitting. I have both, (and a 4.5" cheap angle grinder) and I never touch the 7" saw anymore.

Again - the table saw like model throws stuff up in your face. Most disagreeable.

The roughness of the vermiculite layer was the original reason for a slurry (now used as a dry powder layer) of fireclay and sand under the floor: You can get the floor bricks to lay flat.

[George T]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

You guys are amazing. Thanks for the insights. If I use the board I dont use the vermiculite/portland mix right?

PS. do you guys ever sleep?

[RTflorida]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

Never!!!!!!!!

[asudavew]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

I used a 7" saw it can be done...If I had to do it again I would get the 10"...makes life much easier.

I agree with Drake. I used a small saw too.



The mixture wasn't bad to work with at all.

But I topped mine with about a 1/2 inch of high heat mortar.

Here's a picture. You can see the layer on top.

[George T]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

Got the stand finished. And a start on the fireplace structure.....all for today. This afternoon and tomorrow hope to pour the hearth. If I am going to use the FB board, no vermiculite.....correct?

Pictures.
Picasa Web Albums - George - George T's Pi...

[PizzaJNKY]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

George, perhaps someone else can tell you exactly how much insulation is enough, such as if you use FB board do you still need vermiculite. All I know is that you can't have too much insulation. If you budgeted for FB board, I'd say use both. I used both, a 3-1/2 inches of perlcrete, and then the 2-inch insulation board resting on top of the perlcrete.

[George T]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

I bought my material for the hearth. Both the insulating hearth and the structural. Can these both be poured the same day? Do I pour both the same size? The instructions say you can pour the insulating hearth smaller....how much smaller? Sorry for all the dumb questions?

[PizzaJNKY]

Re: Started the Process - A couple of Questions

There are no dumb questions. I poured the structural layer, and waited a few days to pour the insulating layer of portland/perlite. I actually poured both slabs the same size, but I think it is better to make the insulating slab smaller, because it is so crumbly. I think it should be be big enough so that your oven fits within it (Hope that makes sence). Check out the Badger build photos, he did it correctly.