Superior Clay Products Dome?

[70chevelle]

Anyone familiar with these? I can get a 27" dome, which would save me a lot of time, but not a lot of money. I would use less refractory mortar and a few less brick, so maybe $40-$150, and the dome costs about $200. Do you think the net add'l cost of $50 and what seems to be a substantial amount of time is worth it? Not to mention 0 mortar joints at the hottest part of oven, ie: less worry's about cracks etc? Just wondering. Here's a link to the lid!

http://superiorclay.com/oven/images/36ovendome.jpg

24" Oven

I just ordered my FB Board & blanket. I should be pouring cement for the hearth this weekend. I need to be done around the 4th of July so I have a few weeks for everything to setup before the unveiling!

[asudavew]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

Personally, I think the look of bricks is prettier.
And I felt a lot of satisfaction putting in those last few rows.

Just my random thoughts.

Dave

[mfiore]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

How big will the final oven be? The 24" oven you've linked to seems too small to have a fire and a pizza next to it. I'd put in the extra effort for a larger one.

[70chevelle]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

My oven is going to be 30", and yes, I understand that's about as small as I should go. I can't go any bigger. I will have to lay up 2-3 courses until I get to an internal diameter of 24", and then mortar the dome on.

For the amount of time I'll spend sticking my head thru the oven door, looking at the dome, I think I'll be ok taking a shortcut

[asudavew]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

My oven is going to be 30", and yes, I understand that's about as small as I should go. I can't go any bigger. I will have to lay up 2-3 courses until I get to an internal diameter of 24", and then mortar the dome on.

For the amount of time I'll spend sticking my head thru the oven door, looking at the dome, I think I'll be ok taking a shortcut

Actually, it does sounds like a good idea!
It sure would go up quick.

Just watch your door opening height as compared to the height of your dome.

[Les]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

It sure would go up quick.

Yes it would. I was working row 10 last night and just about to lock them in with mortar when gravity got my attention

Les...

[dmun]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

You may recall that I tried to get that firebrick manufacturer who showed up here briefly to make a firebrick plug for the last few rows:



No go. The superior clay one is flat on the bottom, you'll have to decide whether to step the bricks in, or angle them at the top. I'm surprised they sell it by its self.

[james]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

They are officially a competitor. Jim B is a great guy, and is a fireplace guru. In fact, we talk on the phone just a couple of days ago to stay caught up.
James

[asudavew]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

They are officially a competitor. Jim B is a great guy, and is a fireplace guru. In fact, we talk on the phone just a couple of days ago to stay caught up.
James

James,

With those new floor tiles, maybe you can get your hand on dome tops as well.....

Might work!

Dave

[70chevelle]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

James, sorry if the post was innappropriate.

I had 2 thoughts about the flat bottom. Cut my fire bricks flat on top for the last course, or cut the appropriate angle on the dome. Probably the bricks would be the way to go since they are a lot less expensive.

I just came in from laying the arch for my fireplace and it held Woo Hoo. I should be laying concrete this weekend, my FB board will be here next week hopefully, and I'll start the oven. Things seem to be falling into place. I'll be taking some pics tomorrow or Sat and post if anyone is interested

Thanks!

[brokencookie]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

I don't think that James has any worries about competition. IMHO he is by far the most knowledgable, reachable and reasonable manufacturer I have ever come across. I am always ready to support business that offer good values with great service. In the absence of good values, I will always do business with the place that offers good customer service.

James - you are A #1 in my book in all areas ( even if I am extremely jealous of your outdoor kitchen )

[james]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

Thanks for that. I think our biggest "competition" is all the folks out there who don't know how cool it is to use a wood-fired oven, and are still only using a propane grill. :-)

One convert at a time -- that's all it takes.
James

[charlesaf3]

Re: Superior Clay Products Dome?

I just built a superior clay based oven - hadn't heard about this site. But I do think that it isn't really competition - sort of like starbucks was the best thing that ever happened to independent coffee houses, as it opened people to something they never had heard of.

The more people that hear about wood fired ovens, the bigger the market.