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Thanks for all the comments. The rain here finally stopped and I was able to move forward a bit today.
I opened the front flue hole and bricked out the entry. I also cut another rolled rim arch and place that in front rather than turning the whole entry frame around. I received the ceramic insulation yesterday so that will be next.
Do you tie the insulation down with anything? If so, what method do you recommend?
I can't wait to test fire it! Its supposed to rain again for the next few day.... ugggh!
Gudday ....looking good
The ceramic insulation pretty stiff but will sit where you put it. The backs going to need a seperate panel I'd think just tie wire it together loosely don't try the wire to tight. The stuff got small fibres so respirator and gloves at a minimum set of this disposable overalls better still. Don't worry once that insulation sealed in it safe .
What's this about " can't wait for the first fire" I for one can't wait. I reckon you should light a bit of newspaper in that thing and find out weather the smoke will go up that chimney .....
Regards dave
Measure twice
Cut once
Fit in position with largest hammer
This is an interesting oven and I reckon you have more people than you think waiting to see where the smoke goes. I hope it works well for you. Faint heart never won a fair maiden and all of that stuff. Nothing boring here!
Be a devil, torch a bit of paper in there and stand by with the camera!!
OK, I had to try this. Works beautifully. Its hard to see in the photo - the smoke was pulled directly up both chimney's. Strange though...after the first minute or two of smoke, it became completely smokeless but I could see the "wavy" heat vapors escaping through the flues. I was also surprised to see that the majority of the smoke was being pulled through the back (smaller vent) rather than the front (larger vent).
I've only just gone back and read the earlier pages of your thread. Regarding the fibres in the mix, the usual type used are polypropylene, they are finer than hair so don't interfere with density or strength. They melt at 160 C ( I tested it) Using another type of fibre like rope simply may not work because it will take much higher temp to burn by which time the refractory may have already blown. Adding perlite to the mix reduces density, which you don't want, it also increases the insulating capacity of the mix which slows down the heat conductivity leading to slower heat up, which you also don't want.it also reduces strength, which in your case probably wouldn't matter because you have the strength in the inner and outer steel shells.
Because you have an impervious layer top and bottom with the stainless steel, it is going to be REALLY difficult to remove the water safely. You will have to fire the beast really slowly and for a long time to avoid steam cracking. If you see any steam back off, you're going too hard.
Congratulations!! Might be some flue configuration lessons to be had. The sceptics will still be waiting to see what happens with a 'real' fire but I reckon you have nailed it.
Yes Steve - I am also interested to see how a typical fire performs in the oven. Really wont know until everything is done. Damn rain here keeps holding me back.
A word regarding safety - wear a mask when cutting fire bricks. I developed quite a sinus and chest irritation even when using a wet saw. Not looking forward to handling the ceramic blanket...
I will take your advice and engage in a long slow burn. I may even do this before covering with the insulating blanket. If cracks develop, do you recommend skimming over them or using an outer metal mesh to hold everything in-place?
I was planning on covering the body with "chicken wire" and then covering with the blanket. Above that layer, a thin coat of perlcrete and then finishing with brick or stone of some kind?
I think the rule with the safety gear for handling the CF blanket material is the same as for the insulation itself. No such thing as too much! I did the whole lot. Disposable overalls, gloves, dust mask and eye goggles. The fibres are just so fine that they are airborne very easily. It is easy to work though if you have a sharp cutter.
I will take your advice and engage in a long slow burn. I may even do this before covering with the insulating blanket. If cracks develop, do you recommend skimming over them or using an outer metal mesh to hold everything in-place?
I was planning on covering the body with "chicken wire" and then covering with the blanket. Above that layer, a thin coat of perlcrete and then finishing with brick or stone of some kind?
Gudday
Take it then your not going to use that bigger drum as your final cover?
Regards dave
Measure twice
Cut once
Fit in position with largest hammer
I don't really understand quite how you've done it. If you already have refractory between the two stainless shells then surely you wouldn't be able to see if any cracks develop. In any case the strength of the two shell would be sufficient so any cracking there wouldn't matter. I'd be more concerned about the extreme pressur that steam could create between the two shells. It could blow the whole thing apart.
Hi Dave and Dave,
I wont be using the outer stainless barrel after all. After installing the ceramic insulation (4") and then applying the render (2" of perlcrete) - the width of the oven is beyond the what the larger barrel could offer. I will probably apply a stucco layer after firing the oven several times to dry it out.
I was thinking of layering with a finish of stone or tile - or just use the finish coat of stucco and then waterproof it.
Sorry - I didn't take photos of the insulation install. I had my hazmat suit on and didn't grab my phone. I placed four layers of the ceramic blanket over the oven and then held it down with chicken wire. I then covered with the render you see in the pic.
How many days should I wait before starting the cure fire(s)?
I had it covered last night and there was a ton of water collected on the underside of the tarp. It has been raining just about every day since I started this project - keeping this thing dry has been a real PITA!
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