Chch NZ build

[david s]

Re: Chch NZ build

John,
Don't be in a hurry. if you've only got to 250 then don't jump to a really big fire yet. Have patience, start using the heat in the oven to cook bread but dont try to get to pizza temp yet or you will experience cracks in the outer shell.

[John French]

Re: Chch NZ build

If your oven is new the moisture in it will tend to make the fire a bit smokey initially. After heavy rain or wet wood, the same problem. I usually pre heat some wood in the entry before throwing it on the fire. When maintaining a "fire on the side" this technique works well if you use small sticks, they burst into flame immediately and give you an oven light.

Thanks for the advice. I have been placing the fires to the side and the idea of putting some wood in the entry to pre heat is goood one. I must say the hot air gun really helps.

[John French]

Re: Chch NZ build

Can't really comment on heat retention as i have only had relatively brief low temp fires ie upto 250 C with last one. I need to be brave an set a major fire.

[david s]

Re: Chch NZ build

If your oven is new the moisture in it will tend to make the fire a bit smokey initially. After heavy rain or wet wood, the same problem. I usually pre heat some wood in the entry before throwing it on the fire. When maintaining a "fire on the side" this technique works well if you use small sticks, they burst into flame immediately and give you an oven light.

[brickie in oz]

Re: Chch NZ build

My heat gun that is sometimes used to help fire the oven.

[wemme]

Re: Chch NZ build

Hey john how you finding the heat holding of the bricks so far?

[brickie in oz]

Re: Chch NZ build

I think it used to be a Ryobi, you can get cheap ones from Bunnies for about $20 now.

[John French]

Re: Chch NZ build

What model of heat gun are you using?

I had an old paint stripper. Electric made by Black and Decker. May well be better devices available now but like i say i happened to have this to hand.

[C5dad]

Re: Chch NZ build

What model of heat gun are you using?

[brickie in oz]

Re: Chch NZ build

Thats the way, I almost invariably use the heat gun if the timber is wettish.

I sometimes have it going for 30 minutes or more thats why its all melted and twisted, but for $20 it dont really matter....

[John French]

Re: Chch NZ build

Took the advice offered and tried a small wood fire. Bought some dried kindling. Two twisted pieces of paper and 8 kindling. Pre heated the kindling with the hot air gun, lit and away it went. Kept the gun on the fire to maintain the high heat. The smoke was much lower. Still a few wisps but i felt a bit more comfortable especially as the neighbours are away. Temperatures went up to 200 C - so i need to up the ante shortly once my confidence increases.

[Lburou]

Re: Chch NZ build

Yes the quakes were close. the two biggest 4.9 and 4.2 within 5 miles and pretty shallow. Pretty scaring but no major damage to house or oven. In town some of the older and already weaken buildings suffered. A few streets and shops closed off but relatively minor problems - most damge is to the psyche of people.

I'm thankful for your news. We live on a geologically active planet.

I was surprised to learn that I lived 100 yards from a fairly inactive fault line at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA. It is unsettling to say the least.

[Neil2]

Re: Chch NZ build

"Tried to start a small wood fire but it was difficult to start and when it did catch is was very smokey."

I think in the long run you will be happier if you can make your oven work using firewood alone.

Well seasoned wood will reduce (but not eliminate) the large amount of smoke you get when you first light the fire. I suggest you talk with your neighbors, and have them over occasionally for pizza. The smoke will be produced in large volumes only for the first 1/2 hour or so. Most reasonable people won't object to this if it is explained to them.

[John French]

Re: Chch NZ build

The news reported an earthquake in Cristchurch, yesterday I think....Was it near you? I hope you are OK and that there is minimal negative affect on you and your neighbors

Yes the quakes were close. the two biggest 4.9 and 4.2 within 5 miles and pretty shallow. Pretty scaring but no major damage to house or oven. In town some of the older and already weaken buildings suffered. A few streets and shops closed off but relatively minor problems - most damge is to the psyche of people.

[wemme]

Re: Chch NZ build

Hey john its looking good. Could you use a LPG burner instead? may make drying easier. BBQ factory near bunnings tower junction had some a year or two ago. Anyway nice work and well done. Any damage in the quake?

-Edit- Never mind i see your using a burner must have missed that post