36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

[stephen*z]

I live on the coast of North Carolina and have been interested in building a bread oven for a while. I made a small one of carved concrete and had alot of fun with it....but I had to admit, I out grew it and am moving on to a real one. I studied all (and I do mean ALL) the photos on the entire world wide web and read the directions at Forno Bravo about 10 times and have taken the plunge. I have been taking photos and will be posting them as I can, but for now ou can see some at Stephen Z Metal's Blog This will be fun, and I am looking forward to feedback.
Steve

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

I have some more photos to show...

the foundation is done and looks good. it is lower so that the oven has a lower profile in the garden, just for looks.

[Faith In Virginia]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Sounds great!!! But a bit cold to start an oven. I have put my bread oven on hold till it warms up a bit. The oven is functional but needs the window dressing. Good luck and have fun.

[GianniFocaccia]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Stephen,

Wow! Very impressive work! If you put that much care and attention to detail in your work your oven will turn out just as handsomely. Can't wait to follow your build.

Also, when posting a reply, if you click on Go Advanced and then Manage Attachments, you may then attach your images files accordingly. Just remember to reduce them to around 1MB first.

John

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

here is another try

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

here is the slab and a closeup of the leaves inbedded in it for decoration

[Dino_Pizza]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Congratulations Stephen on a great start. Yes, building a wfo is truly a life altering experience, at least it was for me. The research phase was loads of fun:we spent months studying FB plans, other sites (nothing as good as FB but it's info all the same) hand sketches, Sketchup sketches, FB photos etc. Enjoy every minute of it the build. It will be over way too soon.

I like your attention to detail. The front lentil is beautiful. Nice blog you've got going too. Thanks for sharing your experiences with everyone.

Lot's of luck, Dino

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

just finished taking the forms and supports off the hearth. I poured the insulating top and had a 3 inch border of concrete for extra strength on the hearth. Laying out the arch and getting ready to go as soon as I have a nice day.

[C5dad]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Lookin real sweet Steve. I like the ash cleanout in front.

[Mike D]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Wow Stephen your moving fast, but very nice work. I look forward on your fast progress.

Mike

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Mike,
I am afraid the progress will slow down a bit as we are getting ice cold weather and snow right now.

[mn8tr]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Looks great so far, were you able to salvage the old oven? Makes for some great hardscape in the garden, very cool craftsmanship.

[Lburou]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

A truly enviable talent to sculpt in green concrete! It is beyond most of us and yours looks fabulous! Great job so far

I'm subscribed

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Looks great so far, were you able to salvage the old oven? Makes for some great hardscape in the garden, very cool craftsmanship.

yes I got the head off the dragon and half buried him in a flowerbed. I want him to get overgrown and look like an architecturial find from some lost society..... the imagination is always going....
Steve
PS I have a photo of him on my build blog

[stephen*z]

Re: 36" Pompeii oven in North Carolina

Am I crazy if I have a stack of firewood for a wood fired oven ...
but have not finished the oven .....

How about if I have already made most of the tools needed to cook in the oven...
but have not finished the oven.......yet?

Steve