Texman Build

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

I have set the first two Sailor (or soldier) courses. Not sure on the terminology.The pic a is my arch template, hopefully it will keep me in line. Pic d is the beginning of the arch transition. I have some small issues to work out there. Pic h is the IT i am using. it is in the shop for modifications. The angle iron is too wide and interferes with the adjacent brick and the clamp throat is too deep and protrudes to interfere with the brick below it. Pic b is of my consideration in using the pieces removed to fill in the gaps as i begin the dome transition. Is this a good idea?
Pic e is of the layout.

[Lburou]

Re: Texman Build

I will begin the dome curve on the third course. i did not set the starter course on the end of the brick, as the fb plans say, i decided to lay the first two courses flat instead for stability. I just meant no dome curve for the first two courses. make sense? i tried to mark the photo to explain.

I understand now....Using a sailor course is a good decision in my view.

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

That makes sense. I did cut the whole course and was watching and tweaking the taper cut not watching the bond. Thanks for the tip!

[GianniFocaccia]

Re: Texman Build

If so, do you recut all the bricks to remain uniform for the second course or use an odd piece to correct as needed every six bricks or so?

Don't recut your bricks, just stagger them. When you get an odd-size piece just slide it in and keep going. Gives your oven character. Plus, with each course the circumference tightens and you'll be forced to adjust your brick size. Just don't cut each course at once, rather three or four at a time that you can keep on bond.
John

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

I will begin the dome curve on the third course. i did not set the starter course on the end of the brick, as the fb plans say, i decided to lay the first two courses flat instead for stability. I just meant no dome curve for the first two courses. make sense? i tried to mark the photo to explain.

[Lburou]

Re: Texman Build

...snip... I thought i would avoid that problem for a while since my first two courses are vertical and the bricks are cut the same (I thought) I will begin the dome curve on the third course. Thanks again for looking and for all the great guidance you left for all of us.

Tracy

Tracy

I don't see the two rings of 'vertical bricks', where are they?

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

Thanks John. It should resemble your build, since i think have your thread just about memorized by now. Would you suggest that i make cuts as necessary on the second layer to remain on bond? If so, do you recut all the bricks to remain uniform for the second course or use an odd piece to correct as needed every six bricks or so? I am sure the uniform is the best now that i have asked the question. I thought i would avoid that problem for a while since my first two courses are vertical and the bricks are cut the same (I thought) I will begin the dome curve on the third course. Thanks again for looking and for all the great guidance you left for all of us.

Tracy

[GianniFocaccia]

Re: Texman Build

Tracy,
Nice start on your oven! That's a lot of nice cuts on the inner arch. I love the look of hemispherical arches! Make sure you stagger your dome bricks and you'll be golden. I too went through two or three Husky blades - you just gotta cut slowly and keep your saw water jets clear and flowing. No matter what tool you use, the skill and results come from your heart and hands.

Keep the pics coming.
John

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

I have gotten the arch cut and laid out as well as cut the first two soldier courses. All dry stacked so far. I am working up the nerve to mix the mortar and make it all stick. I think the arch turned out good, i need to make a few tweaks on the inside of the arch to make it pretty. I have a template on posterboard that i will set in the arch to guide my mortar joints and hopefully make the arch uniform with the keystone centered. I am already seeing the bond joints get closer than i like and i am trying to decide if it is worth the trouble to make them uniform.
Some one decided that they needed my tools more than i did. So i use to have well seasoned tools that i could grab without hardly looking, now i have new pretty ones that i have to look for to find in the box all the time. Oh well, part of the journey.
The Huskey 10" blade lasted almost through the arch cuts and first course and then gave up. Thought it would last longer. I have a Dewalt this go-round.
I cut all bricks using the scrap that is removed as my angle guide. Worked well and was easy. i measured the angle for the first cut and marked and then used the piece removed as my guide and made minor tweaks as needed.

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

I looked back and I started the kitchen on March 26,2010. So two years later and I am finally building the WFO. I have the first row laid out and everything setup, i hope. It all seems to be coming together at this point. I need some info on the thermal break. Should it be placed at the outside edge of the inner arch or at the outer edge of vent as i have now?

It has been a long way since the blue tape on an empty slab. I need some motivation so i looked back to the beginning pics. The pics here are of the inner arch placement with the IT checking distance from center. I think it looks good, but let me know if anyone sees otherwise.

Tracy

[Lburou]

Re: Texman Build

...snip...He shows 12" on his, I would have about 4.5", or the depth of the decorative arch would be my landing depth. I think it will work. I could have a granite/or soapstone with a small (maybe 3") overhang if needed.
I plan to cover the oven base with old chicago brick to match the house. I will probably use the old chicago for decorative arch as well. I am still trying to decide about the final enclosure. i have some restrictions on space next to the existing brick of the house. Not sure the about the usefulness of a big landing area? More work area for sure, but that reach gets long as well.

hope to see your build pics soon.
Tracy

That sounds like a good plan. Its good to know where you are going on this project.

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

Lee
I still get the same message on your oven album. See the pic attached of Les oven landing.
He shows 12" on his, I would have about 4.5", or the depth of the decorative arch would be my landing depth. I think it will work. I could have a granite/or soapstone with a small (maybe 3") overhang if needed.
I plan to cover the oven base with old chicago brick to match the house. I will probably use the old chicago for decorative arch as well. I am still trying to decide about the final enclosure. i have some restrictions on space next to the existing brick of the house. Not sure the about the usefulness of a big landing area? More work area for sure, but that reach gets long as well.

hope to see your build pics soon.
Tracy

[Lburou]

Re: Texman Build

To clarify: My oven entry and flu structure is shallow (11.5 inches), the total entry depth on my oven is 15 inches, including the decorative brick. Make sense now?

Does the link work now Texman?

P.S. Thermal breaks are optional.

[texman]

Re: Texman Build

:Lee
I get this message when i try and view your oven album-"Invalid Album specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator"
I can see your thermal breaks pics though. Glad to see the pics of thermal breaks. I am still trying to get that into the plan at this point. My landing depth is the same as yours, 6" vent, 4.5" outer arch and 4.5" decorative arch = 15". Or do you measure from the inside of the inner arch? then it would be 19.5" I think i will be ok if 15" is the correct measurement. I just wont have room for a nice granite shelf like yours.

[Lburou]

Re: Texman Build

Texman, my oven entry is 15 inches deep and I'm happy....What depth are you proposing? Remember, you have to reach the depth of your oven PLUS the depth of your entry.