39" Stargate Pompeii

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

In the end I didn't make the arch any deeper - maybe I'll regret that apagios. I copied the vent opening idea from Sharkey - although he had 12" bricks and so wider vent. It was easy to do this method since I had already tapered the bricks. I cut them in half and reversed one half so that it starts to arch outward at the sides. I am regretting I didn't cut 1/3 of each brick and arch out the 2/3 to give a wider vent, but I had the bricks cut before I thought about it. You can see also that I used Gianni's idea for the stainless steel strip. It is laid on vermicrete - I put it down while it was still wet.
Now I have to figure out how to either make or attach a flue and I am also worried the opening wont be big enough. It is roughly 4.5" by 9" at the top. Will it draw?

[david s]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

I think you should be fine. Even at the narrowest part your area is still larger than that of a 7" round flue pipe. The curve you have made should work really well and you will appreciate the shallow entry once you start cooking with it.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

I think you should be fine. Even at the narrowest part your area is still larger than that of a 7" round flue pipe. The curve you have made should work really well and you will appreciate the shallow entry once you start cooking with it.

Thanks David - that's reassuring from somebody with your experience. I will see soon enough in practise. Sharkey's larger opening seems to draw very well with just a few bricks height. Maybe partly due to location. Is it advisable to try fires without adding a tall chimney - avoiding fire hazards to the neighbourhood of course?

[david s]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Yes by all means, but remember that all new ovens are a bitch to fire when they're new and still wet. It will be inclined to smoke and hard to keep the fire going until it is reasonably dry.
What part of Ireland are you in?
Do you know Hendrik (oven builder) in Kinsale?

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Hi David

all new ovens are a bitch to fire when they're new and still wet

Good to know - BTW I am on the lookout for an IR thermometer. Is there one you would recommend?
No I don't know Hendrik or of him. I guess he is on FB forum somewhere. I will do a search The only other contact I have in Ireland is Kevin in Kilkenny. I am in Athlone which is almost dead centre.
Aidan

[david s]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

don't have an IR thermometer, I prefer the semolina on the floor trick, my stopwatch or the whiteness of the dome as temp indicators. For bread I use a cheap oven thermometer you place inside the oven and for roasts a thermometer probe.
We visited Athlone in Dec 2010 and spent far more than intended at an antique shop there, nice place.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

I prefer the semolina on the floor trick

but we are all out of semolina
really I think I just want a toy, but still I can think of a few other domestic uses for it. Unfortunately Christmas and my birthday are past, it would have solved a few problems.

[david s]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Apparently they work really well detecting hot women.
Take it with you on a Sat. night at the pub.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Take it with you on a Sat. night at the pub.

I guess the rule is - if you need an IR thermometer to detect hot women you are well past the stage where it is of any use in that area Iwas thinking more of the central heating and home insulation.

[apagios]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

The vent looks great! I suspect that with your slightly smaller arch, and the way you used Sharkey's vent transition idea, you'll probably have no problems at all. I really like the smooth transition you have!

Also I got this IR temp gun:

Amazon.com: Actron CP7876 Non-contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Pointer: Automotive

But I will admit part of that is cause I have amazon prime with free 2 day shipping. I do like that one a lot! But it would be worth googling to see if you can find a better deal.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Do you know Hendrik (oven builder) in Kinsale?

I checked him out online. Nice stuff. He seems to specialise in clay ovens -with maybe brick arch entry - with a kind of arty finish. Kinsale attracts artists and artisans.
I briefly considered a clay oven. Actually it was my son who prompted me to do this after watching a Jamie Oliver programme in which he built one. Also I had been looking at Rados vaulted "swishy". In the end I just preferred the FB basic dome design.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

A little bit more progress the last few days. I'm basically finished the vent, but what now? I could keep going up a few rows with sliced in half bricks and have a short brick chimney. Anyway I will drystack them like that and start a few fires next week.

[Sharkey]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Hi Amac

The vent looks great and I think it will work. Not long until you will be cooking.

[Amac]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

Thanks Sharkey and hat tip to yourself for the reverse arch idea. I will continue in spurts and starts and see how it goes. I seem to need to sit back for long periods awaiting inspiration!

[deejayoh]

Re: 39" Stargate Pompeii

A little bit more progress the last few days. I'm basically finished the vent, but what now? I could keep going up a few rows with sliced in half bricks and have a short brick chimney. Anyway I will drystack them like that and start a few fires next week.

The vent looks great Aidan. Inspiration for me to get there! I am on vacation all next week so I am hoping to get my dome closed in and aspire to build the vent as well.

On your comment above, it seems to me that adding more firebricks above the current level would put more weight on the arch, with no real benefit. You don't need the heat retention up there. Could you cast a seat for a metal flue, or mortar in a clay flue, at the current level?