Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

[texman]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Hey Russell,

How in the world did you get those nearly perfect angles on the cinder blocks for your wood storage area? I have been using an angle grinder with a diamond blade on it and it is not looking nearly as good as yours. Admittedly this is pretty much my first time ever using an angle grinder so my skills are not great but I hoped that they would look better than what I have done so far.

Thanks,
Nate

Sorry to jump on Nate and Russell, but try a diamond blade in a circular saw if you have one. REALLY loud and nasty, but makes smooth cuts without water.
tracy

[Pompeii Nate]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Russell and Tracy,

Thanks for the information. I hope either option is better than the angle grinder. It is tough.

Nate

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Been a slow go, finally finished course 4, worked on adjusting course so dome is level front to back and side to side. Was starting to dip a little so thought now was the time to correct. Getting the hang of tying into the arch. I found that if I keep the arch one course ahead of the chain the tie-in is easier. Still a lot of shaving or grinding (flyfisherx - yes I broke out the grinder from the garage). Using a combination of the two. Heat is setting the mortar fast, mixing small batches so only doing 3-4 bricks at a time, even with soaking the bricks no wally gagging. Moving on and upward to course 5.

[Pompeii Nate]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Russell,

It is looking great! So how many bricks did you buy if you don't mind me asking and do you think it will be enough? I bought 250 and I hope it is enough but who knows with all the cutting to make all the tight fits. Anyway, just curious.

Nate

[Pompeii Nate]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Follow up on the question about cutting your base cinder block. This morning I tried to get the wet saw I am borrowing from a friend but it is lent out so I went with Tracy's suggestion and bought a diamond blade for my circular saw and it was so EASY. Thanks again to both for the ideas.

Nate

[dvm]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Russell
Your build is looking great!
dvm

[flyfisherx]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

That transition is looking flawless. Awesome job!!!

[flyfisherx]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

I hear you, but the time you are taking is showing in a very good looking build. I just got past my arch yesterday and am done with my 7th course. I used the grinder a lot with it. I can't see how one can do it with the wet saw alone. Moving to the 8th tonight.

Just keep taking your time. Just like Gianni said. "you only get to build it once."

I am taking the 50/50 road. Take my time....get impatient and just say...it's good enough!

Dave

[cloita]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

i love the large bricks Russell

[Derkp]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Our bricks are holding up great. We used larger ones, 4.5X7-8"X16" for the floor and back of our barrel.

[dvm]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Been a slow go, finally finished course 4, worked on adjusting course so dome is level front to back and side to side. Was starting to dip a little so thought now was the time to correct.

How are you making corrections between courses? Ar you grinding down high spots to the lowest point? or are you adding mortar to increase height?

dvm

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Finished Course 5 and tapered arch except for the key (waiting for mortar to set) this morning before heading out for a holiday BBQ. Happy 4th of July to all of you WFOs.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Looks great!

[Tscarborough]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

You have been working hard on it and paying attention to detail, you will have a wonderful instrument to cook in.

[flyfisherx]

Re: Wood Fired Beehive in Utah

Flawless!!! Nice work. Your gonna find it very easy going once you get over that arch. I did my 8th course yesterday in 2 hours. I did spend less time worrying about my bond joints and that was kind of a nice relief.

Keep up the great work!