Did you make a straight (no arches) oven opening/vent?

[jimkramer]

Since I'm in the remedial WFO building class, I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it simple and make a straight oven opening and (no arches) or go for the gold and make arches that I'm guessing will not be so pretty, and most likely will push my build into a winter delay. Also, I only have a tile saw, so it seems it will be harder to make precision cuts. If you went with the straight entry/vent, please post a link to your build. I'd like to see how it looks to help me decide if it's worth the effort, or if I can live without curves. I see tons of beautifully executed arches on the forum, but none of the simpler options. I want to take my time, since the oven will be around for years, but it's already been about 2.5 years since I poured the foundation slab, and I haven't even cut the hearth bricks yet!

[Les]

Re: Did you make a straight (no arches) oven opening/vent?

Jim,

In the beginning a straight entry was the method (may still be that way in the plans). An arch is really easy to do. Just cut a wooden template the way you want the brick and rest them on top with mortar. In regard to your saw, I suggest you invest in a Harbor Freight saw. You can always dump it on Craig's list after your build. You will find that even the 10 inch blade will have some limitations.

[jimkramer]

Re: Did you make a straight (no arches) oven opening/vent?

Les-

Thanks for the inspiration. Arch it is. My main hesitation was that I thought the transition bricks to an arch would be more difficult than with a straight opening (rather than the actual arch). I'm having a hard time envisioning that part it in my head, so I hope it'll be clearer once I use real bricks instead of mental ones.

And I will use your post to justify buying the HF saw to my wife. Maybe we need another forum category, 'WFO Building and Marital Issues.'

[brickie in oz]

Re: Did you make a straight (no arches) oven opening/vent?

Arches are easy, just take your time and set it out properly before you actually build it.

[cobblerdave]

Re: Did you make a straight (no arches) oven opening/vent?

Gudday
Couldn't agree more with Les and Brickies comments
Failed in my first arch attempt and built a staight opening but ended up building an arch into my entranceway.
What helped was I made 2 guides, scewed battens on the first then screwed the secound onto the battens. Put a saw cut through the thickness of both forms leaving the battens to hold them together. After your finished your arch you just unsrew everything and it comes out easily.

Regards Dave