Curing the oven in Perth, WA

[jab49]

I just wanted to say thanks to all the advice from this part of the forum for all the great advice that's helped me get this far - to the stage of curing my 42" Pompeii oven in Willetton, Western Australia.

Assuming the curing process goes well and I don't have any significant problems, I 'll start posting a few things to the Finishing forum, as I will be retaining the dome shape by rendering the outside (stucco).

Last night was the third fire, and I got the top of the dome to about 150C (300F) but the floor is going to take a much bigger fire to get beyond 80C (176F). So, slowly does it - no sense in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory at this late stage. The pyrometer (temp gun) is the best toy I've used in years.

Probably the most satisfying part of the initial fire lighting was to see if the chimney would draw, and I'm pleased to say it does it beautifully. And a good thing, considering what the Simpson Duratech costs by the time it gets to Perth, dents and all (but that's another story).

Some pics at my blog for those interested, and more as I finish the outer. It's not a patch on some of the beautiful brickwork that most others seem to be capable of, but so far, it seems to be holding up.

Cheers
JT

[Robd]

Re: Curing the oven in Perth, WA

Hi JT,

Looks good. Just wondering where you got that chrome flue from? I'm in Adelaide so hopefully I can grab one too.

Rob

[jab49]

Re: Curing the oven in Perth, WA

Hi JT,

Looks good. Just wondering where you got that chrome flue from? I'm in Adelaide so hopefully I can grab one too.

Rob

Hi Rob
It's a Simpson Duratech, like in the plans, and I had to order it from the US via Andy Martin at andy@apizzaitalia.com

It was hideously expensive but worth it, IMHO, because it really sets off the whole thing, works brilliantly (it's fully lined and insulated), won't rust or need replacing the next 20 years and is very well made.

Just one big caution, and Andy will now know: make sure it gets properly packed and marked with fragile stickers - mine must have spilled out of the box during transit and were dented, and due to the multi layers, you can't bash out the dents. I had to get one section replaced, and the dented one is above the roof line and only attracts occasional comments.

I ordered the following, because I needed the height to get through my colourbond roof:
DuraTech UL103HT Chimney System stainless steel 8 inch internal diameter flue kit:


1 x Anchor plate
1 x Chimney Section 4 feet in length
1 x Chimney Section 3 feet in length
1 x spark arrestor / chimney cap


For a "storm collar" chimney flashing, I went to the local plumbing hardware specialist - Parkwood Plumbing - and bought one with a red silicone seal. See Dektite Silicone on this page Products for Australasian Building, Plumbing and Roofing from DEKS Industries Products for Roofing and Plumbing It only cost $50, but I was quoted about $160 from Galvins for the same thing, so shop around.

[Robd]

Re: Curing the oven in Perth, WA

Ok great thanks, how much is hideously expensive? I only need the anchor plate, 4 foot flue and cap

[jab49]

Re: Curing the oven in Perth, WA

Best to get a quote from Andy directly; prices were similar to what you would pay if you bought online at Forno Bravo. I think you'd be looking at around $500 for what you want.