42" build in Central Texas

[GarnerAC]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Apple Pie perfectly cooked through at 400 degrees

[GarnerAC]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Raked up a few coals and added a chunk of Post Oak, time for some Rib-Eye's. Sides included Butternut Squash and some Baby Portabellos.
Our local Sam's always has beautiful Steaks and these were marked down a little.
Lot's of fun!

[kanoer54]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Stonecutter is right....it is a moot point now the oven is complete. Everything works great. It was just quite a challenge at the time. Now I know better next time. Hopefully next spring/summer will be another build.

Garner, those tiles will be a great final detail to you well done oven. You certainly have mastered the brick work. Perfect match of brick and mortar!

[GarnerAC]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Stonecutter, Not to steal this thread, but I had a problem where I didn't get enough mortar in some of the bricks near the top of the dome. That's where I had to use a zip lock type baggie. On my back with head in the dome. Is there a better way or easier way? I sure could have used some advise from a pro back then?

Jon, Maybe some photos would be helpful to show what you are up against

[stonecutter]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Thanks for that, You and Tom have given me great advice and support, i kinda feel like I went too "Safe" with the Tile. I really wanted a POP to my roof but it probably would have back-fired on me.

A copper roof would be great, but the tile is a good choice because it will look more traditional....IMO

[stonecutter]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Stonecutter, Not to steal this thread, but I had a problem where I didn't get enough mortar in some of the bricks near the top of the dome. That's where I had to use a zip lock type baggie. On my back with head in the dome. Is there a better way or easier way? I sure could have used some advise from a pro back then?

The easier way...which is moot unless you build another oven...would be to bed the brick with as much mortar as you can and stay on bond, maintain your angle, fit in the coursing, etc, etc.

Then all you have to do is flush out the joint with mortar. All you have to do is make the mortar claylike, and push it into the joint by hand ( gloves recommended). It is simple and easy...no awkward handling of tools while you are contorted. That's all there is to it.

[kanoer54]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Stonecutter, Not to steal this thread, but I had a problem where I didn't get enough mortar in some of the bricks near the top of the dome. That's where I had to use a zip lock type baggie. On my back with head in the dome. Is there a better way or easier way? I sure could have used some advise from a pro back then?

[stonecutter]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

I couldnt make the GB work at various hydration levels. How do you do the vertical joints if you dont use them. Or, do you use them but hate the fact that your using it??

I don't use them, period. I gave them a try once, but I think they are useless.

For one, I don't like having to add more water than necessary for a pointing mix, which you need to do for it to work with a bag. Two, I can point as fast or faster than when a bag is used. I don't need to wait for the mortar to set to tool it off, so I can go through the process without the extra steps that go with using a bag.

I'll save those things for decorating cakes. But that's me, and it doesn't really matter how the pointing gets done, as long as it's done properly and done well.

[Tscarborough]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

You can do vertical joints with the tuckpointer, it is just a little slower. You do it the same way I showed you for horizontal joints, but you leave the mud higher on the board and hold the jointer vertical and cut off the width of the blade instead of the length. I usually use a jointer slightly larger than the joint for verticals.

[GarnerAC]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

I think those roof tiles are going to look great with the other finishes of your oven...it's come together beautifully. The lights are a nice touch too.

On the topic of grout bags, I hate them like poison.

Thanks for that, You and Tom have given me great advice and support, i kinda feel like I went too "Safe" with the Tile. I really wanted a POP to my roof but it probably would have back-fired on me. I couldnt make the GB work at various hydration levels. How do you do the vertical joints if you dont use them. Or, do you use them but hate the fact that your using it??

[stonecutter]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

....made a little progress between work and Christmas to-do's

All the brick veneer is done except for the Chimney. Lights installed and temporarily hooked up.

I have the Tile sitting here waiting, and a local roofer/customer is going to install next week.
Going to cook a few Pizzas for Lauren's friends tonite. She is hosting a Movie Night "Elf'!

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I think those roof tiles are going to look great with the other finishes of your oven...it's come together beautifully. The lights are a nice touch too.

On the topic of grout bags, I hate them like poison.

[cobblerdave]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

May try that one, sounds good.
I'll let you laugh at my rookie mistake tonite. First Pizza, only one guest here so far. I made a pie, one that I wanted because I knew once I got rolling Id have no time to eat much.
I stuck it in the oven and instantly the crust turned black,, before I could even swap Peels!, I quickly moved it farther from the fire and rotated it as the whole thing started smoking,,, then POOF, it was on fire! LoL,,,, i pulled it out and set it on the cutting board,, cut the crust off
I didnt check the floor temp before the first pizza! Turned out it was almost 1000 degrees,,talk about spontanious combustion!,,,, took me 30 minutes and had to shovel out a bunch of coals and swabbed the deck to get it down to proper temp.

The rest of the 15 pies went great!

Gudday
if you ever get to those temps again, try this one. throw a SMALL amount of dry flour at the flame......you find out why flour mills burn down!
Again Small ....teaspoon size and don't show the kids

Regards Dave

[Tscarborough]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

I only made 8, there was (is) so much food that it is ridiculous. No green bean casseroles with this group. Pics tomorrow.

[GarnerAC]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

May try that one, sounds good.
I'll let you laugh at my rookie mistake tonite. First Pizza, only one guest here so far. I made a pie, one that I wanted because I knew once I got rolling Id have no time to eat much.
I stuck it in the oven and instantly the crust turned black,, before I could even swap Peels!, I quickly moved it farther from the fire and rotated it as the whole thing started smoking,,, then POOF, it was on fire! LoL,,,, i pulled it out and set it on the cutting board,, cut the crust off
I didnt check the floor temp before the first pizza! Turned out it was almost 1000 degrees,,talk about spontanious combustion!,,,, took me 30 minutes and had to shovel out a bunch of coals and swabbed the deck to get it down to proper temp.

The rest of the 15 pies went great!

[kanoer54]

Re: 42" build in Central Texas

Garner,
Some Romanian friends of ours turned us on to an EVOO/garlic lightly coated on the dough and topped with scallions and raisins. Sounds weird but it is absolutely delicious. Now all our friends ask for it. Everyone has raisins in their pantry they need to get rid of.