Here we go again...36"

[NCMan]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Rocciarm......nice progress there. Two things to consider.....one, be real careful if you bend that rebar over. You may knock some of your top block loose. Also, regarding your future brickwork.....there does not appear to be a brickledge on your slab to accommodate your brick, that is, if you plan to cover your base w/solid brick. Do you have other plans for that?

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Thanks, MCMan. After further review, we may just cut the rebar

I plan on using thin brick on the stand, so it should be ok. I haven't yet decided on the type/size/color of the brick...

[NCMan]

Re: Here we go again...36"

You should be fine w/some kind of lightweight or cultured stone or brick, since they typically don't require any type of ledge or support. There are lots of options w/those products.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Thanks for the tip on the bricks/stone, NCMan. I also took your advice on not bending the rebar...I was afraid of messing up my brick stand..

This weekend I cut all 23 half inch pieces of the rebar. I used a sawzall with a 6" Diablo Extreme Metal blade and a 36" bolt cutter I got at HF for $21.99. I cut the the rebar about half way with the sawzall, then used the bolt cutter to finish the cut.

Next, I framed the inner opening of the oven with lots of 2x4's and 2x6's. I also laid a 2x8 in the middle. Everything was level and very solid so I was feeling good at that point. Next, I cut the backer board and laid it on the bricks/frame.

Next up will be the outer part of the wood frame and making the rebar grid..then pouring the upper slab! Slow and steady... Keep you posted...

[NCMan]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Looking good, Rocciarm. I see some shims sitting there, so you probably did this, but I wanted to ask if you used them under all of your support framing? Using them under your support framing makes removing the boards a whole lot easier and is highly recommended. Once the weight of the slab is on them, it is tough to go under there and remove them and you could possibly damage your slab by beating and prying on them. Also, I recommend leaving your supports in for as long as you can. The longer they stay in, the better, at least for about 28 days, if at all possible. Just my 2?.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Yep, I shimmed every stud and will leave the frame in as long as possible...

I made more progress and I'm ready to pour! Here are a couple of pics...

[NCMan]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Nice progress you're making there and it looks great.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Thanks NCMan. I just poured the hearth slab. I'm going to start on the oven very soon! Stay tuned...

[NCMan]

Re: Here we go again...36"

You're moving right along there, aren't you? What are your plans for oven #2? Another 36"?

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Yep, another 36" oven..

[the_dr_masuess]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Coming along nicely. Keep up the good work. Looks like you are only a little bit behind me although I started a long time ago I've only been moving quick for the past week.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Thanks, Dr_M.

I made more progress this weekend. Set the fireboard, laid the oven floor, and laid first three courses of bricks. It is supposed to rain here in San Marcos, CA today so I finished up a bit early. I am debating on whether or not I should cover the oven with plastic to avoid the rain?? Here are some pics of my work this weekend...

[the_dr_masuess]

Re: Here we go again...36"

If rain is expected... definitely cover it up. I also see you have mortar'ed in your floor. It would have been better to leave it free floating to allow for expansion and contraction in the heating and cooling process. Your oven may be more likely to crack since the floor is mortart'ed in.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

I'm not worried as we put the thinnest layer of mortar. Made the first oven same exact way and no cracks anywhere.

[Rocciarm]

Re: Here we go again...36"

Dr_M: to clarify, we did not mortar the floor bricks in place, we only used sand and fireclay.