smaller oven

[cobblerdave]

G'day
You've woke me out of a slumber, that's good.
I'm glad you have finished and enjoying your oven!
Regards dave

[dingodan]

So, I'm sure you've not been able to sleep waiting on further details, but the oven is done. Actually, about 8 months ago. I have loved the pizzas we cooked, and am feeling pretty good about fire management and cooking. But of course, I'm still learning.

Considering that every single ting I did on this oven was the first time I had ever attempted it, I'm happy with the results. But like so many others have said, I have a few changes I'll make on my next oven if there ever is one.

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

Forms out, and not looking too bad inside. As it got steeper I wasn't able to clean the squeeze out as well, and then the forms made it impossible at the top. Should I send a kid in with a chisel?

I am puzzling over the vent to chimney size now. Any advice? My door opening is 15.5" wide and 12" at the top of the arch. My oven is 18.5" tall inside. I was messing around and made a mock up in cardboard that had an opening 17" x 5". Is that too big?

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

Good job! Congratulations.

Only 3 adjustments for the keystone is pretty good if everyone is totally honest.

Well, I meant I had to start from scratch 3 times on the keystone after cutting too far, but I'll accept the compliment anyways!

Almost Pizza time!

[Greenman]

Re: smaller oven

Good job! Congratulations.

Only 3 adjustments for the keystone is pretty good if everyone is totally honest.

As soon as the keystone goes in the forms are redundant, it is actually self supporting at each completed chain.

Onwards and upwards.

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

The dome is complete. Cutting the keystone was a bit of a trick but after 3 attempts I got it figured out and got it to fit nicely. Tomorrow I'll remove the foam forms and start to think about the chimney and landing area. And of course, insulation.

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

I was actually able to borrow a wet saw from a friend. Boy has that been nice!

[DavidApp]

Re: smaller oven

Hello

Having got as far as you are I would say that you have graduated from the "Non-builder class"

Are you still cutting your bricks with the angle grinder? They look very nice and true.

I have understood that the coat of mortar on the outside of the dome adds to the thermal mass. Mine is about 1/2" or less thick.

David

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

So today should be "close up" day. I finished cutting the last ring after dark last night and should be placing them and then the keystone today! I have got to say this is pretty exciting for a non-builder like me.

I have been adding a thin layer of mortar to the outside of the oven as I go up mostly because I have seen so many others do that. Any advice on the total thickness? I'm assuming I can add layers to achieve the desired thickness???

[cobblerdave]

Re: smaller oven

G'day
Use your angle grinder to place some random grooves on the bricks surfaces. The mortar will have something to key into. Not perfect but will help.
Regards dave

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

I finally have a full circle! I feel like I am making progress. I did have trouble making the bricks stay in place on the steeper slope, but I finally just went really slow and it worked out. I believe harder times are ahead, but I can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I hope it isn't a train.

[david s]

Re: smaller oven

Just the sides, but the angles get bigger the higher you go as the diameter decreases.

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

First, thanks for all the great advice. This forum is so helpful!

So, a friend loaned me a wet saw. I'm considering cutting the bricks for the top 4 rows.

Would that be a mistake? Changing up brick size half way up?

Also, do you recommend just chopping them so the side mortar joints are smaller? Or should I consider 4 cuts to make the top and bottom mortar joints smaller also?

[dingodan]

Re: smaller oven

Never have I seen someone build a dome to door height then build the entrance. Well done! I'm impressed!
Regards dave

I'd admit genius if it wasn't simply because I had no idea what to do next.

[fornax hominus]

Re: smaller oven

great advice here, make sure you fav. roasting pan will fit the door or start shopping !