IT guy building a 39'' oven

[Alexandru Duma]

Before anything else, I would like to thank everybody that is contributing to this forum. It has proven an invaluable source of information and inspiration for my build. Thank you all!

Now, about me... I am an software developer, 35 years old I live in Romania (so I am working in cm but will try to convert all to inches also), have a 7 months old son and a little dog.

My plan is to build a 39'' oven, with the entrance as a full arch. I have no idea yet on what finish to apply after the insulation. Will decide later. Ideally I want to turn what you see in photo 1 in what you see in photo 2.





As a note, I actually started the work a month ago but due to my crazy schedule at work, baby and garden chores I found no time to post. I will post next also my progress until today.

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

More pictures now that my thread has been approved

Base is 190 x 180 cm (75 x 71 '').

Made my IT tool from a furniture wheel with barring inside, removed the wheel, inserted a threaded rod with a long nut (so I could drill them both together) and then connected them together. On the other end, another long nut connected to the L shape piece via metal glue (I really lasted until the end, no welding required)

Then I made my template and left the little dog to guard it

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Next, the insulation and floor were cut and placed into position. For the floor I used 25x25 cm bricks (9.8'').

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Cutting the bricks now, no soldiers course. Also, a good wash before mortar.

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

First 4 rows went in and the arch started to form.



Next 3 rows. Here I made a mistake that will be visible later, I allowed the bricks that connected to the arch drop a little towards the arch and that made the next row connection a little difficult. But all was OK after a lot of cutting



Here you can see how my arch bricks were cut. The arch key needed to be cut in such an angle that the next row will sit right on top of it. The bricks to the left and right to this one were cut in almost the same angle, they needed to make the transition as smooth as possible.

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Transition from above and front. You can see the last row dropping a little towards the arch.



Lots of rain during the last week, so I built a bigger temporary roof so that my insulation would not get wet (it did before, but it dried out OK)

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Transition from inside... few rough corners but close to what I was aiming for. I agree I should have taken more time to do my cuts perfectly

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

And dome is complete !!!

[RandyJ]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Looks like a nice plan and a great location. You can do it. I have a 11 month old and I just finished my dome. It can be hard but is worth the effort.

Randy

[Novaslo]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

I will eagerly watch your build - I can already tell it is going to be great. Fellow IT guy to another.

[mrchipster]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

It must be nice to have a wood bin that can store that much wood. You have a great vision of what you want it to look like. I eagerly await your progress.

[jeeppiper]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Nice looking plan...Looks like you have plenty of wood ready to go.

[Alexandru Duma]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Guys, thanks for the warm welcome and encouraging words.

Indeed the wood bin is large but I use a wood burning boiler so that is enough for 3 winters. Also behind my yard there is an abandoned apple orchard so I have also apple wood from branches that needed to be cut anyway. From past experience I can say that apple burns really really well.

About the build, the dome is closed now but I am still waiting for my posts to be approved so you can see and comment my work

Next work is to do the entry arch and the smoke flue, I am aiming for the following weekend, the guys that will build the wooden framework for the outside kitchen will arrive this week and they will step on my toes

[Greenman]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

Plan looks good. It will be interesting to watch your progress. It doesn't matter how long it takes if there is some steady progress. The record for the longest build is quite significant and will take some catching.

[RandyJ]

Re: IT guy building a 39'' oven

What is the record for the longest build? I would guess 4 years.