How many firebricks??

[Two Dog's Brewing]

Ok I had originnally planned on making a barrel type over like the Rado Hand designed "Swishy" oven. Now that I see the Pompeii oven Im REALLy leaning that way. My question is which takes more firebricks. Lets use a 42" inside cooking area. Which oven takes more bricks. I agree that the Pompeii looks much better and I am up fro the challenge. I am curious about costs.

Of course this is a hypothetical but I was wondering. If we compare apples to apples which use more fire bricks.

Thanks Guy I love this forum

[waitingtocook]

Re: How many firebricks??

HI Guys,
Also on this point, is there anyway to work out an approx. number of bricks needed for a pompeo oven? I know everyone is different, but supposing you need x amount for the first chain, is there any formula or way of working out how many for each subsequent chain and there on?

[nissanneill]

Re: How many firebricks??

Hi Guys,
I built a 40" Pompeii, purshased 200 fire bricks for the build and have around 55 left over, That means I used around 145 for the dome and hearth. The front arch and vent were bricked using household and paving bricks with around 50 bricks and 5 tapered arch bricks. See:

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...-4-a-2045.html

and:

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...10-a-2119.html

A 42" oven is only a little larger in diameter and in height but not necessarily an extra course or chain. I woiuld estimate another5 to 10 bricks cut in halves (20 in total) would make the difference PLUS your entry and vent (and chimney if applicable).

Neill

[Ken524]

Re: How many firebricks??

The number of bricks you use also depends on the building method. The 42" Pompeii plans call for 200 bricks. But that assumes you aren't custom cutting every brick to fit.

I'm cutting all my bricks to fit and so far I've purchased 250 bricks. Looks like I'll need a few more.

[Les]

Re: How many firebricks??

Ditto - I started with the recommended 200 and I WILL need more as well. If I could find a way to use all the cut scrap, I could probably build another oven.

Les...

[dusty]

Re: How many firebricks??

Seems this all started with cost, so I'll throw this in.
Near where I live, in Sacramento, there is a brick manufacurer that,among many other types, makes fire brick. When I tried to buy from them they informed me they weren't allowed to sell to the public. We talked more about my project and he told me he had thousands of "seconds" that he would sell me for .30 each. the imperfections varied. Some simply had a color problem, some had dents in the edge, like in bumped something while it was still soft, and some had a small crack somewhere. But all are very useable since I'm cutting them in half and useing the one good, cut side.
Is there a brick manufacturer near you?
Dusty

[Les]

Re: How many firebricks??

Dusty,

That is a great deal! I'm assuming the manufacturer is Muddox - that's the product I'm buying in Carson City - But I'm paying $1.40 a pop. Even buying the "good" bricks, they have many chips and cracks. It would have been worth the drive over the hill.

Les...

[Acoma]

Re: How many firebricks??

Les, I would do the drive to Sac for such a price break. Well worth it. Dusty, nice find. Grab the 250 you should need.

[dusty]

Re: How many firebricks??

Yep...H.C. Muddux. 1.19 each at the nearest retailer. Let me know if I can be of any sevice Les.
Acoma,
Please get with me on the photo post thing. They are downloaded to a folder and ready to go from there.
Dusty

[Acoma]

Re: How many firebricks??

Dusty, check your inbox. I have given you the route to make it happen.

[Hendo]

Re: How many firebricks??

When doing my initial calculations, I was unaware that firebricks differ in size around the world, and the FB plans are based, I think, on a different size to those available here in Oz. Plus it depends on whether you're going to taper the bricks, and end up with a smaller internal brick face.

The following scenario for my build may help others in this predicament:

Internal Dome Radius = 550 mm
Internal Dome Area = 2 x π x 550 x 550 = 1,900,664 mm2
Less Opening Size = 580 x 400 = 232,000 mm2
Nett Dome Area = 1,668,664 mm2
Internal Brick Area = 95 x 63 = 5985 mm2
Brick No's = Nett Dome Area divided by Internal Brick Area = 279
So 140 whole bricks would be required.

To this, you have to add floor bricks, opening and vent bricks, which will vary according to your design.

Notes:-

1. Opening Size is the area of the opening where it intersects with the dome internally - not the 'mouth' area through which pizza will one day be pushed. So it's a bigger dimension.
2. Internal Brick Area is the area of the bricks after you've cut tapers (if you intend to do this). You'd need to have some idea of the reduction from outside to inside faces to calculate this. My dome bricks are 115mm x 75mm on the outside, and this degree of taper over the 115mm wall thickness (to 95mm x 63mm on the inside) forms an 1100mm (43") dome almost exactly, with minimal mortar thickness.

Hope this helps. Come back to me if you have any queries.

Cheers, Paul.

[Wookie]

Re: How many firebricks??

Hey Hendo,

An excellent set of calculations. I knew you would come up with a precise calculation. Keep up the good work as I am in your footsteps.

Cheers

Wookie

[frenchy]

Re: How many firebricks??

Dusty,

where is that company in Sacramento. I'm just starting to build my oven and live near Sac.

thanks, Frenchy

[frenchy]

Re: How many firebricks??

great advice

[Les]

Re: How many firebricks??

Dusty,

where is that company in Sacramento. I'm just starting to build my oven and live near Sac.

thanks, Frenchy

H.C. Muddox - H.C. Muddox

Les...