Sarah's Progress Photos

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

We've made it to the end of row seven!

Here are some shots from today -

First, the ice in the brick soaking pool (bought originally to mix vermiculite concrete) this morning.

Next, row 7, done.

Then the evening cover-up to ward off cold and frost - the light inside, the foam workshop floor mats for some insulation and the tarp over the whole thing - it works ! The night temps for the next while will be warmer than last night so things should be good.

I'm hoping for 2 rows tomorrow night and contemplating taking the afternoon off on Wednesday to finish the dome - Halloween seems like a good time for it to be done!

We'll see ...

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Thanks Dave & Frances!

Frances, I took the easy way out when it was offered and so someone else is making a metal 'funnel' flue transition piece for me ... and for free! If it doesn't work (or fit) I'll be back to square 1 with that part. I didn't really want a piece of metal there but since it won't be seen (eventually - once I'm really done), I can't see as it matters - long as it works.

I'm sure figuring it out is similar to the dome/arch transition - once you're there doing it, it all somehow falls into place, often in different ways for different people. Good luck with it!

I wrapped my baby up last night and left a light on inside - good thing, since it got cold last night and there was ice on the brick-soaking pool this morning ... not on my dome though! (Ice pic later)

Sarah

[Frances]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

You'll be catching me up soon, looks like. Lovely dome you're making!

I THOUGHT I was close to firing after I finished the dome, but it turns out I was only close to the puzzle of how on earth to make the flue transition... but I'll get there! (Somehow...)

[asudavew]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Dave gives it 2 thumbs up!

And to answer your question about firing up my oven....and patience...

After all the patience it takes to get as far as I have, it's just a small step to curing fires time. I still have plenty left.

as Ripley would say,

"Believe it or Not"

Keep going Sarah!
I am enjoying your progress.

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Bonus! Was aiming to complete row 6 but made it half way through row 7 !

The first photo shows the fix for a mistake - there were some shims earlier on that got left too long, proving that refractory mortar is strong stuff - they wouldn't budge so we had to drill them out . No cracks or holes were produced in the process - big relief.

Next pics, row 7 (look close for my poor old dog in the last one) - very exciting to see the dome evolve - I was flagging a bit but I've picked up steam again!!
(and pulled all shims )

Sarah

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Hey, Dave & Frances, thanks!

The transition is ... interesting ... still a work-in-progress, but at least the logistics are sorted out now and I know how to move forward. It was driving me nuts and I actually woke up yesterday morning thinking "What if I do this? ... or that? ... or maybe ....". But watching the dome take form is truly amazing!

I'm not sure how far I'll get today - it's only expected to reach 4C - that's about 39F!! I'll settle for completing row 6. Anything more will be a bonus.

You two must be gearing up for that first firing soon - how nuts is it driving you to wait???

Sarah

[Frances]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Looks really great!

What is it about watching a dome take form that's so fascinating??? Keep going, can't wait to see you finish! :-)

[asudavew]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Looks good Sarah!

Keep it up.

How nuts is the transition driving ya?

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Hah! Just after the last post, a rain break! Row 6 almost complete!!

It's now pouring buckets and that's definitely it for the day - other things to do ... like first, find the hand creme. I'm just now remembering that I was going to wear gloves this time - but forgot. If I keep forgetting, I won't be able to feel my fingertips soon.

Sarah

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Thanks all for the kind words, votes of confidence and good-weather wishes.

The weather gods have not smiled on me today though (look at the first photo below and then back to the first one in this thread to see the difference just one week makes) - brings to mind a song (continuing Frances' music theme):

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful, ...

No one is allowed to even think the end refrain until my dome is done - or till mid-December ... whichever comes first!

The sun returns tomorrow . My hands need a break anyway .

[gjbingham]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Sarah,
Great job on the brickwork. Julian referred me to your progress pics regarding the transition between the dome and the opening. I cant decide whether to just build the dome first and then deal with the vent and oven opening after that part is done, or just do it all at the same time, as you did.
Any second thoughts after your progress so far?

Regarding your neighbor, once the oven is done and ready to cure, invite her over to watch and promise her a yummy pizza as soon as your up and cooking. Perhaps that will placate her.
George

[Ken524]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Yep, that's really a nice start. Don't dread the transition, it was the most fun part for me. Just cut the bricks and make them fit the way you want. It will work out just fine.

[Les]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Sarah - It's looking great! That fact that you are not tying into an arch, after 6, you should be golden. Continued success and good weather be with you

Les...

[sarah h]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Row 5 complete !!

It was dark and was I getting a bit sloppy so I decided to quit for the night but here's a pic of the dirty dome anyway. I'll try and do a major interior cleanup tomorrow. As for more rows, rain is forecast, but maybe ...

The next phase is the one I've been dreading - tying the throat & vent area into the dome but I have a feeling that once that and row 6 are done, it'll be fairly smooth sailing afterward ? If not, don't burst my bubble - let me maintain the illusion for just a while longer at least. (Thanks Frances for confirming that higher rows = faster course completion!)

Sarah

[Frances]

Re: Sarah's Progress Photos

Wow Sarah, sounds a bit like here...! I've got a neighbour who I know will set the police on me if I so much as fire my saw up on a Sunday, which means no building for half of every weekend. Most professionals I've come into contact with over this project have said "you can't do that!", like you have to belong to the guild before you're allowed to build an oven. And I should probably applied for building permission before starting - you need to apply for permission if you so much as want to put up a rabbit hutch around here. But then I would have had to wait for them to process it. A month, a year, who knows?) Therer are so many building regulations that no one really knows what's allowed and what isn't anyway, so I just went ahead with it...

BTW, in our family it's usually me who makes the mess building things and my husband who's going "how much is this going to cost again?" It's not a male-female thing, its a builder-nonbuilder thing. Having said that, he's also very supportive, loves Pizza and carries all the heavy cement sacks for me. :-)

And yes, the higher you get, the faster the rows are finished. Or at least thats what I found, with my minimal cuts policy.