6th course is done (almost)

[Les]

OK - Mr. Ugly Brick Cut, is chasing me big time. I am starting to make way too many custom cuts to complete a course. I think that since I am 1/2 way to the top, I am going to reset back to the plans and go from there. May be an ugly transition for me, but it prevents me from running into the desert, butt naked,screaming - Buy the kit, Buy the kit, buy the kit.

Tyeing into the arch is looking a little easier than I thought - thats a bit of good news. I say that now because I don't have a brick in my hand...

Les...

[asudavew]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Bodacious!

NO worries here....

I know you got this Les.

More pills bro!

[rlf5]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Its funny how the longer you have to work on it, the more affordable the ordered oven looks...

[Les]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Rlf5,

Was never a question of $$ - although I don't mind saving it when I can. In the beginning, I was going totally kit, as two of my friends have done (that's when I got the bug). But I build everything myself - from kid's furniture to garages. I sit at a desk all day so it's sort of therapeutic to get outside and construct things. I really am not that big on pizza - I just thought it would be damn cool to make a BIG fire anytime I please, plus the wife thinks I'm kinda sexy when I cook.

Les...

[Acoma]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Les, you are incredible. forget the pills, you have completed rehab and can work clear minded I hope to get over there and see the dome before you insulate. Heading out of town this weekend. My wife and I decided to add 6' of area for the oven. More delay, but it is for the better, and for the big picture.

[RTflorida]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Les, we share the same philosophy. Build it rather than buy it, do it rather than pay someone else to.
Actually, always having a project going on is what keeps me sane (in my twisted little mind), out of jail, and out of the above mentioned rehab.

Dude, keep going.....as you've stated - your half way there. Yes, it is a severe pain in the ass custom fitting each brick (been there, although not as meticulous as you). but you have the most perfect dome to date. I would be proud as hell.

RT

[biondoli]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Les this is an amazing job, congratulations! It is the best dome I have ever seen on this site!
I have a question regarding the arm you screwed in the middle of the oven to allign all the dome bricks...once finished are you going to pull that brick and put a new one or just fill in the hole? just curious because I want to use the same technic, thanks
Carlo

[Les]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Thanks for the complements! Last week there were some posts going about the songs you hear in your head while doing this; mine seems to be “I hear that train a coming”. At some point, mortar will be required. Due to the inconsistencies of brick thickness, I have some undulations developing. Hopefully, I can push it all to the keystone.

Carlo, I simply drilled a hole in the center and my BS (board system) has a pin that drops into it. I’m leaving the hole there; it will fill up with ash.

Les...

[Hendo]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Les this is an amazing job, congratulations! It is the best dome I have ever seen on this site!

Les,

Beautiful work! I mean, you've even achieved a consistent bond between courses where all the vertical joints line up. Unbelievable!

Keep going!

Paul.

[james]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Les this is an amazing job, congratulations! It is the best dome I have ever seen on this site!
Carlo

That is beautiful.

Save that thought. We are starting the Best of the Month poll on November 1.

James

[RTflorida]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

He has my vote. This is just painstaking, tedious, TREMENDOUS execution.
Exactly what I originally wanted.....and wasn't man enough to hang in there and achieve.
I have a feeling this oven could be a multiple award winner....James may have to ban you from the competition before the voting even begins.

I know you are far from done and have won nothing so far (except our admiration), but, congratulations!!!

[Les]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Thanks Guy's! But I still hear that train a coming....

Les...

[RTflorida]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

I've got another tune for you:

Your goin down, down, down in a burning ring of fire.........

[Acoma]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

James, how do you propose this evaluation to occur? Create a thread for contestents only, and have ovens highlighted within the thread or on the photo gallery?
Les, your extreme patience shows well.

[Frances]

Re: 6th course is done (almost)

Hey, how about "I'll be the Champion my friends, I'll keep on shaping them to the end..."