Acoma 42" Tuscan

[asudavew]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

So far so good

[Acoma]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

Well, I made progress this evening. I did the herringbone design of the bricks and cut the floor template. I had my mother-in-law over and she suggested going 24 inches internal dome instead of 21 inches. She stated that their ovens in New Mexico are approximately that high, and that for the diameter of the oven, that it would be better. I would like to request imput from some of you as to impact of that height. We are only talking 3 inches.
I have attached the photo of the bricks that were cut on all four sides and shaped for the oven floor, the wet saw with tarp in the back (works great), and the template for the oven floor.
As for tomorrow evening, I will have the floor bricks cut. Rain possible over the next few days and snow is expected by Friday.

[Acoma]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

Robert,

You may have to resort to sanding the floor as many of us had to do. These bricks are cut with a wire so they are far from identical.

Les...

Les, that will happen once the bricks are on the hearth. My garage floor is not perfect, being the location that I am doing prep work right now. Peel Perfect is my goal on the oven floor. Once I get the bricks cut to the shape of the oven and entry, I will then get to work on the insulation board. Once these are done, outside goes the floor bricks and insulation board, then the sanding of the surface to the bricks. That is definately a great idea, and should be on the Pompei instructions too (idea).
Dusty, I am looking at going back down there within the next two weeks to get the 2nd batch. Family gathering in Vallejo, and with school out for Christmas, I say...why not. Only thing is that my SUV maxes at 1250lbs. so the amount will be less, but the quality will be better.

[Acoma]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

James, regarding clean cut side only comment, I agree. This is obviously a great idea for all pieces that would be seen internally or visible upon completion. I went with all four sides for the floor area only.

[Ken524]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

the wet saw with tarp in the back (works great).

Nice job on the saw stand. I really like the little extension table. That's a great idea.

[dmun]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

I had my mother-in-law over and she suggested going 24 inches internal dome instead of 21 inches. She stated that their ovens in New Mexico are approximately that high, and that for the diameter of the oven, that it would be better. I would like to request input from some of you as to impact of that height. We are only talking 3 inches.

I have no doubt that a higher oven would heat up and cook, but if pizza is your primary interest, a higher ceiling may leave you with less radiant heat for the top of your pizza, in other words, a pizza that will blacken on the bottom before the toppings melt. That's why pizza fanatics opt for a lower dome (Naples style) even though it sacrifices the ability to build huge fires and cook roasts.

I would think about a better reason to deviate from the hemisphere than "someone said something".

[Acoma]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

DMUN, thanks for the information. 24 is out, and they do a lot of breads and foods, not pizzas so I see her thought as well.
Looking at the inside of Ken's dome via photos, it looks bigger than 20 inches as described in his thread. Ken, is it still 20 inches floor to internal peak?

[Ken524]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

Looking at the inside of Ken's dome via photos, it looks bigger than 20 inches as described in his thread. Ken, is it still 20 inches floor to internal peak?

Robert,

It's 20" on the nose , and it's plenty big. I am still surprised at how big this thing is after building it. When I was doing mockups, it didn't seem very big. You'll be please at how much room is in there.

Also remember: Your door will be around 12" high, so you can't put anything in the oven larger than 12" high... thus a higher dome is wasted space.

[asudavew]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

I am still surprised at how big this thing is after building it. When I was doing mockups, it didn't seem very big. You'll be please at how much room is in there.

True Dat!

If I could fit through the entry way, I could curl up and sleep inside!

I almost wish I would of went with a 36 inch or so... for faster heat up.

[christo]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

My oven was originally planned to be 36 inch but I forgot about including mortar joints in the calcs. After a bit of futzing and minimal trimming, I ended up with a 39 inch oven - it seems huge inside! I can fit two pizza in there no problem. Height is just about 19 inches...

I'm not good enough of a pizzolio to handle 3!!!

Chris

[Acoma]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

I appreciate the feedback to confirm 20". I am committed to it now. I am also very pissed because I purchased only half the needed insulation board, and now I will need to order more in the morning. This will likely delay getting my oven on the hearth until mid next week. I am still heading down to pick up next load of bricks, likely the 17th. Meanwhile, I will do what I can......and you can see I am so close.

[dusty]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

. I am still surprised at how big this thing is after building it. When I was doing mockups, it didn't seem very big.

That is SO funny. I know exactly what you mean. When I layed out the floor I was wondering if this thing was going to be big enough. About three or four courses up I was overwhelmed with how HUGE it looked in there. I am relieved to here you guys say the same thing.

Mine is 41" in diameter and proposed to be 19" high.

dusty

[asudavew]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

About three or four courses up I was overwhelmed with how HUGE it looked in there. I am relieved to here you guys say the same thing.

I'm telling ya, it's like having a VW bug, on a stand, in my backyard!!
only difference - the muffler protrudes from the roof!

Maybe I will paint mine yellow!

Herby style!

Cuz that's how Herby rolls!

Air cooling baby!

[dusty]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

I'm stiil down with the big silver star with the blue trim.

Is it a badWOFO or a love bug?

dusty

[gjbingham]

Re: Acoma 42" Tuscan

Ha! Great one Dave! I can just imagine adding a little chassis shape & tires around the base. Hilarious!