42" build in McPherson KS

[Gulf]

Gulf what material / how thick of a layer did you put between insulation and exterior brick veneer?

I had ceramic fiber blanket for the insulation layer. 3" to 4" of vermicrete to true things up and act as a backer for a stucco layer. . It started out as that but, after adding a mesh reinforcement and special additives, it became more like ferocrete than actueal stucco. It is from 3/4" to 1" thick.

[slschoming]

I had ceramic fiber blanket for the insulation layer. 3" to 4" of vermicrete to true things up and act as a backer for a stucco layer. . It started out as that but, after adding a mesh reinforcement and special additives, it became more like ferocrete than actueal stucco. It is from 3/4" to 1" thick.

I got enough ceramic fiber blanket to do three inches of that, but beyond that my space is pretty limited. What do you think the bare minimum would be that I could get away with? Could I skip the vermicrete layer and do 3/4 to 1 inch of mesh reinforced stucco right on the ceramic blanket?

[Gulf]

Several have used chicken wire, mesh, and diamond lath directly over the ceramic fiber insulation. I'm not sure just how "reinforced" that is. To be a true reinforcment the wire needs to be embedded in the concrete/stucco layer. Otherwise you are just hanging the stucco on to the wire. I used spacers to hold the mesh away from the vermicrete. The vermicrete made a sold backing which allowed me to forcefully push the first layer of stucco into the void behind the mesh. This could probably be done right over the blanket. But, it would compress the blanket a little imo.

[slschoming]

Several have used chicken wire, mesh, and diamond lath directly over the ceramic fiber insulation. I'm not sure just how "reinforced" that is. To be a true reinforcment the wire needs to be embedded in the concrete/stucco layer. Otherwise you are just hanging the stucco on to the wire. I used spacers to hold the mesh away from the vermicrete. The vermicrete made a sold backing which allowed me to forcefully push the first layer of stucco into the void behind the mesh. This could probably done right over the blanket. But, it would compress the blanket a little imo.

I just measured and in 2 places I have 6 inches to the edge of my hearth/slab which is about a half inch from the fence... 3 of 6 inches will go to my ceramic fiber blanket. I could probably get away with two inches of a stucco/concrete layer and use thinner brick veneer in those 2 places so I'm not touching the fence or hanging over the hearth. Or I could do 1 inch vermicrete and 1 inch concrete/stucco... which is better?

[Gulf]

I think that 1" of each would be fine as long as you take the time to fit the ceramic fiber blanket uniformly. I made a lumpy mess of mine. But, the Forno Bravo youtube channel has a great video on doing it right for a finished igloo shape. How to Insulate, Shape and Lath your Oven Dome

[slschoming]

I am hoping to cap my dome this weekend and get started on my outer arch / chimney. Can I insulate and start my curing fires 1 week after capping the dome, or should I wait until 1 week after finishing the chimey? I will be using a clay flue liner on top of a firebrick arch and will be using homebrew to hold it all in place, but with the thermal break I don't know if the vent / chimney needs to be in place during curing as it will not be reaching the same temperatures as the dome. And advice?

[UtahBeehiver]

You do need to insulate the clay liner, they are prone to cracking due to temp differential.

[slschoming]

You do need to insulate the clay liner, they are prone to cracking due to temp differential.

Good to know. Is 1 inch thick of ceramic blanket scraps sufficient?

[UtahBeehiver]

That should do .

[slschoming]

Capped the dome today! Next up, vent/landing...

[slschoming]

Gulf and/or UtahBeehiver ,

Hey guys, I am getting ready to start on my outer arch / landing / chimney area. How wide of a thermal break did you leave? Gulf, I see you stuffed your corner with 1/2 inch rope and 3/4 inch rope on either side of that. Was your gap on the sides 3/4 inch or did you make it just a little bit smaller for a snug fit?

Thanks!

[Gulf]

Seth,

I set the template for 1/2" gap(s). The rope that I used is braided and has a hollow in the middle. It will flatten out nicely into an oval without compressing too much. That works out pretty good since we are trying to make circles using rectangles. Between the inner and outer arch there will be some differences in the gap depending on where exactly the joints line up.

[slschoming]

Thanks Gulf. I will plan for a 1/2 inch gap. I picked up a 8 x 12 OD (6.5 x 10.375 ID) flue liner and I think I will be able to make it work. I will wrap it in 1 inch thick of scrap insulation blanket and build brick around it, but I'll have cut my 4 inch brick down to 3 inches so I end up flush with the edge of my hearth.

I stopped misting the dome today. I'm hoping to find some time in the next few weeks to build my chimney / outer arch so I can start curing my oven.

[mintee]

slschoming UtahBeehiver cobblerdave Gulf This has been one of the most helpful threads for me. I really appreciate the time everyone takes to help on this forum. I'm a little behind you seth, so I'll be watching! One thing I notice is that many peoples signature gallery links go to picassa, which has been discontinued. It would be great to see these pictures again on an updated site. (looking at you Gulf )

[slschoming]

slschoming UtahBeehiver cobblerdave Gulf This has been one of the most helpful threads for me. I really appreciate the time everyone takes to help on this forum. I'm a little behind you seth, so I'll be watching! One thing I notice is that many peoples signature gallery links go to picassa, which has been discontinued. It would be great to see these pictures again on an updated site. (looking at you Gulf )

I'm glad this thread has been helpful to you but I am going to pass all the credit on to those answering all my questions! This forum is a great community and I would have never attempted this without such great resources at my disposal. A big thanks to all!