42” Pompeii in San Felipe, MX

[modified9v]

david s thanks!!! I like the cardboard idea. Excellent idea!

[modified9v]

Time to break out the premium tequila. I hope I never have to cut another firebrick again. Feels good to be done with this phase. I’m paying the locals to do the stucco. LOL. My back cant take anymore. What a pain in the butt that last bit was.

I went through so much trouble to make the anchor plate level, and it was... but the part of the pipe that twist snaps in is not true to the plate from the manufacturer. It’s only out 1/4 of a bubble side to side and the stucco buy will fix that. Overall I’m very pleased with the job so far. I’ve learned that I’d never make it as a mason.

Tomorrow I will install the ceramic rope gasket and seal the little gap at the reveal. I need to search curing fires. I’ve seen some that insulate before the fires and some that don’t or didn’t. I want to do some small fires that are pretty smoky to make sure my gasket and sealant will at least keep the smoke back. I get that once flames wick up at that heat break will be a game changer, but if there is anything blatantly wrong I wanna fix it before I put this thing under a blanket

Thanks everyone for all the help along the way,
Mikie V.

[JRPizza]

Looks good - nice clean joints!

[UtahBeehiver]

I am a big proponent of having insulation of the dome before you fire. This reduces the heat differential between the inside of the dome and outside of the dome temps, reducing expansion and crack potentials. But don't stucco until the curing fires are done.You also may want to consider some type of vent at the apex of the dome so any water vapor and release out.

[modified9v]

OK... thanks guys. I will start the insulation process tomorrow after I get the heat break sealed up. I can do a vent thing no problem.

I do have a question: So, I’ve got almost a full bag of fire clay, portland, lime and sand left over. Is there any benefit to just mix it up and coat the dome and arch with it? This stuff will just get funky in the garage here once the humidity rises. Is it worth the effort?

You guys are the best. Thanks,
Mikie V.

[Chach]

That would give you more thermal mass but possibly longer heat up time and more fuel usage. You did a great job and I was glad you ended up taking those bricks off an redoing your flue gallery because now you don't have the what if factor on your build.

Ricky

[modified9v]

Thanks Ricky... wood is expensive here... good point. I didn’t think about that. I will gladly gift the lime. I will put the fireclay in my horseshoe pits. The sand and portland will get used up I’m certain. Thanks man.

[modified9v]

So I swear that there was a “Must See” video in regards to putting down the FB insulation blanket. I can’t find it. Anyone able to point me to it? Is it really necessary?

[Gulf]

How to Insulate, Shape and Lath Your Oven Dome.

[modified9v]

That was very informational. Thanks.

[B Valiant]

if you dont mind what is the height of your dome on the inside? and how wide and tall is your opening door? did you do that 63% thing? thanks so much your work is amazing

[modified9v]

B Valiant thanks. Yes, I did do the 63% thing. Dome height is 21” on the inside. Second layer of insulating blanket goes on today.

Thanks for checking it out, Mikie V.

[modified9v]

Insulation done, need to finish the lath... took it too 350 and kept it there... slow cool down. Gonna fire it up again tomorrow.

Man, what a feeling!!!! Nothing like it. Just a few whispes of smoke out the front (lotta wind)... Seemed like the smoke just wanted to go up into the chamber. I’m very happy.

[JRPizza]

Congrats! I remember the feeling - I have a shot of my first fire as my windows background

[modified9v]

Thanks Jr... I will remember this day forever. Wow... thank you for all the help. Man, I can’t wait to get this dude up to temp. Patience. LOL. You guys are the best!!!