36" Corner Build in Minnesota

[david s]

Perhaps instead of getting more blanket, a layer of 10:1 vermicrete (which has around the same insulation value as the blanket) would be an alternative option. You will go through a ton of render trying to restore a nice form and the blanket is not a firm substrate to render against.

[MnDude45]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m going with an enclosure so not planning any render coat.

[david s]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m going with an enclosure so not planning any render coat.

Sorry, my apologies. That eliminates a lot of drying, sealing and venting problems.

[MnDude45]

Another step closer. I finished the 3rd insulation layer and added almost another full layer on the top.

[Sixto]

Looks great! - I can almost smell the pizza!

[Mr. Slowhand]

The oven is coming great. Just for my comparison, how thick is you blanket, when you say you do 3 or 4 layers, at what thickness do you come to ultimately.

[MnDude45]

Mr. Slowhand - I put on 3 full 1” layer and almost another 1” over most of the dome

[Mr. Slowhand]

Mr. Slowhand - I put on 3 full 1” layer and almost another 1” over most of the dome

Thanks, just finished with the blanket, did the same!

[MnDude45]

I’m pushing to get the enclosure framed and it’s going much slower than anticipated. In my case, there is a significant learning curve.

[Sixto]

Its looking awesome! As they say in Game of Thrones... "Winter is coming" (just not today, it's hot and muggy here)

I'm guessing you know this already, but just in case: (Warning: unsolicited suggestion follows) if there is room, and you want to curve a track around the arch (so you have something to anchor the sheathing edge next to the brick) you can take a standard track and snip the two legs every 3 inches or so, so all you really have holding it together is the long back side, then you can fit it to almost any curve and even add a stud part-way along the curve by screwing the stud to a flange segment...you can adhere the curved back of the track to the bricks with construction adhesive while you weigh it down to hold the shape You might want to trim the insulation back a bit between the base of the arch and the chimney bricks if you choose this whole approach.

[MnDude45]

Sixto - Thanks for the observations. I have installed some diagonal supports on both the front and back of the chimney vent box to provide support and to secure the cement board. Additionally, the arch extends a bit out to provide support for the cement board and I plan to adhere to the brick chimney vent. I haven't had a chance to take some pics after a very busy week. I appreciate the feedback

[MnDude45]

Fire #1 today. Another monumental day. I fired it up to ~200+ on the dome top and 180 on the dome side walls using 4-5 charcoal briquettes and kindling to flame it up. No signs of damage as it cooled.

[Sixto]

Hey, it's like we're both giving birth at the same time! (after a long, arduous labor, with much grunting, sweating and swearing)
And look, the inside of your dome is Perfect! . (I won't even look at mine until after the 8th day... I don't want to know if there are cracks till then.)

[UtahBeehiver]

Same advice given to Sixto, slow go, turtle wins the race in curing an oven.

[MnDude45]

Finished the structure for the enclosure today and Day 2 of curing. A good darkening of the dome has formed which I will patiently burn off in the coming days.