BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

[egalecki]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

I used red brick to face my outer arch- I cut off about 2 1/2 inches off each end and used that. While it did add to the total length of the masonry, it didn't add to the length I had planned for the floor part. Since my oven is fairly high, the limiting factor for reaching the back of the oven is the landing floor length, not the arch depth. My arm can only reach as far as my floor doesn't get in the way of my body. (does that make any sense at all?) As it turns out, I couldn't have ever reached the back of mine anyway without arm extensions. I'm 5'4", and my arms are NOT 36 inches long! But then, that's what oven tools are for, right?

I also dropped the bricks of the new facing about 1/2 inch to try to funnel the smoke up- I don't notice any difference at all in that, but I do notice that it's harder to get my door in. If you make your door so that it's flanged to rest on the reveal, be sure that your outer entrance is bigger than the door!

[christo]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

I see what you mean - straight sides and lower top edge could be a problem.

With my flared opening and lower arch - I can put the top of the door in first and swing the bottom in the opening and push it home. The door is angled on the sides to match the angled entryway so it fits like a stopper in a bottle.

[Frances]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Wow, those are some cool brick photos! Yep, lots of options there.

Well, whatever you decide on, I can hardly wait to see what it'll look like. (This is me being helpful about your bricklaying question )

[Frances]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Talking of bricks, remember this one?

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/21/b...nc-3822-2.html

[mfiore]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Hard to forget that one! I still can't believe that was built by an amateur with no building experience.

[Bandrasco]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Wow, those are some cool brick photos! Yep, lots of options there.

Well, whatever you decide on, I can hardly wait to see what it'll look like. (This is me being helpful about your bricklaying question )

Thank you Frances,

I thought that since I was born and raised in Chicago it would only make sense to use recycled bricks from my home town. I like the color and aesthetics they give; not to mention a little pc of history as well.

I think I'm going with this entry.

[DrakeRemoray]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Hey B,
I cannot tell if that is the full brick design or the half brick design you posted above...

Drake

[aks801]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

What a great build! Definitely going to school on this.

[Bandrasco]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Hey B,
I cannot tell if that is the full brick design or the half brick design you posted above...

Drake

Hi Drake,

It's the half brick design. I actually was able to get another row on the dome complete tonight along with the brick arch and base . It looks pretty cool wet so I hope it looks half as good dry. Over the weekend I hope to get the dome complete; just a few more rows to go.

Too tired for picture posting; hopefully I can get some posted tomorrow if I can get home before it gets dark

[Bandrasco]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

What a great build! Definitely going to school on this.

Hey thanks!

This has definitely been a 'learn as you go' process for me. Even with experience with most of the tools, mortar, etc. it still makes you think.... a lot.

It's been a lot of fun so far.

[Bandrasco]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Well I managed to get a few more rows done along with a nice start on the front entry. I must say, I love the Old Chicago Bricks!

I finished another row today but had to stop early to spend some time with the fam. Boy the kids have grown...

Tomorrow I hope to have the next row completed which should leave me with just 1-2 more along with the keystone!

The bricks should be far enough along tomorrow to get the screen up.

I think I need a break from this but I know that I'll take a few weeks off and need to have it fired up by December 13th for my Christmas party.

25 days into it;it feels like 100!

I'll post more pics tomorrow.

Thank you all for your help along the way. I wouldn't be as far along or have such a nice design if it wasn't for this forum.

Sitting area view.

Looking straight in; cant wait till thats roaring

Blimp Shot. I thought that I would need the grips but the mortar held them in place. So far it's just been the string and my hands.

Kids took a surprise shot, it was 40 degrees out, 35 knot wind, I was coooooooold, and it's freakin FLORIDA

Another straight on shot

[christo]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Really like the double arch. It all looks like its coming together really well.

I agree - totally love the Chicago bricks!!!!

Better hurry to get the bricks laid and enough curing for Dec 13th!!!!

I'm in Orlando week after Tgiving - let me know if you need any help!!!

Christo

[egalecki]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

I really like the way those old chicago bricks look. Very nice. You're not too far off now! You may not ever need much more than a prop to fight gravity- I really didn't need much with the heatstop- just for a few minutes, until it set enough. What really worked the best was just bamboo sticks wedged into place. By the time I was ready to do a new row, the bricks were set enough to take them out!

I don't wanna hear about cold. I just sat thru the worst game I ever saw (well, worst game that we actually won) in wind and about 26 degrees. I nearly froze. We were forced to come home and have wine, cheese and fruit just to warm up!

[exceloven]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

Love the double arch!!!!

[drogers]

Re: BA's Dome! Let the games Begin!

I continue to be impressed by your workmanship and how clean you keep your work area.
The oven is looking very nice.
Don