Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

[bbell]

I'm wondering if there are others in my area that have sourced fire brick, mortar, etc in the Seattle area and which supplies they used.

Thanks in advance.

Bill

[Wiley]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

You can search Google for the Mutual Materials outlet nearest to you. They have fairly reasonably priced firebrick. For vermiculite you can try Glacier Northwest where you can also purchase Calcium Aluminate cement which goes by the trade name "Fondu". Both companies are where I purchased the materials I used.
Hope this helps,
Wiley

[bbell]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Thanks Wiley, I appreciate it. "Calcium Aluminate cement", is this the firebrick mortar?

Bill

[Wiley]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Bill, I don't know if one could use it for or in place of Portland cement in the DIY mortar mix. I suspect to would go off too fast for economical construction use as or in a mortar. It is a high temperature cement with which one can make their own firebrick like material. If you check out "Steel Dome Oven" you can see where I used it in my oven construction.

There are other references to it's use in WFO construction. Not to put in a plug for another website but if you check out Rado's site you will find a receipe for making your own bricks. Fondu isn't inexpensive but it is very interesting to work with. Concrete made with it sets up in about 20 minutes and is quite hard within about an hour. So if you choose to use it be sure you have everything at hand, not a time to play "Now where did I put that trowel? I had it here just a second ago..." :-)

I may get into trouble for posting this or perhaps this will be redacted or expunged but here's a link to his site:

traditionaloven.com: Wood fired brick ovens for baking bread making pizza pictures.

Wiley

[bbell]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Thanks Wiley,

I have beeen to Rado's site and actually ordered his CD a couple of months ago. Quite a character!

Being specifically one those guys that can't get organized I'll stay away from using the quick set mortar.

Thanks for the tips.
BIll

[gjbingham]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Wiley,
Mutual Materials can provide the firebrick, fireclay and sand that you need. They also have great materials for your final finish of your oven. I got my vermiculite in Portland for 17 bucks a bag at a feed store after paying 35 a bag at a nursery. If you have a shopping list and call their 800 number, they can tell you if they have what you need.
You need to spend some time calling around and doing internet searches to find the best deals. Winter is a great time for such mundane pursuits.
I drove down and purchased my ceramic insulation blanket from a firm in Portland that advertizes on ebay. Duravent chimney was also found online for about 60% of the price found elsewhere.
Have fun, suffer silently. If you wanted to do it easlily, you'd purchase the FB prefabs. Likely, you will second guess your decision till you're done.
Hope that helps a bit. Message me if not. I might be back in a week or ten.
G.

[Wiley]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

George, It's not for me, but for Bill who's presently building. Mine is "finished" at least until late spring next year for some finishing touches. Say, when are you to come visit the Island (if I remember you said your family owned land here).
Bests,
Wiley

[bbell]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Wiley,

I never thought of eBay. Great idea. Which Island do you inhabit?
Bill

[Wiley]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Hi Bill, I live on Marrowstone Island, which is just south of Port Townsend, in case you are not familiar with it.
Wiley

[castiron]

Re: Supplies in the Puget Sound/Seattle area?

Harbison_Walker Refractories in Kent Wash...253-872-2552 is a great source for fire-brick,etc,etc......Great customer service provided by Yvette Dist.Center Mgr....I bought my Carter bricks there...Good luck