FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

[Laku]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

4.76 mm.

Here's a useful trick, type "3/16 inches to mm" in google's search field and push search it'll to the math and conversion for you.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Excuse the blond question but in millimeters what would the diameter of that bolt be?

Regards
OM

[david s]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

I make my own 1/4" rivets, but unless you are experienced in fitting them you risk splitting the handle. I suggest you use 3/16" stainless steel bolts.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Hi David

I just wanted to check with you what bolts do you suggest i use for the Peel.
I don't want to use Galv considering how poorly it handles heat - is there any other material you can suggest?

Thanks
Regards
OM

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Hi David

I kept the oven fired for approx 9 hours on Saturday and about 5 hours on Sunday.
Yesterday's firing produced no moisture when placing the plastic over the Outer Vermiculite Shell. I checked it a few times from when the firing was started till the end.

I'm certain that I've driven out most of the moisture.
Anyways the oven will sit for the next 2 weeks before I close it off with the stucco.

Thanks
Regards
OM

[david s]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Yes, but keep the fire gentle. Don't try to fill the whole chamber with flame yet.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Hi David

I was just wondering whether keeping the oven fired up all day today will helpdrive out the heat faster?

Thanks
OM

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Hi David

I tried the neat trick you showed me with the plastic and indeed there was moisture trapped underneath the plastic so I guess I'll be firing the oven a few more times till its all dry. Its weired how dry the outside feels yet there's still so much of moisture trapped.

Thanks for heads up on that one - saved me from repair work later.

Regards
OM

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

It seems dry on the outset but I've got a final firing today. I'll definately try the plastic trick and hopefully all is well - I'm so excited to close of this oven tomorrow.

If I do find condensation, do I just keep firing it for another couple more days?

Thanks
OM

[david s]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Think like you are icing a cake. That brew works up to a very workable mix. Are you sure all the water has been eliminated because if it isn't you risk cracking the outer shell from the steam pressure. If you throw some plastic sheeting over the dome while firing, if water is still there it will condense on the underside of the plastic.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Cool, will do.

I've cancelled my plans and decided to stucco the oven sooner than I thought. I've bought the lime and everything else I need.

Regarding the render, you said I should use 4:1:1 Sand, Cement & Lime. How much water should I be adding to the mix?

Thanks
OM

[david s]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

If the vermiculite is a bit crumbly it will wear away so you could render over it.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Oh yes, now it rings a bell how I supposed to do this.
Damn, why did I have to ask them to bend it I'll have to try and bend it back (But this stuff is very tough) or make some other plan.

Any advice on the other 2 questions?

Thanks
OM

[david s]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Go back and look at post #197 If it were mine I'd hammer the bend flat again.

[Oven_Man]

Re: FINALLY!!! - Start Of Building My Oven

Hi David

Thanks for your reply. Rivets sound good although now I'm concerned that I shouldn't attach the rivets or screws through the front but rather on the top across the grain.

I have attached a picture of the Stainless Plate showing the 30mm lip i created. Any advice how I can attach the wooden handle to this?

Just another question ... or 2

When I initially did the oven, I surrounded the oven floor with vermiculite, and then i placed the dome on the vermiculite but I didn't take into account the oven opening and now at the opening, I have this patch of vermiculite exposed.
1) Is it safe just to leave it and use the oven like that?
2) If not, what can I do there since this stuff is very hard.

Thanks
OM