Eric's WFO build

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

NOW WHAT!!!

Finished rows 9 and 10 today. I recall looking at other builds as the dome closes and thinking "there is some funky brickwork going on up there". Now I know why- It is a bit tricky and complicated up there, everything you have learned rows 1-9 goes out the window. I suspect there is going to be some judicious use of the angle grinder for the next set of bricks- just a hunch.

I am close to closing it.

Eric

[Raffy]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Using the propane is very clever. I think you'll reach your May deadline. It is still March and it seems you will be closing the dome soon. As for my curing, I'm thinking that I wont have much trouble getting the water out since I'm having a heck of a time trying to keep the mortar/concrete hydrated. Neighbors are looking at me funny when they see me watering the oven hahaha.

Well, goodluck. Looking forward to more pictures.

Raffy

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Thanks for the kind words, this is my first masonry project so I am definitely not professional, hoping to be proficient by the end of the project. I am a much better cook than I am a mason. Baking bread is what got me interested in this whole process.

I have people visiting the second weekend of May, so I am going to work real hard to have the oven functional to cook in by then. It will probably not have the stucco over the insulation by then. I think I am going to go the propane burner route for the first part of the curing process, set a burner in the oven at a low temp and let it burn until the propane tank runs out, then repeat with progressively higher temps. It seems like a more controllable situation.
Eric

[Raffy]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Hi Eric,

Dropped by your thread just to say hello. Hello! I just realized our builds are a month apart. It's nice to have someone building alongside you to share experiences with. Is this your first build?!?! It looks amazing, very professional.

When do you think you'll start the curing fires?

If you find yourself in Manila, don't forget to holler!

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

A couple more sessions on the oven. It is closing in ( finally). It actually seems to be easier as I go up, that may not continue, but it is nice right now. I hope to close the dome in a couple of sessions, starting tomorrow morning. Have to leave time for helping my wife with the garden and surfing- maybe the surfing can go.
Eric

[John K]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Hi Eric,

Your oven is looking great! The inner arch has come up perfect.

1 more brick to go before you complete a full ring!! exciting times!!

Keep up the great work

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Made some progress this weekend. The arch transitions were a bitch. I really was scrambling to get it to fit and be solid. It may not be pretty but if it is solid I am glad to be done with it. I have 1 more brick to add to the last ring of the sixth row, after that no more arch transitions. I ran out of mortar and I was frustrated as hell, so I left the last brick for a new day.
Eric

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Hey Dino,

I hadn't considered tapering the bricks on the bottom. The "Indispensible tool" is keeping my radius constant so I think I should be OK for my final interior height as long as I keep clamping the courses with the tool. On my first course I didn't use the tool for every brick because my father in law was using it on the opposite side and I didnt get the right angle on some of them so I had a little dip. Since then I have been paying strict attention to the angle. My exterior joints are 1/2" to 5/8" wide, but the interior ones are pretty tight. The last course was a little tricky, the first brick was the hardest, would have been very difficult wtihout the tool.

I hope I don't have to go to 1/3 bricks for the next course because I just cut the bricks for this course this morning, I did half brick cuts, the tapers lined up well, but there will be some bridging across the decreasing circumference. If it looks like too much I will trim the bricks down and adjust from there.

The adventure continues.
Thanks,

Eric

[Dino_Pizza]

Re: Eric's WFO build

I agree with Tom, Eric: looking good!

Are you going to go to 3rd cut bricks for the rest or are you going to keep at halves? Either way, keep on eye on your finish height and verify how much angle you need to close it up. It doesn't look like you've been tapering the bottoms but you've been using the mortar to tilt your bricks inward (which is fine, looks well done!) but I found that at the "shoulder" area of the dome, I had to cut a sharp bottom tapper to start leaning in and the next rows almost didn't any tapering after that.

I love domes at your stage in construction, they look so massive and you can see your interior and exterior work at the same time. You'll be closing the dome in no time, Cheers, Dino

[trockyh]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Hi Eric, your oven is looking great! Love the picture of you inside mortaring bricks. Sounds like you are having fun. When the oven is done the fun of learning doesn't stop. Pizza, bread, roasting foods. Using a grill over wood coals gives the best flavor to ribeyes and hamburgers.

Cheers,
Tom

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Good progress today, had Friday off and some passable SoCal weather. Had to put the umbrella up because the sun was a bit too much. I had help from my father in law Dick, made it immensely easier for the sitting in the middle of the oven part to have someone outside to hand things to me. We were able to finish 2 more rows today. The dome is really taking shape. The arch transitions are a little tricky. Luckily no one will see them except you all, and you are pretty forgiving. Supposed to have rain again tomorrow( I know we are having a drought and all, but this rain is really cutting into my oven time). Am going to take the arch form down tomorrow, wish me luck.
Eric

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Thanks Les,
It is mortared down now, unless someone tells me that it will cause my oven to implode I think it is going to stay how it is.
Eric

[Les]

Re: Eric's WFO build

mounted the FB remote thermometer probe. I think I am the first one to mount one of these,

Eric, I believe a few have installed thermocouples. Do a search on the term and you may get some helpful input (not that there is anything wrong with what you have done).

Looking good!

Les...

[eprante]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Made some good progress. We finished the first course, managed the arch transition and mounted the FB remote thermometer probe. I think I am the first one to mount one of these, I didn't have anyone else to copy on this one. I bought some stainless steel wire, twisted it around the probe then drilled a hole in the top of the soldier, bent the twisted wire and put it in the hole. Then I mortared the first course on top of the wire. I notched the next brick so the cable would fit through. The probe is about 6" above the floor, near the entry arch so it won't get hit by firewood if I am adding wood. I have 9 ft of cable to hide, but I can deal with that.
Eric

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Eric's WFO build

Hey Eric..
Looks great,, Love the arch tool.. Your lucky tohave such a great father in law... great build..
Cheers
Mark