My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

[deejayoh]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

I only think it matters if you want a low(er) dome. I was thinking there's probably a design where you could remove your center floor bricks and have a recessed IT, if you really want a low dome design

[Amac]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Texman- agree with most of those with the possible exception of

4. Make the pivot point as close as possible to the oven floor (no large casters)

I don't think it makes any real difference about the centre being off the floor a bit. It means only that the dome is that much higher.
It has also a minor advantage in that the dome side walls are vertical for that extra distance.
I raised the centre off the floor by 1.5" deliberately so that the dome would match exactly the entry arch I wanted.
Aidan

[texman]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

after several versions of my IT, i would offer this advice on design:
1. Make certain that the IT shaft is centered where it contacts the brick
2. Make certain that the clamp positions the brick perpendicular to the shaft vertically and horizontally
3. It is very useful to have the IT lock on horizontal plane
4. Make the pivot point as close as possible to the oven floor (no large casters)
5. Lock the whole apparatus in place so it cannot move once you start your dome
6. TRUST the IT! If it indicates an adjustment is necessary on a dry fit, believe it.
FWIW
Texman

[man7sell]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

wow that ovencam is awesome well done. What did you use to take that (Off subject sorry, well not really)

[jcg31]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

A tad bit of precision, consistency and speed would be lost if don't have some sort of stops in place to make certain each brick can be quickly placed in the clamp and held the same way,each time. But you're right, all this thing is is a modified clamp.

I also used the compass head with permanent (sharpee) marker quite a bit for marking the bricks particularly for the union between dome and entry way and on the floor edge cuts, the stand head was also very useful for the final courses.

OvenCamHiRes (the entry way view looking back into the dome) will give you a look at some of those cuts on the entry, which in my novice state I couldn't have done without dry placing and marking the brick first.

Have a great build!
Jim

[Phxdt]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

OK, let me know if I am off base here: Can I simplify the IT design to a really long clamp that is attached to the hinge in the center of the oven? Why not?

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

man7sell,

Taking a break from laying a course with home brew so I thought I would check the forum. My current experience, is I lay a brick the move to the opposite side and by time I butter the mortar set the brick in with a rubber mallet I can move the IT over to this brick for final alignment and the previous one holds fine.

It does depend on mortar consistency, how long you soak the brick and temp. But like the other WFOs say, just be careful not to disturb the previous brick. It is about 95 degrees right now with moderate humidity. I am mixing small batches of home brew (3-4) bricks worth and it works for me but I am not the fastest brick layer in the world.

[jcg31]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Depends on the mortar, I was using the good stuff from James, with that it was seconds. If you are using a home brew or thinner mortar it could take minutes.

Total rookie question as I'm getting ready to build one out at my property.
When you place the brick with this tool, how long does it have to stay clamped before you can move on to the next brick?

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

thank you...your tool design is my basis for my IT with a small few mods to utilize what materials i could scrounge up. Will look around for the superglue on steroids.

Russell

[jcg31]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Thanks Russell,

The glue I used can be found here Pasco Fix

It is amazing stuff the sticks practically anything to anything, metal to glass, metal to metal, acrylic to glass and fingers to most anything I have used this with (need to be careful about that). It also has a great filler product that works with the glue that has saved so many projects for me over the years. a couple drops will do you so don't be alarmed at the price. Once you have this stuff in the house you won't be able to do without.

Good luck with your Build!

Jim

[UtahBeehiver]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Jim,

Thanks for your IT design, built mine from your plans. Do have a question. How to you fasten a nut to your armored carpenter pencil holder for the IT? The holder I bought which looks just like the one in your IT pictures is aluminum and thin wall. Is the nut epoxied on?

Russell

[Amac]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

I found I could remove it as soon - a minute or so - as I was ready to lay a new brick. You still need to be careful not to move the brick you just laid - so make sure you build the tool so it will not disturb the brick while you are removing it. look at jcg31s design where he covers this point.

[mrchipster]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Total rookie question as I'm getting ready to build one out at my property.
When you place the brick with this tool, how long does it have to stay clamped before you can move on to the next brick?

That depends on several variables, How wet is your mortar, What type of mortar are you using, are you pre-cutting your bricks for a very thin joint, and what chain you are on. the steeper = longer. I was able to let it set for about 1 - 2 minutes per brick because of my magnetic two tool IT setup.

Chip

[man7sell]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

Total rookie question as I'm getting ready to build one out at my property.
When you place the brick with this tool, how long does it have to stay clamped before you can move on to the next brick?

[texman]

Re: My indispensible tool (a variation on a FB theme)

version 3.0
added relief strips on top and bottom to correct the rounded corner of the angle iron and make removal from brick easier and get the rod centered in brick. moved the clamp. I think this one is good.
Texman