new build in werribee

[Bacterium]

Re: new build in werribee

Colin - you are really onto something here.

I was going through some pics of my first build and thought others might find some humour in the "template" I made out of garden edging.

[oasiscdm]

Re: new build in werribee

Hi all

Well I think I have the transition worked out, Dave was right visuals work better. Thought I would get the IT and dome template sorted and ready to begin laying some bricks and moving on up that Dome.

I have included pictures of the method i'm using for interchanging the IT and Dome Templates if any one out there is interested. I still have to cut the Dome template into 2 or 3 pieces so I can fold it inside the dome to remove. will just be using duct tape to achieve this, if that doesn't work will attach some hinges.

[oasiscdm]

Re: new build in werribee

And some more photo's to complete the set.

I have one question the arch bricks work out quite well without a central brick. Should I leave it or do as in the second photo on this page? I will move the smaller cuts lower down or shave some off each brick.

[brickie in oz]

Re: new build in werribee

And some more photo's to complete the set.

I have one question the arch bricks work out quite well without a central brick. Should I leave it or do as in the second photo on this page? I will move the smaller cuts lower down or shave some off each brick.

Why, do want a central brick?

[oasiscdm]

Re: new build in werribee

Why, do want a central brick?

Hi Allan

That's why i'm asking the question! Do I need one, or leave it as in the first picture...

[brickie in oz]

Re: new build in werribee

You dont "need" one, its your choice.

[oasiscdm]

Re: new build in werribee

Hi again Allan

Thankyou then I will leave it as is with one brick either side of centre point of arch.

Thanks again

[oasiscdm]

Re: new build in werribee

hi all

I got some of the first course layed today before running out of light.

I have read on this site before about how calsil insulating board sucks the water out of the mix [bricks were soaked over night]. Well I found that out today it is almost instant the stuff is a bloody sponge. Decided to flood the board before laying brick. Its the outer edge only so should dry. Through a small piece in the water and let it set for 30 minutes, will see how long it takes to dry.

[deejayoh]

Re: new build in werribee

Are you setting the floor on wet sand/fireclay over your calsil?

[cobblerdave]

Re: new build in werribee

Gudday
Smear the insulation with table margerine it will work long enough to keep the fireclay/water workable
Regards dave

[brickie in oz]

Re: new build in werribee

Two observations.
Your front arch profile is not square across the top from front to back leaf it will reflect in the laid bricks, unless this is of course how you want it.

Why are you soaking the bricks?

[Wayne73]

Re: new build in werribee

I found this in the forno bravo plans.

"Before you mortar the bricks in place soak them in a bucket of water.Fire bricks are more porous then clay and will dry out the applied motar quickly if they are not moist.Cement cures through a chemical process that creates heat.If the surrounding moisture content is to low the mortar will cure too quickly and will not have the proper mechanical properties such as strength. Remember, you want cement to cure, not dry out, so starting with wet bricks and keeping completed masonry damp is a good thing."

[brickie in oz]

Re: new build in werribee

There is also a reference to a soldier course in the plans which the experienced ppl on this forum have concluded is a bad thing for an oven.
The plans are a starting point.

Adjust the mortar to suit the conditions.
I never once in 30 years of bricklaying had to soak a brick.

[david s]

Re: new build in werribee

The porosity of firebricks can vary considerably. It is a function of the degree of vitrification. The more vitrified the bricks are the less porous they will be. Vitrification is controlled by silica content, fluxes present and temperature the bricks are fired to. Out of interest I tested the porosity of my firebricks and was surprised to find that they were the same porosity as the solid reds that I also have. House bricks are generally more vitrified and therefore more waterproof so they don't allow too much moisture into the house from the weather.

Regarding the slow curing of the mortar, I would agree that this is a good thing to aim for, as anything made from portland cement will benefit from increased strength if kept moist, but commercial builders never bother because it is not particularly practical to try to keep masonry, or render for that matter, damp. The bricks should not be so soaked that they are wet or the mortar will not adhere well.

This explains it in more detail

http://www.lmcc.com/concrete_news/0307/hydration_and_strength.asp

[Laurentius]

Re: new build in werribee

Hi David,

Are you a brickie, too?