Fnbrokens Corner WFO in Canberra, Australia

[fnbroken]

Yeah, that's what's getting me DJ - there is little feedback on if they are a useful thing or not... further mulling/chiming in from others would be handy about now...especially those who have one and what you think of it.

As an aside, I just finished reading the 'show us ya door' thread you started as it popped up in new posts... some great functional and really aesthetic doors to get ideas from...

Stainless inner surface, calsil blanket, ceramic rope seal, handles attached to outer shell only, thermometer, timber facade. What looks like a stand/bracket to hold it tight against the inner vent - perhaps one of these would make that job easier... I figure Im going to be getting a few things made in stainless, so a CAD to assist...

My current WFO has a thermal glass window - looks pretty - but im assuming it isnt very practical for heat retention...

[deejayoh]

Personally, I never saw the purpose of an ash chute. I clean my oven between firings. Sweep it out in two minutes right into a big dustpan. Never wished I had one.

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A visual of what I mean...

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Ash Chute / SS Thermal Break question:

Could I combine these? Have the SS TB removable (couple tabs on the very outside) to lift it out as required? Essentially it would be like a plug to the ash chute hole - Would this still provide the same TB qualities?

I would need to make the TB 50mm wide...

Thoughts?

[fnbroken]

No experience, just don't mind systems - once you crack the basic code - particularly the order in which to constuct a part - it starts to flow. Then when you can't figure something out, someone else has so Google becomes your friend. Starting is the hardest - when it is all too confusing. That said, I have spent quite a few hours on it!

Happy to share the plans to anyone interested it's a pity their isn't a 'reference' library of distances and relationships. If there was, most of the measurements are based on a few key lengths and this could be quickly and easily modified.

Ive been very distracted by the CAD - I can't remember what questions I've asked, and if I've figured it out or need to ask again!

[JRPizza]

Wow, you sure picked cad up fast - have you had previous experience? I'd like a copy of your model when you are done to add to my collection, if you don't mind. If you ever get access to a 3D printer you can export models to print - it would be kinda fun to print a small oven, I might have to give it a try.

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My first attempt at 3D modelling - stainless steel components to be ordered...

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And some more...
Flue Mount


Combined, though a bit hard to make it all out...


Next step is to put the foundation/stand in and join the each of the component parts to create 3D images which I can color code and make it all easier to see. This will allow me to fit 'bricks' into the structure - hopefully getting me an accurate count of material requirements etc...

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The demolition hammer died and has been sent for repair under warranty ... so spent a little more time on the CAD program....

Constructed a few more components and realigned herringbone pattern floor to minimise 'small bits', especially along the front...

Inner Vent


Outer Vent (with thermal break and ash chute


Serpentine Flue Chamber

[JRPizza]

Glad you are having fun with the Cad program. We had a saying at work "trust but verify", which is a good philosophy with using a modeling program. I was able to figure out exactly where on my hearth I should have the center of my oven, then put my cardboard mockup at that point just to make sure.
By the way, I think I might be the "newbie" that Gulf was talking about in his post above. He helped me so much in understanding the geometry of the oven - I would probably still be scratching my head if he hadn't been willing to help me out

[fnbroken]

Thanks Russell - check my post that popped in just before yours - I think I'm hooked on FreeCAD lol...

I have a couple searches with notifications set up for any brick saw that might appear in a number of classifieds - hopefully something reasonable will turn up before I really need it.

I was about to post a general query to the Aussie folk about there most recent experiences with obtaining materials at reasonable prices....With things like this, specialty in nature, you rarely find sales or really good deals. I'm basically going to look for bargains where I can up until need it to progress, then bite the built and get what I can as best I can.

[UtahBeehiver]

When I built my oven, which is still not completely done after 5-6 years, there were design or material changes along the way but the core design remained the same. Although an engineer by schooling and used computers daily in my real work, I did most of my planning with a #2 pencil and grid paper (sans the slide ruler - LOL). Some people are CAD nerds like JR but I am not. Good luck. You may want to contact Colin (aka) as Oasiscm if you head down to Melborne to see his oven or get resource info. I guess material and Labour cost are just plain costly in the Southern Hemi. Some the Aussie builders have been successful in finding materials via your version of Craiglist or classifieds but it takes time.A wet saw might be something to start looking for.

[fnbroken]

So, got to playing with FreeCAD a little bit too much today.... Big shout out to JR who sent me a number of plans that enabled me to pull them apart, understand and reconstruct my own...

A few images of the components - even got down to laying out the firebrick floor in a herringbone pattern / calsil etc.

Will try something a little harder tomorrow and model the serpentine flue and inner/outer arch forms. You can print these images off on full size accuracy - might take a few pages and a bit of stick tape - but hey! cardboard forms done!

[fnbroken]

The devil is always in the detail - research and planning is one thing - but once you get started and find you don't have the skills for key elements or it takes longer to get into the swing of things than you thought - all plans can come undone. Whilst i *think* I have planned this thing out - each stage I can see has its own challenges and will probably be subject to further refinement or change.

Plus the wealth of knowledge and innovation here will keep me on my toes

lol...I don't think I have ever completed a project in line with the original plans...and I hope to leave this house 'feet first' if you know what I mean.

[Gulf]

.......Fine tuning and working out those distances if you have time would be super handy as a starting point for a cardboard mock up.

I was just beginning to edit my reply. I see from your post while I was composing mine that you are already on top of this. You are in good hands. And, your willingness to do your own research makes this one easy "to hit out of the park" .