Fnbrokens Corner WFO in Canberra, Australia

[fnbroken]

Thanks guys, the design has worked out really well - not that I can take the credit for the finish though - grey gold that stuff (bloody expensive)....

The concretor wondered why I didnt do it level as well (could have) but I am still undecided if I will cover it or not (leaning towards a cover atm). Either way the idea was to minimise water getting under the stand and into the wood storage area. The wood itself will be up on metal racks (not on the ground) so there is good airflow around the timber to season it.

The whole area gets stenciled at the end of January - so hoping to have the stand (rendered) and hearth built before then...will give it to the new year to cure thoroughly before starting to put weight on it.

[jonv]

Like the idea of the metal racks - might have to borrow that.

[fnbroken]

Concretors finally returned to finish the job...120 odd besser blocks arrive on the weekend!

Might revise my time estimates to complete at this rate :/

[fnbroken]

Delivered! At 6pm on a Sunday night while were out for dinner and left in the middle of the driveway /)...gotta love moving blocks in the dark...grrr

Let the build begin!!

[fnbroken]

Steel arrived during the week - decided to use 12mm rebar and 1.0mm condeck as permanent formwork under the top slab.

Spent some time today laying out the block work and marking the location for the rebar uprights, will drill holes and epoxy them in over the weekend.

Undecided if I will mortar the blocks together at this stage - thoughts?

[timechanter]

I just used landscape construction adhesive, primarily because it's fast. Down side was its way more expensive than mortar , and my bricks have dimensions that mean width and depth are not exact multiples, so every alternate course is 20mm shorter (10mm each end) . Rendering has hidden it well.

[fnbroken]

Some progress today - epoxy'd in the uprights and used construction adhesive for the block work. Need to get the brick saw out to keep going....

Good call on the liquid nails timechanter - made quick and easy work of it....

[fnbroken]

A bit more progress this week... top row of blocks cut ready for the top slab. Also started the outdoor kitchen bench which will have the BBQ, prep area and sink...

Next is cut to formwork for the arch pour, support slab and top edges.

Progress is slow, but will get there eventually!

[terratree]

Just wondering how the progress is on this Greg ? I'm up to a similar stage as your last post, and am following this closely.

Doing the same build as this in the NT (I've had my firebricks, flue, and vermiculite for about 7 years).

Keen to learn where your sourcing your products from too.

Cheers

Jay

[fnbroken]

Hi Jay,

One word....slow . If anyone in Canberra wants to help mix a few meters of concrete for the slabs in a couple weekends time - feel free to sing out. Beer and pizzas after!

I've managed to finish the besser blocks for the kitchen and cut the condeck to length and laid it out ready. I'm waiting on a special order sink from Bunnings as I will need to leave a hole to suit in the concrete benchtop.

Rebar / mesh and formwork for the slabs are next...

Will be getting the bulk of my supplies from either Sydney Fire Bricks or Field Furnace. Have yet to find a supplier for thermal rope, glue and a stainless steel flu components.

Cheers
Greg

[Steady]

Regarding thermal rope - do you mean the same stuff that is used as a door seal on a wood heater?

If yes, I noticed various diameters for sale in Bunning's the other day

[fnbroken]

Thanks Steady - never ceases to amaze me what things B sells..... Will need to check its temp rating is all - I plan to use it as a heat break between oven and front chamber...

[UtahBeehiver]

Just make sure, if ceramic fiber rope, you should seal the rope so fibers will not get to the cooking or food surfaces.

[fnbroken]

Cool...will do. High temp sealant is on my list for the flu and oven door as well.

[fnbroken]

A little more progress....finished the block work and cut the condeck for the slab support. Will cut and weld in the rebar and mesh during the week and then build the formwork for the door arches on the weekend...

Gotta love spring weather to get out and do something fun!