New Build in West Sussex

[ianm]

Hello All

I'm looking to build a small Pompeii Oven. I have already prepared a raised base and am ready to order some bricks etc.

The dimensions of the base are 1m x 1.05m which I realise is quite small compared to most peoples

What's the best way to maximise the space I have - Do I sacrifice some insulation to make the internal diameter as big as possible. I'd be happy to only cook one pizza at a time if it only took 90 seconds, but what do you consider to be the minimum internal diameter ?

Thanks

Ian

[rokdok]

Hi Ian, don't know what the smallest practical diameter for an oven is but if space is tight then you might want to bear in mind that with regard to insulation, fire blanket has twice the insulating property of vermicrete so you only need half the thickness for a given amount of insulation. RD

[ianm]

Thanks for that RD. I think I could extend the base by adding a timber surround (the main weight of the dome would still be on the concrete pad). That could potentially give me an additional 4 inches diameter.

[ianm]

I spoke to Liam at Kilnlinings last Thursday (very helpful) and ordered some bricks and insulation. Bricks arrived yesterday so was able to make a start with the hearth. Just need to buy a saw now for the straight cuts

[rokdok]

Ian, see Cherrycolavodkas post- Screwfix have got the 210 on offer for £50. As Danno says you can get the 255 on Ebay, the evolution recon website only has 110 v ones at the moment.

[ianm]

Bit of progress today - hopefully work on the arch transition and 2nd course tomorrow...

[ianm]

2nd course done - lots of cuts so took a while...

[rokdok]

Nice Ian , always take a lot, lot longer than you think, especially with the cutting.There again that's longer to enjoy yourself.

[ianm]

Coming along.... Finding the transition to the entrance a bit tricky but this will be covered by insulation so not too worried

[leetheldc]

Hi Ian this looks great excellent perp lines inside the dome can I ask what size you ended up internally

[ianm]

Thanks Lee - Only about 27" internally and I'm hoping with plenty of thermal blanket for insulation it should warm up pretty quickly

Managed a bit more at the weekend.....

[ianm]

Dome finished. Ended up being a bit pear shaped so had to get creative !

[rokdok]

Ian, Looks really nice it's a great feeling to finish the dome, lot sod hard work well done RD

[ianm]

Front arch finished today - the neighbours will be happy all the cutting is finished !

[ianm]

Some more progress over the last couple of weeks. Had a few small curing fires and have now added 4 inches of insulating blanket and about an inch of lightweight insulating castable.

Also managed to knock up a door our of off-cuts of oak. This has a layer of Calsil board on the back