Fire in the Fens - My Vault WFO near Cambridge

[ringo]

Smart

Good work fella!

[barney]

A bit of an aside, but as requested here are some more details on the table and benches for nixie.

There was no specific plan and the dimensions were modelled on the table and chairs I have in my kitchen. So the table is 70cm high and 75cm wide by 180cm long. All the angles are 20 degrees with the A-frame being glued and screwed at the cross member and also at the supports for the table top. The table required further strengthening with a board between the A-frame cross members, the chairs seem to manage OK with the back boards proving rigidity in this dimension.




The benches were a little more complicated, but the basic A-Frame is a smaller version of that for the table, with boards ripped in half lengthways for the supports to make them a more appropriate size. The bench height is 44cm (taken from those kitchen chairs). The supports for the backs have a slightly complicated angle that was greater than the chop saw could manage, but is basically the result of continuing with 20 degree lay back for the back and how that intersected with the rear leg, I think it was about a 60 degree cut (my poor woodworking knowledge is starting to show now, I just laid it up and marked one by hand, cutting from that template later). The other dimensions were based on 3 boards spaced 6mm apart.




The backs look a bit flimsy, but there is a big old screw through the base of the back support, where it joins the supports for the bench boards, this essentially creates a pivot which forces the join with the back leg together rather than apart. The whole thing has so much polyurethane wood glue on it anyway, I think it would hold together on its own! Plus those decking screws are just fantastic at pulling things together.

Here's hoping they last for a few years yet.

[nixie]

Thanks, they do look good. Prices up really well too (we did a fag packet estimate of £50 based on wickes discount decking at the moment). I think I may be copying that idea .

[barney]

I think you are about right with that estimate, now look how much something similar would cost ready-made (closer to £500). I'm really glad I went down this route for both the look and the saving; feel free to imitate, it is the most sincere compliment. If you want any more info just PM me. Good luck.

[barney]

I've been trying to keep an eye on costs as I have proceeded with this build. As quite a bit was donated/scrounged this has been a little difficult, but I have made the following spreadsheet which may help someone in costing up a similar build:

WFO Account

Amazing how the little things add up. I've put in some tools I couldn't have done without, but these will now be available for other projects (the sander has already come in useful elsewhere), and I haven't detailed the leftovers which will probably just be given away when I'm sure I don't need them any more (keep an eye on the classifieds). All in all I think it compares pretty favourably to a modular build or other off-the-shelf purchase.

[cannyfradock]

Barney

Your hyperlink to the pricing of your completed outdoor cooking station is excellent!!.........it's not only a brilliant reference for others (thanks for sharing) but it shows how much can be achieved for a relatively reasonable price.

Love the finished job.....and please don't be shy of posting any pics you take from the results of all your hard work.....

Terry

[barney]

The final seal of approval has been added to my oven! The Italian in-laws are escaping from the heat of northern Italy and yesterday was my first chance to fire it up.

With just the four of us (and my little daughter) eating I was able to take orders like a restaurant and everyone got the pizza of their choice. The result was perfect and the Italians were vociferous in their appreciation. I've cooked for quite a few people now, and of course one should only seek to satisfy oneself, but getting the thumbs-up from people I know appreciate quality pizza was a real boost after all the hard work that has gone into this build.

Still lots to explore and perfect, but I've even had the chance to make my favourite: Calzone

[cannyfradock]

Barney

Nothing better than a pat on the back. Nice to see you reaping the rewards of all your hard work.

Terry

[barney]

Thanks Terry,

Would have been twice as difficult and half as much fun without this place, you guys do an excellent job too!

[samuraidave]

Barney,

What an excellent build. I know from personal experience that without this site I would have just floundered around in the dark and just got into trouble with my other half. Enjoy your creation and I an envious of your fantastic design/building skills. Cook lots and share the love of these simple but totally cool WFO.

Dave

[muddy4x4]

I have to say that I never get bored or don't appreciate people coming and saying wow, that was fantastic !
Keep up the good work and enjoy what your doing !

[moorsy]

Hello Barney,

Only just looked through your thread now, great build bu the way, and I am very interested in the "firing door". How did you make it? Is it insulated? How do you find it works, is fire making quicker, less wood needed, less smoke?
I have been using a temporary firing door on my WFO (made from the plywood arch form used in construction, covered in foil and perched on two bricks), i find it works very well for getting the fire going and reducing smoke. I am looking for a more permanent door and your one looks the business.
thanks Moorsy

[barney]

Hi Moorsy,

Thanks for the comments, the firing door is really quite simple, just a piece of aluminium (stainless steel would be better as alu mets around 650C and at times it can get very pliable!) cut to the right shape with a jigsaw (blade for metal!) and with some little flaps bent each way for feet to keep it upright. The 'letter box' at the base is the same cross-sectional area as the flue to ensure good draw and is just bent back in to the oven to direct the air down, but I think slightly smaller would improve the airflow speed and help to draw the fresh air to the back of the oven.

I'm not sure how much of a benefit it is because I have never fired it without it on! But if you feel the heat coming out of the door on firing when it is not there compared to when it is you can only assume that it improves heat retention in the oven and therefore reduces firing time. Just an assumption though I'm afraid.

Could do with an insulated handle as gets very hot during firing!

Hope this helps!

[moorsy]

Thanks Barney, I'm going to gind some sheet metal and give it a go. I was thinking that maybe the vent slot could be hinged so then I could push it forward after firing and use it as a door to the oven as well when doing any baking, roasting etc when a live fire is not needed.

[barney]

In that case it would certainly need to be insulated, there are some good fire-proof board products out there which would do the job. That was not a consideration with mine because the inner arch is larger than the outer arch to encourage smoke up the flue rather than out the front, so the firing door won't fit. I have a larger insulated door for closing up with for retained heat cooking.