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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:31:29 GMT
OK so after a lot of research and convincing myself that I could do it, I have begun to build my barrel WFO. I am still finalising the details of the actual oven part, but building the base has been "fun". I am not convinced that a spirit level is my friend........yet! But as I had never laid a brick in my life, until a few weeks ago when I started the build, I am afraid that this build will look decidedly amateur compared to the fantastic finished articles that you can see on this brilliant forum. But my children say that my pizzas baked in the oven are better than Pizza Express, so I hope that means that when I cook pizzas in the WFO, they will be amazing.......?? Well thats the plan anyway! All comments, suggestions, advice is very gratefully received. Attachments:
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:32:19 GMT
concrete base with first 2 layers of blocks Attachments:
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:33:47 GMT
I wanted to ensure that the walls were solid enough so I put in an extra internal wall to add support for lintels Attachments:
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:35:20 GMT
2 lintels in place and nearly ready for paving slabs on top. Attachments:
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:36:52 GMT
3rd Lintel in place at the front, then paving slabs on top. This pic also shows the next layer of blocks above the paving slabs Attachments:
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 16, 2013 14:40:45 GMT
this pic shows the layer of blocks above the paving slabs. The weather got in the way this weekend but I will be filling the middle with thermalite blocks and then I seriously need to get the design of the oven finished so I can move forward. I have a question and would appreciate any feedback: I will be using blocks from storage heaters to build the oven floor, I have read a number of threads that say that its quite hard to keep the oven floor at the right temperature, so would anyone recommend adding an extra layer such as Calcium silicate board between the thermalites and the storage heater blocks for the oven floor? Your advice would be sincerely appreciated! Attachments:
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Post by bookemdanno on Sept 16, 2013 18:50:39 GMT
No such thing as too much insulation, so go for it! You've made a cracking start there! And welcome!
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barney
WFO Team Player
Posts: 119
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Post by barney on Sept 17, 2013 9:09:40 GMT
Second that on the insulation, if you can stretch to it, especially for the hearth.
The block work is great, if it's the first time you've wielded a spirit level in anger then you really have done a good job.
All the best for the rest of the build, keep the pics coming.
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Post by rivergirl on Sept 17, 2013 10:59:56 GMT
Welcome, looking forward to not only seeing another new build but to the photos and recipes I hope will follow!
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Post by cannyfradock on Sept 17, 2013 18:55:39 GMT
Hi Jms
For someone who hasn't laid a brick before......you're doing extremely well.
YES...you will need a thermal layer beneath your storage heater fire-brick hearth. You can use cal-cil board which will give the best thermal value...or use insulation blocks...thermolite etc., laid flat....no need for both. I have used cal-cil board on a few occasions, but most of my builds I have just used thermal blocks, laid flat...they work well.
Terry
p.s...you have mentioned using both insulation blocks AND cal-cil board.....nothing wrong with this as long as you have calculated the finished height of your hearth, which ...as a rule of thumb is elbow height of the person using the oven.
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 18, 2013 11:50:42 GMT
Thanks for all the encouragement, I am certainly enjoying the build even if every block is not quite perfectly level!
Thanks also for the feedback on my question regarding insulation. I am also of the opinion that you can never have enough.
Terry - I intend to lay the thermalite blocks on their edge (long, narrow edge) in the same way that the concrete blocks are laid as per the final photo above.
So, the next dumb question is:
If thermalites are laid on their edge, not laid flat, does that affect their thermal properties?
I will probably go for the Calc-sil board anyway, just for good measure.
Suggestions, comments are most welcome!
Cheers
Jas
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Post by bookemdanno on Sept 18, 2013 12:06:59 GMT
you will be very well insulated with your idea, and have more than double what most oven builders are satisfied with. Just stack the thermolites in there, simply butted together with no mortar between them. You may not need any underneath either!
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petec
WFO Team Player
Posts: 232
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Post by petec on Sept 18, 2013 16:57:07 GMT
I seriously doubt that you need any other underfloor insulation if you are stacking the thermalites on their edges !!
good luck with rest of build. cheers pete
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Post by jsmythk on Sept 27, 2013 11:30:06 GMT
Hi All,
I got cracking on the thermalites last night but found that the base is not square due to my amateur bricklaying and so I had to start shaping the thermalites which was most annoying.
I now need to take them out to put mortar underneath but they are butted very tight with no gap whatsoever in between.
Bookemdanno - you mention in your post above, that I may not need mortar underneath the Thermalites. How should I judge whether or not I do need mortar underneath?
Thoughts and suggestions welcome!
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Post by bookemdanno on Sept 27, 2013 12:28:12 GMT
If the base is level, and the blocks fit within the area tightly then the Mortar isn't necessary. But as you've just indicated that things aren't that plumb, then mortar will help level things out.
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