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Post by cherrycolavodka on Jun 12, 2014 16:54:37 GMT
Thanks dirtlover, its a bit of an addiction, every [spare] waking moment i spend thinking about the oven or reading up on building an oven, or just standing there looking at it. Its a wonderful feeling looking up at the little cathedral for pizza Good luck with your build cant wait to see it progress
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Post by dirtlover2005 on Jun 12, 2014 17:48:19 GMT
Ha ha - its good to know this obsessive behaviour is completely normal
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 14:14:35 GMT
I can't believe it has been so long since I posted. As you know I had a big party planned for 27th June, so I worked my sox off to get the vermicrete on in time for full firings. Now, it was a crazy month for weather, and many said it would be torrential and crazy rain and thunder. Well it was sort of, and I had decided to do a bbq instead, due to the fact I couldn't buy food for 20 pizzas and bbqing as well, I went for the safe option of burgers. Now, as it happened that didn't stop me. Late on Friday night with a few close friends we stoked her up good and proper. I had purchased the ole so mio [or whatever they are called] logs, so it got nice and hot in there. After the stragglers had left, we did the same on Saturday night - it had rained in the day so it was the right call, and I still got to have pizzas - happy days. attached are some photos to show the progress. I will then add to the story and where I am at in the next post. [don't wait with bated breath, its not THAT exciting ]
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 16:38:38 GMT
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 16:55:02 GMT
So all was going well, ready for the party, then I noticed a crack in the front arch. It expanded under heat and it worried me. So I decided to remove it. What a fool. It was bloody difficult to get out, and once I started I realized it would never have gone anywhere and my visions of it falling through were only ever likely to be in my head.. But it was done. So... front arch v2 was created. Then the fun could really begin. I've had quite a few pizza nights, but I didn't want to overdo it until i'd finished. the arch was getting sooty and I worried about fixing bricks on top for the chimney etc. Fun times, great tasting pizza. Baked bread and roasted a chicken... I wanted to cook everything in sight!
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 16:57:49 GMT
So, July has been a cracking month and I have been on holiday from the oven, enjoying it. Got sick of doing this though... So decided it was time to sort the chimney and render. Easy. Well should have been. Whilst climbing up on the side I used the arch as a balance and the upward lift was too much. No arch/chimney. all gone. Thinly disguised graffiti explains how I felt!
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 16:59:11 GMT
All Hail Archway v3 Long may you continue to reign as Archway of my oven!
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 4, 2014 17:04:37 GMT
I am now going to remove the form. If I don't come back its because I have called for professional help (trade not psych help)..
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Post by dirtlover2005 on Aug 4, 2014 22:18:06 GMT
Did it stay up? Oooh eeeer missus
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 5, 2014 10:04:09 GMT
Yes !!! Phew... now it does have a crack, but I am going to chance it. I reckon it will be ok esp. given the fact it will have further bricks laid on top. I am sure they will hold each other together.
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 5, 2014 10:09:20 GMT
OK. So next plan of attack is to get the chimney ordered and the render on.
I am thinking anchor plate, twin wall flue as soon on Alun from London's build. This is a style and ease of build choice. Not easy on the wallet! But hey ho. I've stopped counting now.
Then the render. Does anyone know of any builds using concrete dye? I was going to render using sharp sand and cement as the budget just doesn't stretch to K-rend or a derivative. I am after a graphite grey finish. Any ideas on best way to achieve this?
Finally, I've left a gap between the arch and the dome so I can wedge something in to stop the heat penetrating through. What should I use? Trying to avoid cracking.
Thanks
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Post by rcorbie on Aug 5, 2014 10:29:02 GMT
Hello, your build looks really good. Keep going with it and I am sure it will turn out great. Agree with the responses so far, I used the IT as a guide and to allow some of the steeper angled bricks to set. I went for a somewhat lower profile dome. I jumped into my build in Surbiton with little experience and research and managed to complete the dome with pear-shaped courses. You seem to be cutting your bricks to get a much better finish to mine (link to some pics below). My oven works great and I am sure your's will too. Hope that gives you some re-assurance! R Google+ images of my build
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Post by cherrycolavodka on Aug 7, 2014 22:02:36 GMT
Thanks corbie. Render is a go go. Pics to follow.
Anyone have any tips for cleaning bricks. Seem to have white wash and cement stains ion the arch. Would be great to scrub them back to original brick if possible....
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