All things vermiculite.........

[Sherlock]

Ok, perhaps its just me - but putting vermicrete on to chicken wire must be someones idea of a joke !

If its not slumping, its springing off - and I've used several different mixes ! Eventually managed to get a thinnish coat on and will now put another 2/3 inches on when dry.

Any thoughts, prompts, sympathy appreciated !!



Frustrated of Warwickshire !!

[tonyb]

I must admit, I found it a little awkward but probably through good luck I didn't find it as bad as others report, although a pompeii domed shape helps I'm sure.

The technique I used was to build up handfuls around the base all the way round then add a layer on top and continue working upwards - a bit like bricklaying, where the 'bricks' are handfuls.

[cannyfradock]

Sherlock

...It's not you !!!....As Tony has said it's difficult stuff to use. The problem with vermiculite is......it doesn't like having water added to it.

The best method I found is to empty 2 x 100ltr bags into an empty 1 ton jumbo sand/chippings bag and chuck in a bucket of water. Mix the stuff up and leave overnight. The next day, throw in half a bag of cement .....and if you have it a shovel of lime. You will find that the vermiculite will take on a different texture when water is added the day before.....it will bind a lot easier. Vermiculite is difficult to use at the best of times, but really does make a difference to your oven.

Terry

[Sherlock]

thanks Terry
not too bad now - worse bit was easily getting the first layer onto the chicken wire putting on one area pushed another out, maybe the mesh needed to be tighter ?
Now using method as per Tony - building up a 'ledge' / row at a time - just mixing 6:1 in a barrow and working fine - folding like a cake to keep air in ! Use float as 'shuttering', backfilling with trowel - if that makes any sense ?
Seems fine - so far !!
Thanks again...........................