stu
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Posts: 9
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Post by stu on Apr 24, 2016 18:15:19 GMT
Hi I'm just starting out my build of a Pompeii style oven. Other than a bit of laboring when I was younger I'm pretty much a novice builder but have always wanted my own pizza oven. So having just moved into my own place with a small garden the first thing I'm doing with the garden is building one!
I have been spending loads of time on here getting ideas and tips and it has been super useful. Still have a few questions I couldn't find answers too. So: For the block work that I'm going to building my base from I see a lot of people all use concrete blocks, but I was tempted to use thermolite blocks for the base instead as they are a lot easier to work with. Would this work, and would they still be strong enough? I'm sure there will be more questions to come but that is my main concern right now. Thanks for any advice.
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Post by gracie on Apr 24, 2016 19:04:15 GMT
Hi Stu, not sure on the strength of aerated blocks, but welcome !
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Post by cobblerdave on Apr 24, 2016 22:36:35 GMT
G'day Thermolite block or "hebel" the local product is a good method of building a base and has the added advantage of providing insulation under your oven. My own oven has 50 mm of hebel as under oven insulation. Mine is on a 100 mm concrete base. The hebel must be supported to do the job of holding up an oven. How much and what's required I couldn't advise you. Perhaps the local supplier would help? Hebel Australia would only deal with qualified builders that's why i went the path I went. I have seen a couple of ovens built on a hebel base so I know it's possible Regards dave
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Post by cobblerdave on Apr 24, 2016 22:42:47 GMT
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Post by albacore on Apr 25, 2016 20:00:32 GMT
I think you could use Thermalites to build your base walls. Instinctively, I thought that they would absorb too much moisture to be suitable for exterior use. However it seems that the aerated structure is comprised of closed cells, so they don't absorb moisture. Indeed they can be specified for house construction walls (single skin!). BUT, and I think it could be a big but, they can be a nightmare to render over, with cracking of the render a major problem - if you do some Googling, you'll see what I mean. If you are going to build an outer skin of brickwork, this may not be a problem, but for a rendered finish, be careful!
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stu
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Posts: 9
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Post by stu on Apr 27, 2016 6:59:18 GMT
Thanks for the help and advise, despite it being tempting to go for the easier I option and use thermolite I think I will stick to the concrete blocks. I had a conversation with a builder, he said thermolite are fine outside if you render them straight away but they will absorb too much moisture and become difficult to work with if not covered/rendered immediately. Apparently 1 thermolite block can hold up to 10 pints of water!
So struggling with the cuts on the concrete blocks seems to be the way forward for now.
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stu
member
Posts: 9
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Post by stu on May 13, 2016 20:21:38 GMT
Ok so next question, I'm struggling to find any solid brick to build my dome with for a reasonable price, however I have found paving bricks pretty cheaply. Would a paving brick do for building a dome?
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stu
member
Posts: 9
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Post by stu on May 13, 2016 20:23:59 GMT
Or dose anyone know of anywhere on the Dorset, Hampshire border or surrounding area that would supply solid bricks at a reasonable price?
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Post by downunderdave on May 13, 2016 23:38:32 GMT
Ok so next question, I'm struggling to find any solid brick to build my dome with for a reasonable price, however I have found paving bricks pretty cheaply. Would a paving brick do for building a dome? Yes, you can use paving bricks, but make sure they are clay pavers not concrete ones. Because clay pavers are typically only around 2" thick, there's not much to hold them together. There are clay pavers and clay pavers, so there is no guarantee of their suitability. Clay pavers are designed to be walked on, not rapidly fired and cooled on a regular basis. This is why firebrick is preferred, however many clay pavers are perfectly adequate as dome bricks. Take the advice of the brick merchant and hope they know what they're talking about. Best to parge the outside of the dome with some more home-brew mortar to help hold the structure together.
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stu
member
Posts: 9
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Post by stu on May 14, 2016 7:29:25 GMT
Excellent, thanks for that. If love to use fire bricks for the whole dome but they are just too expensive for my budget right now (Already spent more than I thought I would!). Just managed to find some solid engineering bricks for a reasonable price, think they should be better.
Another question, is there much difference between hydrated lime and regular lime as far as making the homebrew goes?
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