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Post by dave36 on Sept 6, 2016 13:25:53 GMT
hello I thought I would chip in with 'my build' (more accurately a collection of different ideas I have copied from here, optimistically the best bits...). Never built anything before and have a new baby so this one may be a slow burn. Aiming for all but the dome by Christmas and the dome late Spring when the weather turns, bear with me. Progess thus far...200x140x10 framework dug in... Attachments:
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Post by dave36 on Sept 6, 2016 13:29:06 GMT
And I have also filled - 3-4inches of sub-base compacted into the earth (check out my 80yr old neighbour doing a lot of the hard work). Bought from Wickes (grade MOT 1) surprisingly dear, but compacted really well.
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Post by dave36 on Sept 6, 2016 13:32:41 GMT
And then topped with ready mix 40N Hanson max strength concrete, 3-4inches again, 18 bags I think, and ran out then bought a slightly different kind, thus the funny shading on right hand side (first small mistake, many more to come)...nice and smooth though (thanks to my very handy neighbour, not much to do with me).
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Post by dave36 on Sept 6, 2016 13:35:08 GMT
And finally to get me up to real time - 2.7 tonnes arrived from Wickes on the hottest day of the year for me to cart to the back of the garden.
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Post by dave36 on Sept 10, 2016 19:47:12 GMT
Hello, Good Progess today....3*2 slabs laid, 600*600 by 50mm, suggest if anyone else lays these slabs, ask for help...they're heavy! Tip - don't buy ready mix slab layer, too hard to hammer down to make level, mix your own mushy concrete.
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Post by albacore on Sept 10, 2016 20:23:42 GMT
Looks good so far; just wondering what the paving slabs are for?
Lance
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Post by dave36 on Sept 11, 2016 6:37:43 GMT
Beginning to feel like progress, all slabs down and have mapped out base. Realised that I build the wood store / food prep area (see RHS) at 90 degrees, I can do layers 1 and 3 without cutting any blocks... Ps- I feel compelled for no good reason to have a double wall of bricks where pizza over meets wood storage. Not needed, but given I have excess blocks (cheaper to buy a pallet of 88 than 60), thought why not.
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Post by dave36 on Sept 11, 2016 6:42:05 GMT
Lance
The slabs are just for a bit for support / weight spreading. Also discovering they're handy for lining up the blocks with. I should BTW, acknowledge Matt's (from Worcester) build; the base is a modified version of his base design.
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Post by dave36 on Sept 15, 2016 17:28:12 GMT
First two courses done....hard work in hot weather. Am studiously using spirit levels to make sure all is horizontal and vertical - harder than I thought (not having done this before...)
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Post by curlygirl on Sept 15, 2016 21:49:05 GMT
Looking great! We slabbed under ours too. Wouldn't worry too much if you have to cut blocks. Pretty easy - bolster chisel and block hammer - pretty accurate :0) don't you feel great when you get anther bit finished? I've never done anything like this before either! I spend quite a lot of time admiring my own handy work!
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Post by dave36 on Sept 18, 2016 14:12:58 GMT
Hurray, almost half way there on the base. Getting the hang of mortaring and only one block slightly out (will be remedied / hidden by the render in due course).
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Post by dave36 on Sept 26, 2016 7:56:01 GMT
An update...added a layer of blocks on their side (concerned it is getting a little tall), in filled the space with some dry sand (for extra insulation) and put down some DPC on the blocks and then another layer of paving slabs, with some caulking to keep the water out of the sand layer.
One more layer to go; the insulation layer before downing tools for the winter...
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Post by dave36 on Oct 2, 2016 18:43:32 GMT
Hurray, if never lay another concrete block again, I'll die happy. Final layer down, I'm up to 95cm, it's a little more imposing than I thought. Will be spending next week reading up on how to render for the weekend ahead. A tip BTW- Render will be 15mm thick or so, which I didn't account for, thus when I put the two paving slabs on the wood storage end, it won't fully cover...oh well, let's say I'm going for the rustic look...
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Post by dave36 on Oct 11, 2016 7:03:32 GMT
Am beginning to wonder if this may be the slowest build of the forum....have now done the render scratch coat - 5:1:1 sharp sand:Portland cement:water plus a dash of waterproofer. Was actually quite easy (to my surprise, never having done it), but suspect the second smooth coat may be more difficult. I've put in some batons on the wall to 'rule off' against and hopefully will help with keeping the second coat flat and equal depth. Watch this space (patiently). Oh, one other thought - have realised I could turn the end into a dual charcoal BBQ, quite like the idea. Two for the price of one! (Ps - if anyone has any thoughts on whether 38mm concrete slabs will take the heat of charcoal on them, would welcome your thoughts).
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Post by dave36 on Nov 19, 2016 4:16:07 GMT
So, finally finished the rendering, ended up being a little 'rustic' in places - I've learned (too late) that adding softsand to the render mix can help with a smooth finish and masonary filler (bit like wood putty, but for concrete) is good stuff and can fill in uneven patches. Am now downing tools for the worst of winter with the plan to build the clay oven in late Feb / March.
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