July 23, 2014 - first two rows of concrete block
Dad and I spent several hours laying the first to rows of on concrete blocks on which the remainder of the oven will sit. (Having paid one trip to Home Depot already, I only purchased enough blocks for the first two rows.)
Mixing mortar was easy, by applying the correct amount to the correct surfaces became a challenge. At times we had to place blocks in place only to find out we needed to add or remove mortar. Another issue came in ensuring that the blocks were even, and the top of the left side was level with the top of the right side.
When all was said and done, we really did a great job and the first two rows of the base looked good.
Pictures coming soon.
Later in the evening, I started piecing together what would become the template for the dome. I used the pieces I cut on the CNC machines and attached them together using strips of 1/4" plywood as a connecting brace. It will make sense when you view the image below.
Pictures coming soon.
July 25, 2014 - third row of concrete block
After some thought on the topic, I decided, instead of making the base 4 rows of concrete block high, let's stick with three rows. We spent about 2 hours laying what would become the third and final row of concrete block.
Pictures coming soon.
July 28, 2014 - first fire bricks
I had received an e-mail last week from a friend saying "Call me SOON". I called him this morning to find out that he had fire bricks to get rid of and if I wanted them they were mine.
Not knowing what to expect, dad and I went to pick up the bricks. There were about 3 dozen solid fire bricks, 5 dozen foam-like fire bricks (I will be researching for more info on these bricks) and several bags of ceramic insulation (though we only took three).
We brought the brick home, unloaded the car and have them nicely stacked ready for use in the brick oven!
*If anyone has fire bricks (or any clay brick) they want to get rid of, please let me know!
