Thanks guys, for the kind words! They are much appreciated!
I'm currently misting the dome 2 or 3 times daily to get the refractory mortar as hard as possible before the curing fires (in a week or two)get underway.
I'm a bit concerned about the vermiculite pad under the oven. It's still very firm but with all the building, misting, and rainy weather we've been having here in Boston Ma., the pad is soaking wet. Is this something I should be worried about or will it dry out with the fires? I'm planning to 'doghouse' over the oven and I want to make sure everything is bone dry before I insulate everything and cover it up.
Thanks again,
Best to all,
Rick