The Badger Build

[Frances]

Dick, that looks really good - love the stripes!

I think small cracks are normal (post a pic maybe?), I soaked the bricks that were already on the oven with a wet sponge right before setting down the next brick, and i would think that your dome would be stronger from having as few voids in the mortar as possible - though having some voids will probably be una-void-able (lousy pun fully inteded)

You'll probably get some more professional advice from other members though ...

[thebadger]

Mfiore,

I'm just using bricks and mortar. I'm using the HF dry saw so I can't make a ton of intricate cuts so therefore not taper cuts. Working well so far.

Dick

[PizzaJNKY]

Go Badger! That looks really nice.

[beaglestorm]

Great looking oven! How tall is you soldier course? I am trying to decide what height to go with.

-Michael

[thebadger]

Beaglestorm

My soldier course is the 4 1/2" high - standar brick on it's side. I'm aiming for an 18 inch or slightly lower dome for my 36"...

Dick

[beaglestorm]

Great! 4 1/2" is waht I was planning to use, but was not sure it would look proportional. Actually beeing able to see it now on your oven, the size looks perfect, not too big or too small. Thanks.

-Michael

[thebadger]

Gang,

Not too much progress to report. I did get the sides up for the oven vent.

One question, I tried to clean the mortar off but as you can see there is a slight haze on the brick. What's the best way to remove???

Steel wool?
Water/tile scrubbing pad?
Chemical?

Let me know.

Thanks
Dick

[Les]

Muriatic acid - wear gloves and glasses, it's nasty stuff. You apply it with a sponge. Since you are looking pretty clean already, I would dilute it 1 part acid, 3 parts water to begin with. If that doesn't do the trick, go to 50/50.

Les...

[brokencookie]

Dick
Be careful when you dilute the acid. Muratic is a trade name for hydrochloric acid. Always start with your volume of water and add the acid to it. The reaction is exothermic ( gives off heat). If you add water to the acid you can get a very strong reaction up to and including volumes of hot steam.I run a lab and we are always retraining chemists and techs about this fact of life. We have signs all over stating "ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER". Yet once or twice a year someone will goof and we will have to hose them down and write reports.
If you get some on you just rinse well with water. When it dries it will leave a white residue. If you wet the residue it becomes hydrochloric acid again. So,when you are done rinse it more than you think it needs. The solution is dilution.
I am always amazed and the wide variety of dangerous chemical you can buy over the counter. Most people have a ton them under thier sinks and don't even know it.


Bruce

[mfiore]

Very sound advice, Bruce.