Hi Ed,
Looks like you have lots of support already. I am half way through my build (42" Pompei). I have had some challenges along the way but nothing I haven't been able to overcome. I too was a total novice but now I have laid a slab, built and reinforced the stand, added a reinforced top slab and built 6 courses using tapered firebricks. I am in the process of constructing the vent opening 'forms', while waiting for some material to be shipped. A friend of mine was building a similar oven and he was about 4 weeks ahead of me so he provided great advice about the practicalities, suppliers, what didn't work and obtaining brick cutting equipment etc. The forum is excellent, especially for some of the more complex bits.
I nearly had the oven built professionally and apart from being way too expensive I am glad I am doing it myself. No hurry, just getting it done!
Your effort will be rewarded.
Good luck
Cheers
Wookie (all the way from Aussie)
