The Badger Build

[Frances]

Its looking really good! And I love the idea of a Family time capsule... are you allowed to say what's in it?

[thebadger]

Frances,

Sure, nothing "top secret"

We just put in our yearly family letters that we send out at christmas, pictures of our kids and some neighbors and misc items - why I built the oven and most important I included the oven plans... I figured if it came down maybe someone will want to build another one. I put as much on paper as I could and included an old SD card - not sure if it will be able to be easily read by whomever finds it - anyone remember 8 track or even cassette tapes to some degree.

This was a fun project to get the kids involved.

Thanks
Dick

[fullback66]

Badger,
Can I have a copy of your plans?
fb66

[thebadger]

Fullback,

No special plans - just the standard FB .pdf...

My plans are all in my head

DIck

[thebadger]

Gang,

I think I've got my hearth placed where I want it and it's pretty smooth. I want to take a break and check it again. Still trying to figure out the arch/dome transition. I'm hoping to get my first few courses done later this week/weekend.

Right now my hearth is about 43 1/2 inches high - seems like a good height.

Thanks
Dick

[asudavew]

Originally Posted by thebadger

Still trying to figure out the arch/dome transition.
Thanks
Dick

You will probably think about this until it's done.
Great build so far.

Thanks for posting your progress.
I have to live vicariously these days!

You will be cooking pies in no time!

Time capsule.. great idea.

keep posting!

Dwats

[asudavew]

Just a tip.

I built forms for my arches....
The first one I left in for .. 3 or 4 days.
When I pulled the forms the arch cracked.

(then came a second building of the arch)



The second one I left in longer.... It didn't crack until I fired up the oven.

So... in hindsight... pull the forms for the arch right away.
Try to make sure it can support itself from the get-go.

It has to do it's job. (and that's coming from a fellow who has to rebuild his arch... after the fact) ... for the third time...

Dave

[gjbingham]

Looking great Dick! Love those pics!

[thebadger]

Gang,

Progress!!!!

Started mortaring the soldier course and the first 3 rows. All in all in went pretty well. My work isn’t as refined as most but it’s mine and I hope it will work. As you can tell I copied another FB Poster (Oventhusiast) on his different color rows for a touch of whimsy. My brick dealer just happened to have 30 or so in the red color.

So far I’ve used 1 1/3 bags of heatstop!!! I bought 3 – 50 lb bags – hope I have enough…

QUESTIONS

1. In a couple of spots I’ve noticed small “cracks” between the mortar and brick – like it’s drying too fast. YES – I soaked my bricks for 1-2 hours (too long maybe) and I think my mortar was wet enough – like peanut butter??? Any suggestions. I’m not too concerned as I only noticed 1 or two places were this happened.
2. When you stop on at a row, what’s the best way to get those bricks wet since you can’s “soak a row”?
3. Do you have to get mortar in every crevis - can you have voids where there isn't any mortar - issues?

I’m hoping to work on the vent/arch next weekend and starting tying it into the rows.

Thanks
Dick

[mfiore]

Dick,

I really dig the red brick "stripes". I wish I could find red firebricks locally.

I can't tell from you photos, are you cutting a taper on the bricks, or using shims and mortar?

mike