Mobile Hand-Formed Dome Oven Build

[rasorface]

We did a test build, using a standard concrete mix, to see if hand casting the refractory layer was feasible. In my opinion, it is not. The refractory material is expensive and I have little control in preventing gravity from fattening the bottom of the layer toward the floor. A form is definitely needed. In that regard, this link is inspiring: http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f28/...rill-2207.html (Casting Refractory - This is NOT a drill!)

[david s]

If you mix the castable up withbthe correct water content it will be stiff enough to stand up vertically. It does it better than a normal concrete brew would. It can be done without an outside mould, but you can't vibrate it or it will slump. With care you can create a good dome in one piece with very few voids.

[beagleace]

"to see if hand casting the refractory layer was feasible. In my opinion, it is not".......Looks pretty good to me, especially for a first attempt.

[doctorphreak]

to see if hand casting the refractory layer was feasible. In my opinion, it is not".......


looks darn good to me shoot if that was refrac crete i would be cooking in it now....

[rasorface]

Overkill is understating it.

Finally finished with the form for the refractory layer. A couple finishing touches, and it's time to pour.

If I ever build another one (hoping so), I think I'll use sand for the inner form. The inner form will be sacrificed after the pour. The outer form might be reusable.

[sonomacast]

wow, that's a work of art on it's own. Shame to get it dirty, How is the door/entrance to be formed
? Good luck and good work.
See my build at http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/43/f...day-16182.html and http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/43/f...ild-17613.html
If I can help in any way please don't hesitate to contact. Thank you

[david s]

Wow, that's hours and hours of work to make a mould. i don't think the effort is worth it for a single casting and a timber mould really takes a beating every time you make a casting, so it doesn't last too long for multiple castings.
Make sure you use some kind of release agent and vibration when you place the mix.
A small orbital sander without the sandpaper does a reasonable job for this.
Also don't mix up more than one 25 Kg bag at a time because the stuf goes off pretty quickly.Use chilled water if it's a hot day.

[Lburou]

Originally Posted by sonomacast

....snip....How is the door/entrance to be formed
? Good luck and good work....snip....

Sonomacast, you are so tactful.... Rasorface, you need to save that mold for me, its a work of art like David s says