sand and clay under the firebrick floor

[Masako Morishita]

Hi there,Forno bravians!
What other material can be used instead of clay? As you don't recommend
using mortar,would lime and sand be okay?
Is there a special kind of clay that is required?
Would plaster of paris mixed with sand do?
As you can probably imagine not many Japanese are into the DIY oven building, the advice most commonly given is why don't you hire a contractor!
In any case, your kind advice is really appreciated!

[toddj]

Hello Masako, I have heard that you can use refractory cement like you would use to bond your fire bricks together.

[ovenrookie]

Hi Masako,

I'm no authority on the topic but agree with toddj, and I am indeed intending to do just that. I am using a pre mixed fire cement which I have bought online. It comes in tubes and looks like it'll be very easy to use. I know your not over in the UK but to give you some indication as to what I mean go onto the website below and search for fire cement. This is stuff I have bought.

Good look fella, Mark

Screwfix.com - Where the Trade Buys

[Ken524]

Originally Posted by Masako Morishita

Hi there,Forno bravians!
What other material can be used instead of clay? As you don't recommend
using mortar,would lime and sand be okay?
Is there a special kind of clay that is required?
Would plaster of paris mixed with sand do?
As you can probably imagine not many Japanese are into the DIY oven building, the advice most commonly given is why don't you hire a contractor!
In any case, your kind advice is really appreciated!

Masako,

When you cut your floor bricks, save a few handfuls of the dust that is created. If you are using a wet saw, this will be a wet paste. Dry it out, by leaving it in a bucket. This is fireclay.

Place the bricks right on top of your insulating layer. Sprinkle the dried fireclay as necessary under the bricks to level them and create a flat floor.

Hope this helps!

[ovenrookie]

I like it, very clever.

[Ken524]

Works like a champ.

If you aren't going to cut your floor bricks, pre-cut a dozen or so dome bricks in half. You'll have more than enough fireclay. I saved several sessions worth of the "mud". After it all dried out I had about 10 pounds of the stuff. Kind of a shame to throw it out, but I couldn't find a use for it all.

[Masako Morishita]

Thanks guys!
I'm using every bit of wisdom given!
Domo.