Greg's Pompeii 42" - San Diego Pompeii Oven Construction Discuss Greg's Pompeii 42" - San Diego in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; The 6th row is the first row where gravity is starting to overcome friction. I can't dry set the bricks ...

[geisen]

The 6th row is the first row where gravity is starting to overcome friction. I can't dry set the bricks anymore. they slide off. I also have to allow a little more set up time before I can move the arm and set the next brick. Previous rows I could set the next brick as fast as I could lay the mortar. Now I have to slow down and drink a swig of beer in between bricks.

[geisen]

6th row finished. The guide arm is really keeping the whole oven in a perfect circle. A little variation at the arch transition cuz i used whole bricks but it will be easily fixed on the next row.

By the way, just want to re-emphasize, soak the bricks and use a sponge to wet all surfaces before laying the mortar. Otherwise the firebrick sucks all the water out of the mortar too fast. I kept a couple of inches of water in the bottom of a wheelbarrow. makes it easy to move a row of bricks from the pile to the saw and to the WFO all while keeping the bricks wet. seems to really help the mortar bond better.

[Dino_Pizza]

Looks great Greg. That very slight lean against the inner arch you have is hard to avoid. You'll be able to bring that right back to "round" on the next row. Attaching the rings to that arch where a bit hard for me but you've made it look easy. Nice work and pics too, Dino

[Bandrasco]

Very nice work Greg. Great choice on the flared entry as well. You'll be cooking in no time.

I think the stone work and arches really make the setting for your pizza oven. Can't wait to see the final product.

Keep up the good work,

Bill

[geisen]

Still plugging away. Row 7 almost up.

[geisen]

3 more to go?

[exceloven]

Looks great Greg, keep plugging away. Once I started cooking I stopped the finish of the exterior. Don't do what I did! Although its hard to resist once you start using it.

Mark

[eprante]

Greg,

Your project looks great. I am in El Cajon and just started thinking about doing this project. I have been reading the site for a couple of weeks trying to learn as much as possible. I would love to see the project in person, and see exactly how you are doing the cuts on the bricks etc(since I've never laid or cut a brick in my life). If that is too much to ask, no worries, I'll just keep looking at the pictures. You can email me at eprante@yahoo.com

Eric

Thanks,

[geisen]

Eric
You are welcome anytime.
Wear your work clothes and we'll give you some hands on training. ;-)
GG

[mfiore]

Looks great. Nice to see it closing in. Keep it up.