refractory mortar

[lwood]

Not sure I would want to use aluminum utensils. Have we come to some conclusion here?

[Tscarborough]

I use aluminum peels.

[pizza_bob]

I did away with my aluminum peel and brass bristled brush. I ordered and am expecting this pizza peel:

Amazon.com: Paderno World Cuisine 9-Inch Diameter Plain Stainless-Steel Pizza Peel, 59-Inch Long Handle: Kitchen & Dining

[C5dad]

Originally Posted by dmun

Is it true that the aluminum oxide used in our firebricks is a by-product of the bauxite to aluminum process?

Unfortunately no. The byproduct is called red mud which has all sorts of cats and dogs. From what I understand, the mfgrs will do a controlled oxidation either when the aluminum is hot or via chemical.

If you want to see aluminum oxide being formed, get a really hot fire going and then toss an aluminum can in it. Do this in a fire pit as you need an excess of oxygen. You will see the can turn into ash - that is aluminum oxide.