Stuck at chimney. Need pictures and instruction.

[Laku]

I don't think weight from above will add additional support in other way than the added mortar. Except in places where the arch is continuous.
In places where it's not, the weight tries to push bricks down (gravity). And because the only way they can move is into the vent that's where they'll try to go.

Of course that's all relative to the mass above, so if it isn't too much I think it will not break.

[Xene]

Hey fellas, I have been busy on this...well, as busy as one can be in 100+ weather. Last week when I set the flue my outdoor thermometer registered 107!

But I'm still moving forward... I got the chimney edges ground down. What do you think?

I poured the right side counter top yesterday. I can't finish the chimney without the counters in place since I don't have support to the ground for the weight of the brick. The counters will provide the support I need to finish the brick to the ground so I can keep building. Can't wait to take the frame down and start grinding those down to smooth.

[UtahBeehiver]

No more belly aching about temperatures here on my end. Not sure how you do it.....

[Amac]

Hi Xene - have another look it's actually almost 114 - that is about 45°C - that is hot (I wanted a smiley with beads of sweat but.. doesn't seem to be one)

We have been moving here towards decimal systems in fits and starts for the last 40 years. The temperature seems to be the one adopted most readily because it makes so much more sense and Celsius is so much easier than Fahrenheit.

I couldn't bring myself to gring down the arch edges - the best one I saw with bevelled edges on the arches was aceves - his brick bevels seemed to retain that smooth patina that you never see on the cut faces of the bricks - but you did a pretty good job.

[Tscarborough]

Looks good, Xene.

[Xene]

Thanks guys! I could grind it more, but it was kind of painful, a little like being sandblasted. Took me only a minute or two to realize I needed full gear from head to toe...and I worked quickly in this heat dressed like that. I kind of liked the grinder after a bit though, so going at it again if you all think it needs it doesn't seem to bad.

As for staying cool in this horrid heat, a sprinkler with a mist setting is a must and LOTS of water. I keep well hydrated and my entire work area is in the shade, I have a number of umbrellas and a pergola set up. Working in the sun would just be crazy!

I'm seeing a turning point now, it is kind of exciting!

[Xene]

Originally Posted by Amac

Hi Xene - have another look it's actually almost 114 - that is about 45°C - that is hot (I wanted a smiley with beads of sweat but.. doesn't seem to be one)
.

Oh my, you are right! It wasn't that hot in actuality that day, I think it only got to 103, didn't feel a bit over 95 though...HA!

[Amac]

Originally Posted by Laku

I don't think weight from above will add additional support in other way than the added mortar. Except in places where the arch is continuous.
In places where it's not, the weight tries to push bricks down (gravity). And because the only way they can move is into the vent that's where they'll try to go.

Of course that's all relative to the mass above, so if it isn't too much I think it will not break.

Laku - meant to reply to before now (sorry Xene) - the thing is there are only ever a couple of bricks before you get to the top of the arches - and then you put a "saddle" brick on front and back arches. They will take any extra weight if you go higher so there is never much pressure and you can build as high as you want. That's my (retrospective) theory anyway.

[Bookemdanno]

Beautiful...well done!

[Xene]

Since this is my thread, I can take it a bit off topic right? I got that counter poured and my arches built over the weekend - it was no small task! Those granite chunks are really heavy, and yes...I did it all by myself! HA! I had to show it off, I really like how it turned out. There is still brick left to fill in around those arches, but this is really starting to take on the look I was after - oh and a little acid will be needed to clean it all up in the end, but those are just little details.