tapered soldier course?

[Dutchoven]

No such implication at all. I think this type of discourse is great. I only wanted to be sure that I articulated all the pictures in my head. The cutting will be a challenge. What kind of saws do/did everyone use when cutting their bricks, and where did you get it. I do not own a wet saw and will most likely need to purchase or rent one so I am curious for some feedback ...especially from dmun with all those complex cuts for the geo-d dome.
All the best!
Dutch

[Dutchoven]

Archena,
Thanks!
Just looked at the workshop link above. I had looked at this once before and didn't remember that I had. Very similar method to what I am proposing. that is the method I used when I constructed my barrel vault oven.
Best
Dutch

[wlively]

Unless you can finish in a weekend highly recommend buying a wetsaw instead of renting.

Was about to start cruising the local pawn shops when I read about the Harbor Freight 10" saw posted here. I bought one for $199 + $11 shipped to my doorstep. Not for professional daily use, but it has handled my paver patio, plus the oven and still functioning as well as day 1. Great value.

[dmun]

Ditto on the harbor freight 10 inch wet saw. I hate cheap tools, but this is a champ. The water pump looked super-cheesey, but even that works fine if you spray out the bottom every work day. I been through two blades and change, made a cut-every-brick oven and a fairly elaborate fireplace, and It just cuts and cuts.

[RTflorida]

Bought the same 10" Harbor Freight saw. I have an HF store 15 minutes away (never went there before - I too hate cheap tools, figured at $199 it was worth a shot).
I was VERY surprised with the great performance. I actually burned up my old (very used) MK tile saw on the first dozen bricks, which forced the purchase.