Outer Arch Size

[Derkp]

I have some pre-cut arches(4) made of firebrick that I am using for my arches.

My inside height is close to 21 inches, I have mocked up the outer arches to be about 13 1/4" high. I think that is the correct ratio.

My question is this: My arch's horizontal measuremt is 21 1/2 inches.

The finished arch opening is 13 1/4 inches high X 21 1/2 inches wide. I am pretty committed to these measurements. What problems, if any, am I going to experience and what can I do to limit them?, due to the fact that I have stuck myself to these measurements.

Thanks,

Derk

[Tscarborough]

How big is the oven?

[Derkp]

36 1/2 deep, 27 wide.

[Derkp]

Complete dimensions:

Barrel inside height 21 inches, width, 27 inches, depth(length) 36 1/2 inches.

Outer arches: 13 1/4 inches high, 21 inches wide.

[Tscarborough]

It looks good to me, did you offset the opening to the entry?

[Derkp]

That was my next item to consider. The arches reduce the vault opening by 3 inches on each side, that makes the offset on the inside, but the second set of arches is the same size as the first and I am a little lacking on the length of my hearth. Can I get buy with a plug type door or should I put some more effort in designing some kind of off set to butt the door against?

[Tscarborough]

What I have found is that a flaming fire is required to cook more than 3 or 4 pizzas. My offset is 4" which is just barely enough to hold coals and 2 small logs. Next time, the offset will be about 6", and the opposite side of the entry arch will be flush with the vault.

[Derkp]

I could reduce the opening and make a offset by cutting and adding another arch with split firebrick. Do you think that it would be worth the effort to reduce that 21 inch wide opening to something smaller? I am hoping to become educated and manage the heat much like you do and take the most advantage of it as I can. I have my mothers old ceramic kiln that is made up of lighweight insulating firebrick and I am thinkink of using it as the insulation in a door.

[Derkp]

I just had a thought, mabey I could slide my arches off to one side like you are in your next build, making the arch flush with one side and a large offset on the other. That would make it 6 inches on one side. I will mock it up and post pictures tomorrow.

Hope your 4th was great!!

[Tscarborough]

That is what I mean by offset. The entry arch is off set to one side of the main vault. I did so 4" on the left, but left 1" on the right instead of flushing it up with the vault. It was a mistake.