What is this do I need one

[danash3]

Please...
What is this thing?? and what does it do? and will I need one???
A newbie still contemplating and researching

[DimTex]

Ah, that is a jig for positioning the bricks as you lay each chain to ensure they have the right angle to make a dome shape. It helps ensure a perfect arc from the center. Do you need it? Well it depends, lots of folks here will swear by them. Personally, I built my oven without one and six months on things seem fine. I'd say if you plan on building a few of these then maybe the jig is worth the investment of time and energy. I put myself on a strict budget and found using a quarter round shape of celotex that I used as a guide worked fine. When I reached the last few chains when the dome was more horizontal I inserted an exercise ball inside and it supported the bricks.

[Neil2]

They will give you a hemispherical shape.

In my opinion an elliptical shape is preferable. For this I suggest you use a home made Styrofoam "fan" form. Cheap and easy to to do.

[dmun]

It's the "indispensable" tool invented, I think, by Hendo. It comes in lots of flavors, including ones with clamps, although I'm a little dubious about that. Here's one by Pizza Bob that has a variable length, so you can use it to make elliptical section domes:

http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f8/n...ions-7794.html (Need advice on dome and opening dimensions)

[eprante]

If you are a novice brick layer when you start this project the tool is true to its name. It is indispensible. Now that I have laid 3 courses I think I probably could do it without the tool based on the practice that I have had. It helps to maintain the correct angles so your dome will be the shape you envisioned it. There are many variations on the tool, I find the clamp is helpful. I am hoping to be done with my dome by the end of March ( I was also hoping to eat wood fired pizza for the super bowl, but that one didn't happen)message me when you are ready to get started.
Eric

[asudavew]

I used a cardboard pattern.