Final dome brick courses. Tools, Tips and Techniques Discuss Final dome brick courses. in the Pizza Oven Design and Installation forums; Hi all, I've nearly finished the dome. I'll be posting pics a bit later down the line but I've run ...

[I burnt my fingers]

Hi all,

I've nearly finished the dome. I'll be posting pics a bit later down the line but I've run into a problem.

I've been building a free standing dome with no formers. The firebricks I'm using are quite small. The final courses of bricks aren't holding in place and are sliding off the mortar.

Is there a simple way to keep them from sliding off without the need of a big inflatable ball or formers? I've tried varying the wetness of the mortar but to no avail.

It was all going so well up to now.

Patrick

[kebwi]

The simplest approach I've seen people use (I haven't gotten to that point yet) is to joist each brick up with a vertical stick extending from the floor. Just jam any 'ol stick in there that will hold it up, probably lots of sticks of course.

BTW, what kind of mortar are you using?

[I burnt my fingers]

I was starting to use a readymix that could withstand 1600º C. It wouldn't set. So I called the factory and they said that it was designed to be used in very thin layers. So I'm using the Pompei refractory mortar mix with portland.

I also had a bit of a brain wave and may have come up with a simple solution to the brick problem. If it doesn't rain tomorrow (which would be a miracle) I'll test it and post pictures. It involves a rubber hose.

[Jed]

I B M F,

I just used bits of scrap lumber... they hold the brick in place long enough for you to finish the row of brick, at which point the row will hold it's self in place and the mortar will cure...

See the pics...

JED

[Les]

I used hot melt glue.

Les...

[Neil2]

"I used hot melt glue.

CHEATER !

[Jed]

Now Neil...


The use of hot glue is really the appropriate use of available technology!

Seams like a good idea to me!

JED

[RTflorida]

Les used the Macgyver method. He forgot to mention the piece of twine, duct tape, and chewing gum.

RT

[I burnt my fingers]

Here's my method. Using re-enforced hose pipe, screws or nails and thin locking wire:

[I burnt my fingers]