Greetings from Texas

[Millstone Man]

Hey all, I came across this website and have been overwhelmed looking over all the great WFO projects. I have attempted some projects around the house and found I really like working with stone and masonry. I built a gristmill just for folly just to see if I could carve the stone and get the woodwork right (see my website below). I hope to begin on an oven and arbor project in the near future.

I can't believe I found others that are not afraid to jump out there and try projects on this scale. Obviously it helps to have a resource such as this forum and people that are willing to share their experience and expertise. I look forward to seeking help along the way.

[paulyboy]

Very impressive, now, if only I knew what a gristmill is I could say something intelligent.
A lot of work in that project though Scott!
Good luck with your oven planning.
Paul

[Millstone Man]

Thanks Paul. A lot of work but therapeutic for me - though I really don't understand why. fyi - A gristmill grinds grain to flour or meal.

[dmun]

I'm a little confused. Aren't there two stones in a gristmill, one stationary and one turning? In any event it's an ambitious project, and you clearly need a brick oven to bake the results of your labors.

[Millstone Man]

Originally Posted by dmun

I'm a little confused. Aren't there two stones in a gristmill, one stationary and one turning? In any event it's an ambitious project, and you clearly need a brick oven to bake the results of your labors.

No confusion you are correct. This is the bedstone and crane without the topstone and housing. It was for pure folly and to see if I could accomplish the stone carving and woodworking. It is yard art and I now hang my hammock on it and the nearby tree. I'm looking forward to building a working WFO.

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Hi Scott,

Welcome to the forum.... Beautiful work on the millstone, Why not go all the way and make it operational ??

Cheers
Mark

[cannyfradock]

Originally Posted by ThisOldGarageNJ

Hi Scott,

Welcome to the forum.... Beautiful work on the millstone, Why not go all the way and make it operational ??

Cheers
Mark

Exactly what I was thinking Mark. It seems that Millstone Man has created a work of art in his folly of a working millstone. But with all that effort and exceptional craftmanship he seems to be 90% there...to a real working model.

I touch my forelocks to you sir (Scott) as I always admire someone who takes pride in his work. I can't wait till I see what sort of would-oven you have in mind.

Many thanks for sharing this with us

Terry (C.F)

[dlshannon]

Iam in Texas also and have started my oven would like to find local vermiculite dealer - anyone know of one?
Don

[Millstone Man]

Mark/Terry - Thanks for the kind words.

It was never intended to be a working model. I was more interested in the stone/wood work that would be visible than a working model that would be covered with a housing. The stone cutting was all done by hand with a hammer and chisel. I'm letting it age and deteriorate naturally as if it was abandoned from a previous time.

Now that I found this site I'm all fired up to build a working WFO! I will be incorporating a shade arbor and outdoor kitchen features as well. Looking forward to learning and sharing along the way.

[Millstone Man]

Originally Posted by dlshannon

Iam in Texas also and have started my oven would like to find local vermiculite dealer - anyone know of one?
Don

Don - I have not started mine yet but I believe you should be able to find vermiculite at a nursery.