From match to inferno in two minutes

[jcg31]

Back in October I accepted a new position in California (from Wisconsin). It is killing me to leave the oven, it really is like leaving one of my children behind.

Anticipating the sale of my oven (I am throwing in the home as well) I shot a number of videos for the new owner, in hopes that the oven won't become a large planter or decorative fireplace.

You can find the first in the series on the subject of starting a fire, at the URL below. One match, one sheet of newspaper and six pieces of prebaked oak. The air dried wood in the video had been cut in the spring of this year - - so not particularly well seasoned.

Of course even with this process as part of my usual routine, I still keep my propane torch handy for those times that I forget to bake the starters in advance.

Video is here:
YouTube - Starting a fire in a wood fired oven

Thanks for all your help.
Jim

[nissanneill]

It just goes to show that we need (or should I say that I need) to pre-dry the wood in the oven after the last firing.
It also goes to show how a timber house with well dried timber goes up in flames so quickly. I think that I will stay with my preferred solid brick home!
Great video.
Neill

[heliman]

I never have any problems starting my fire. I use a single block of clean firelighter and no kindling. I stack it as per the video and it is ready for use in about 30 - 40 minutes. The wood is dried 5 - 10 years (I think 2% moisture but not sure) and comes from an arid area a few hours south of where I live.

I guess though this issue is relative to where one lives. The temp here of late has been hovering around the 40 C (104 F) mark. Wood sits in bags out the back and just gets drier.

I wouldn't mind a bit of that snowy weather though - it really looks so inviting!!!!!

Rossco

[trockyh]

Great video Jim, well done.
Where in Ca. are you moving to?

Tom

[christo]

nice video - I may want a copy so I can stick a computer monitor in my oven and keep a simulated fire going all the time!

Well produced as well. What software did you use to add the timer, etc?

Christo

[mfiore]

Good luck on your move, Jim! Can't wait to see your next oven!

[jcg31]

To Rossco:
Here, when you get the urge just look at this and then go back to enjoying your year-round paradise.




To Tom:
At the moment I am renting an apartment in Davis while we look for a place to buy. Too many options out there!


To Christo:
The clock was done in Flash and brought into Adobe Premiere (video editing program). The elapsed time counter is an object in Premiere that can be easily added to any video.

To Mike:
Thanks! And no shipping charges for mortar on the next one. Jim's place is an easy drive.

Jim

[trockyh]

If you don't mind about an hour commute, assuming you are working in Davis, head to the foothills between Sacramento and Tahoe. Placing like Auburn, Grass Valley, Nevada City. Average temp this time of year 45 to 50F.
If interested I can get you more information.

Tom

[nissanneill]

Hey Christo,

I may want a copy so I can stick a computer monitor in my oven and keep a simulated fire going all the time!

Then you might also need a video of the pizzas coming out of the oven, good, because there was no work and no mess afterwards BUT alas, no smell no taste.
What a bummer! Get rid of the video and get the real thing going, and enjoy!

Neill

[heliman]

Originally Posted by jcg31

To Rossco:
Here, when you get the urge just look at this and then go back to enjoying your year-round paradise...

Woa Jim - that looks a bit extreme I have to say!!!!!

Nice pic for an Xmas card though!!

Rossco