Using regular mortar on entry way

[jcg31]

I have six bags of refrax to do the dome for a 42" oven, the arch and entry way. I fear I will run short so I was thinking of using the refrax on the first 6 inches or so into the landing and then switching to regular mortar. Anyone see a problem with this (my first attempt at bricklaying). And or any alternate tips for stretching the refrax or is six plenty?

[nissanneill]

Hi jcg31
I built my whole oven using a Portland cement, fireclay, lime and brickie sand in 1:1:1:3 and will build my next ove using the same mix. It is very sticky and no cracking and a hell of a lot cheaper.
I see no problems with your mix but I would adda little lime and fireclay to make it a little more workable.

See:http://www.fornobravo.com/forum/f21/...-4-a-2045.html (Neill’s Pompeii #4)

for the early build.

Neill

[jcg31]

Thanks Neill, great suggestion. I have a problem finding fireclay in my area, but having just cut about 200 firebrick I have a couple buckets of firebrick dust. Do you think I could substitute the firebrick powder for the fireclay in your recipe?

[Dutchoven]

You probably would be OK using a regular mortar for the entry but it would be better if you had some fireclay in the mix.
Rumford Dealers
This is a site that lists Rumsford dealers in WI and I could not imagine them not having fireclay. Maybe there is one close to you!
Best
Dutch

[nissanneill]

No worries,
I didn't use my brick dust but I bought 5 X 25Kg bags of fireclay and only used 1/2 bag. Plenty to spare. You might even crush up some of the smaller offcuts or a little more with the least amount of efforet. It only makes the mortar a little stickier and also bulks it out a little but alsdo adds some of the refractory characteristics.

Neill