Mortar Choice

[lhuhn]

I am getting ready to lay my first course and wanted to check in on the options for mortar. I see the three choices that are offered in the plans and I purchased a high temp mortar called Fire Stop. The cost for a 50# bag Fire Stop is pretty step ($72) and I was hoping for a lower cost option, but I don't want to sacrifice quality. Any thoughts?

[nissanneill]

I wouldn't use any thing other than the home brew. At least mine has no cracks, unlike many others who use the expensive adhesives/mortars. It is the cheapest and in my opinion, the best (or only one to use).

Cheers

Neill

[fxpose]

I decided to use home brew because there was nothing available locally. I would use home brew again.

[lhuhn]

What is the make up of the "home brew"? Thanks

[nissanneill]

1 part fireclay, 1 part portland cement, 1 part quicklime and 3 parts brickie sand.
Make sure that you thoroughly wet your bricks, (dunk them in a bucket of water for say 10 seconds), plaster the edges with a layer of home brew and tap the brick into place.

Check out my build, it's all in there!

Cheers.

Neill

[lhuhn]

Thanks Neiil, I will assume that "brickie" sand is what we call "mason" sand. I think I will return the Fire Stop and go this route.

[ThermoJax]

I purchased a premixed high heat mortar from a local supplier. It is made by harbison-walker, and is called #36 refractory mortar. But it was 92 a bucket, and after 2 bucket, funds ran low. I posted a question on here, and got the same responses, so I purchased the stuff for homebrew. It cost me about 20 bucks, and I think I could make 2 ovens from that purchase. I must say that I am impressed with the homebrew. Easy to work with, and dries up real good. I have a hot plate set a 200 in my oven now to take out any moisture. Also, I put about 1 inch of cladding (same homebrew mix) on the outside of my oven. I would use this if I were you.

Good Luck.

Tom

[nissanneill]

Thanks tom for the back-up!
I really can't see the value of high temp refractory cements for most of these home built ovens. What Dmun has done with his oven, you have no other option to go with the expensive material, but for most other applications, homebrew is the way to go!


Neill