Rebar question for enclosure

[mbutler315]

I am finally ready to enclose my oven. Is the use of rebar just to establish a consistent shape or is there a structural advantage? Also, the smallest rebar I can find in my area is #3 (3/8"). Has anyone used this size and is it hard to bend into shape?
Thanks- Mark

[Tscarborough]

#3 grade 40 is bendable. You may try and find some #9 wire or pencil rod too. Both are used to make armatures for concrete structures.

[Neil2]

"#3 grade 40 is bendable."

Yes, but it is not the easiest to work with without using bending tools. The 1/4 inch rebar was great but is getting harder to find.

In answer to the Mark's question, the dome rebar that is used in a few ovens is primarily for shape not strength. Most (almost all) ovens do not use rebar in the dome.