exactly where you want your oven opening to face. Then,
lay your first course of blocks directly on your slab. Use pre-
mixed mortar where necessary to ensure that the first
course of blocks is level., front and back, side to side, and
on the diagonals (Photo 2.4). Take your time with this,
because it will be increasingly difficult to correct problems
later.
2.4. Carefully lay out the first course of blocks.
In the following courses, stagger your blocks using either
8"x8"X8" blocks, or cut blocks, to ensure that the joints are
offset. Lay the next two courses, for a total of three.
After you have laid your first three courses, set your two
pieces of 2"x2" angle iron across the opening between the
two legs of the U shape. Note that the back piece of angle
iron must be cut to allow clearance for the rest of the top
course of blocks (Photo 2.5).
2.5. Cut the back angle iron to leave room for blocks.
Grind, or cut, 3/8" from the edges of each block that rests
on the angle iron, so that they lie flush with the rest of the
fourth course. Finish laying the rest of the fourth course of
blocks (Photo 2.6).
2.6. The finished stand.
After you have completely assembled the block stand,
check that the walls are square, level and plumb. Drop a
section of 1/2" rebar in every other core, and fill those cores
with concrete.
Pompeii Oven Instructions
© Forno Bravo, LLC 2007-2009. All Rights Served.
Ver. 2.0
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