Variations
While our plans describe only a simple block stand, you are
limited only by your imagination, and the requirements of
the physical world. Some recently built variations include a
round brick oven stand, and an oven with attached outdoor
kitchen, including accommodations for a sink and a landing
area for pizza preparation.
You can have a welder build a stand from angle iron, or you
can construct a stand using metal studs.
You can form your entire stand and hearth, and pour it with
concrete. Another recent variation used a brick arch to
support the hearth, constructed on top of two linear
foundation legs (supports).
Tips and Hints
When selecting the direction your oven will face, consider
making sure that your opening does not face possible
winds, which might disrupt your cooking and fire
management.
We recommend using angle iron and a course of blocks
across the open span between the stand's legs for the top
course of the stand. It provides security that the hearth will
never sag, causing serious problems to your oven, and the
added cost and time is low.
We also recommend dry stacking your blocks, then filling
every other core (or the corners) with concrete. It's a lot
faster, and sturdier as well.
Block the cores that you have not filled with your empty
concrete bag to stop your hearth concrete from spilling into
the holes. (Photo 2.7)
2.7. Filling the cores.
Much like your foundation, remember that while it is
important that your stand is level, square, and plumb, the
blocks will be completely covered with your finish material.
Beautiful masonry work on your stand is not essential here.
Use a grinder with a diamond blade to remove the 3/8" from
the blocks that sit on the angle iron brace across the span.
It will go fast.
To fill your stand cores, mix a wet batch of concrete. Shovel
it into a 5-gallon bucket, and pour it into the cores.
Construct a cardboard funnel, or attach a paint pourer to the
bucket to make it go fast.
Pompeii Oven Instructions
© Forno Bravo, LLC 2007-2009. All Rights Served.
Ver. 2.0
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