We got back from a quick camping trip this morning and removed all the sand from inside the oven. Wonder of wonders it didn't all fall down! In fact it seems incredibly strong inside. The gradual arching shape of the dome means that the hundreds of pounds of weight are compacting and tightening up the walls. Although the thermal layer comprising the inner wall is by no means dry, it feels solid as rock when you rap on it with your knuckles from the inside. And it fits our extra-large 14 3/8" pizza pan easily. Four loaves of bread should be no problem.
We also did a fair bit more cobbing. We completed the first insulating layer at the back of the oven and began work on the second and final such layer. You can see the cob comes right out to the edge of the rocks at the front now.
I'm really enjoying watching your progress on this project. It is looking so neat!
ReplyDeletei have to say, i enjoy all of your blog posts, imagining what life might look like in a few years when my littles are older. We unschool, I am training for a half marathon, and I have long loved cob building.... I live a bit vicariously through some of your posts :)
ReplyDeleteI want one!
ReplyDeleteLooks perfect! We know a family in town that help people build backyard ovens - would love to have one!
ReplyDeleteHey, these ovens are good! Three days after the 7.1 quake here we were baking in it at the community garden. Not even a whisper of a crack and the output was excellent. From one firing we got flatbread to feed 12, 2 loaves of bread and a casserole cooked for an evening meal.
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