HOW TO BUILD A CLAY OVEN

The clay oven is undoubtedly one of the devices created by man for
cooking their food, as old as humanity. In almost all cultures, there exists
Since very ancient times, however, its construction holds some tips that are
necessary to consider when deciding to undertake the same.

DESIGN DEL OVEN:

The first point to consider is what dimensions we give to the project, the answer is
simple, it depends on the amount of food to be cooked. A oven for is not the same.
a bakery that will cook several bags of flour every day, that of one
house that will be used one weekend to indulge in enjoying some
empanadas o some meats how a roast pig.
It should be noted that if we make a very large oven, it will take a long time.
time to heat it with the consequent wood expense, and if it is too small we won't be able to
cooking several pizzas simultaneously, so for a family home it would be
reasonable to make an oven with an internal diameter of 1.10m, with this size we will be able to
cook a whole pig, a 18kg pig, 4 pizzas and a quantity of food for
a party familiar.

Below I put the photograph of the plan I made for the oven that is seen in the
cover, I did it 15 years ago when I decided on its construction, already three friends
They built their ovens with this plan and they are very happy with the device.
sorry for the quality of the image but I made it many years ago with pencil for myself and
I never thought I could share it with other people. I made the plan at a scale of 1:20.
and it has construction details for the bricklayer, especially the insulation, which is what
delicate.

First the floor plan, to see where the door and the chimney are located:
 Plant view

In the following photograph, you can see the front view and a side cut of it.
drawing, I am aware that it can confuse the reader but I clarify that I made the sketch.
for me and I saved work, plus this way I would have everything on a single sheet. If I had
Knowing that I would share it someday, I would have made three views (floor plan, front, and section)
lateral). The reader must understand that the chimney is not on the side but is
in the opposite direction to the door as shown in the floor plan, with this
Clarification I hope to have saved the problem.

Front view and side cut, both views are in the same plane but the chimney must be placed in the direction
opposite the door as shown in the floor plan

In the previous view, you can see that the walls of the oven begin in shape.
vertically the dome just begins, this is for better space utilization,
Otherwise, if the vault starts at floor level, useful space is lost.
sides, because no food can be cooked, not even a pizza anymore.
what the angle the would prevent.
Below is the complete map in case anyone wants to enlarge it and print it, I did not rotate it.
to prevent the image from distorting:

Complete plan

In my case, I had the slab made by a bricklayer and then I personally made the vault.
Of course, for this you need to have basic knowledge of masonry, in case
On the contrary, one can call a suitable person and present them with the plan and the photographs.
of this post a effects of what lo build.

There are two important points to consider in the design, the first is the size.
from the door, it should have enough width for a tray to fit through, so
it should be 50-60cm wide and 38-40cm high (mine is 52cm wide
37cm in height these measurements are for the light without counting the frame which is 2.5cm
return y The total of the light including the frame is 57cm x 39.5cm.

CONSTRUCTION FROM THE OVEN

For construction, very few materials are needed; bricks, clay, straw, and cement.
under construction.

Purists do it the traditional way, which involves preparing a cement with

horse manure, let it ferment for a few days and after a long process we would have
the cement to bond the bricks, I didn't do it that way, actually with the materials that
Currently, one can take the liberty to modify a little for effects.
to facilitate the construction, so to glue the bricks I used a mixture of 6
parts of land, 2 parts of chopped straw of about 5 cm long and 1 part of
Portland cement. This mixture allows for sticking the bricks without creating a joint.
rigid, it won't have the benefits of fermented manure but it is very easy and quick to
to do.

We began the construction from the ground up, making a ring of bricks with
whole bricks as if it were a 30cm wide wall. On the other hand, the mouth
We make the oven with whole bricks standing, as shown in the
Next photograph. Finally, we protect the slab with a layer of bricks.
lying down and stuck to the slab with the mud mix:

We let the structure dry and then we poured a 50 kg bag of coarse salt in.
the hole, we flatten and compact, let it dry for a few days covered in case it rains already
that the salt would dissolve. After drying, we will have the surface that can be seen in the
the next photograph, dry is so resistant that one can walk on it without it
dog

We poured a layer of broken bottle glass that we previously collected from the
wines that we drank, we, our relatives and neighbors from the whole neighborhood, this
it will serve as an insulating cover to prevent heat from escaping through the base:
Next, we complete with a layer of clay until leveled, remaining a
a kind of insulating sandwich:

The clay layer will remain as seen in the following photograph:

Now is the time to make the floor with refractory tiles of 2.5cm thickness,
to attach them we use the same clay mixture leaving a 1 cm joint. At the mouth
we use half-round tiles to achieve a good finish - In the photograph we
you can see that I used two levels (one on each side placed level) to place the
tiles level and achieve a completely horizontal surface:
Now is the time to install the door, here I made an innovation, generally it
the door closes by itself, however, it can be observed that in my oven, the door is
attached to a ring of a 4" high by 1/4" thick flat bar, this addition
(suggested by a friend) I did it to protect the oven walls at the moment
to take out the embers acting as a base for the walls preventing deterioration
with use, for with the blow of the rake and the hot bricks it goes away
gradually peeling away and ultimately thinning the walls of the oven at its base,
this prolongs the lifespan of the oven. To attach the ring to the base, it had
iron legs of 8mm in diameter and 7cm long welded to the legs of the
door frame and three other supports on the hoop (1 at the back and 1 on each side), to secure the hoop
I only had to make a few holes in the tile floor with a carbide drill bit.

Then we prepare a mixture of 5 parts refractory soil with 1 part of

Portland cement and we fill the joints of the tiles:
Then we started to raise the vertical walls (about 18-20cm high) sticking.
halves of bricks with the concrete mixture using the iron base as a guide,
As seen in the previous photograph. We continue placing the bricks of the mouth of the oven.
we have reached the planned height of the vertical walls, we prepare to make the
vault.

Now comes the critical moment of making the spherical dome, for this the masons
They put a string in the center and for each brick they measure the location, I
Since I am a beginner, I preferred to build a wooden formwork as seen in the
next photograph and use it as a guide, in the end during the curing stage I burned it
and the vault remained:

At a height of 70cm, the flue (chimney) must be placed on the opposite side of the
door, this will facilitate the circulation of air for combustion during heating. I
I used a pipe with a diameter of 10cm and a length of about 28cm, and the blacksmith made a cap for it.
that is perfectly closed with a chain, so it doesn't get lost:
Finally, the moment of closing and subsequent isolation revocation with a layer will arrive.
2.5 cm thick clay, while the clay is fresh, it can be regularly nailed.
some 2-inch (5cm) nails for the purpose of being able to later secure metal
deployed and revoke with sand, lime and cement to finish:

The clay plaster with the nails in place should be left to dry for a week.
proceed to curing before the completion of the exterior plaster of the oven, as
After the curing, cracks will appear that need to be filled before the plastering.
termination.

HEALED Y Termination

For the curing, once the clay plaster is dry, the opening is made and to
to heat it for an hour by setting it on fire and continuously feeding it,
subsequently, the structure is allowed to cool, we will see that cracks appear in the clay
y what to the cool yourselfthey will shrinkbut they will remain
marked.

We will repeat the heating operation two more times, do not try to take advantage in
cooking something because the taste will be horrible due to it taking on flavor and smell of
baked brick, since during the curing process the aim is to ensure that the clay joints
they are cooked and a great brick takes the shape of the vault, during that period the
The smells that will come out will be from a brick oven and could permeate the food.
yes it will try to cook something.

After curing, the cracks that remain must be filled with a mixture
of semi-liquid clay and now you can proceed to plaster with wall mix
making a common thick plaster and then a smooth fine plaster, for which we had
some 2-inch nails have been left nailed in that will allow metal sheets to be fixed
deployed that will help support the plaster. The coarse plaster and the fine one are the
usual in any masonry work made with sand, lime, and cement. Once dry
the plaster can be painted in order to waterproof the surface. The final appearance
the oven should be like the one shown in the following photographs:

Side view, observe the trapdoor cover secured with a chain to prevent it from getting lost.

A frontal view will be:

Front view, observe the simple lever closure system.

 1. Hello Friends. I want to make a clay oven, but I am at a height
high and the humidity is usually very high, it is normally cloudy. The question is
Should the oven be given special treatment in a place that is so humid and has little sun or
it's like a sunny place with low humidity. The other thing is if I don't have straw.
Can I mix it with sawdust or not??? Thanks for responding,
greetings from CR.

Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 21, 2016, 17:47

Sorry for the delay, but I was traveling and didn't have time.
to write. It is done in the same way indicated, only that
you should wait longer for the drying. Regarding the other question, yes.
You don't have straw, you can use wood shavings, not sawdust. Regards
from Argentina.
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2.

Anonymous March 25, 2016, 6:31

Greetings to you, friend Eduardo, from Caracas, VENEZUELA. I would like to know
How many bricks did you use for this good project? I have planned to make a winch.
In my house, it is planned to make a clay oven, I would appreciate that.
information through this way or email nicolalapenna@[Link]
Thank you, brother
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 25, 2016, 7:19

Nico, if I remember correctly, it was about 200 bricks, including those of
the base and the door, the walls and the dome are halves. A hug
from Argentina.
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3.

luis April 3, 2016, 10:21 PM

Hello, I wanted to ask about the reason for the coarse salt layer? Can it be replaced?
for another material? Thank you.

Responder

4.

Eduardo SolerApril 4, 2016, 8:51

Luis, salt and glass are common insulators used in construction.
Clay ovens prevent heat from escaping through the floor. Greetings from Argentina.
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5.
 Juan Rincón, April 6, 2016, 9:10

Hello, first of all thank you for sharing your experience, it helps us a lot.
I have a question, does the mixture you used to glue the bricks contain cement?
Portland, have you heard that this type of cement cracks? Did it work for you?
thank you
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerApril 7, 2016, 10:32

Juan, it doesn't crack because the amount he carries is very little, it's
1 of cement for 6 of earth and 2 of straw, it's practically mud,
Cement is only for binding the soil. Greetings from Argentina.
1.

September 30, 2015, 12:50

Very good, but I am worried about the crack on the side that is visible in
the latest images. What was produced?
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerSeptember 30, 2015, 5:28 PM

The crack formed because I revoked it before
to heal it, I didn't know and no one told me, the cracks
are inevitable during the curing as the joints
they start to turn into brick and it moves the
structure because the clay expands with heat,
After several times of turning on, they no longer grow.
more and are filled with liquid mud and after a
good weather can be revoked, to avoid that
you should read the part of the post where I talk about the
cured from the oven. Greetings from Argentina.
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2.

Unknown October 4, 2015, 20:56

Good evening, I am in the process of building the oven.

Thank you very much for providing a post of this type that I
I encourage you to carry out this project, I would like to know if you have more.
details on how to assemble the wooden dome. Later on
More doubts will surely arise.. thank you again
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Responses

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 5, 2015, 16:33

Friend, it is very simple as can be seen in the
photographs, it has a star made of three woods
crosses, In the center there is a thick post of
6cmx6cm and finally has strips nailed on.
plywood of about 10cm. Greetings from Argentina.
 1.

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2.

Anonymous, October 8, 2015, 1:00 PM

Hello Eduardo, first of all thank you for your time and effort in conveying your
knowledge....I tell you that I just finished having a furnace made
Clay, I regret not having known the page earlier because with your instructions I ...
I encouraged myself to do it.....but well, it's done now... I'll tell you that I've already sent some.
macanas....I think...for now the people who made the oven for me said that already to
I could revoke it within 2 days... that's what I did, but it got complicated with the metal.
deployed that being round and not having the nails to hold it was difficult for me
almost impossible to master it so I revoked it without the expanded metal with a
mix of 3 sand, 1 lime, and 1/4 cement, the truth is that it looks good
I revoke, but had I read you, I would have done it after healing it.... the oven me
They did it a week ago, yesterday I started the healing process, I gave it
fire for half an hour, today I was thinking of repeating the operation for a little longer
time and intensity...and so for 4 or 5 more days...the issue is whether they appear to me
cracks...do I fill the crack with liquid mud and then apply thick plaster? just?
revoke?...well...another difference I see is in the floor, they made me a
glass mattress, then sand with coarse salt, and on top they placed tiles.
refractory materials and held the meeting....let's hope it is enough to maintain the
warmth.....well I'm going to keep reading and trying to contribute...for now just
Leo... again thank you for sharing your knowledge, greetings

Fabián
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Answers

Eduardo SolerOctober 9, 2015, 16:36

Fabián, don't worry, if cracks appear, they will be inside.
you have to fill with mud, before continuing to cure, total everything
it is going to become a big brick, and on the outside to the crack it
you put fine plaster (fine sand and Portland). I'm glad I wrote
the post I realize that my experience can be shared
with many people and there is also a return. This topic a lot
People think it's simple, however, until it is not used a
oven does not learn the details of construction. A hug
from Argentina.
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3.

Guille, October 12, 2015, 5:24

Hello, the page is very nice. I would like to make an inquiry, a few years ago we did
One has been used often but we have a problem with the floor. It arrives at
temperature but we could not get the pizzas to firm up. What could it be that
Did we do wrong?
 Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 12, 2015, 5:30 PM

The oven floor probably has leaks, it seems to me that you are going
to have to cover the floor with refractory tiles. Best regards
from Argentina.
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4.

Adrian Llali Alpa Corral, October 14, 2015, 19:28

Hello, I can share my experience in making a furnace that can be useful.

For many, the clay mixture to lift the bricks is a 20-liter bucket.
mix 1 kg of coarse salt with clay, let it sit for an hour and use it.
It must be used during the day, it cannot be left for another day as the salt would lose its effect.
of the searched father. the face of the bricks that are left towards the inside of the oven
we must leave them with the smallest joint possible, that makes it so that over time it does not
Remove leftovers about the food, the dilation is solved as follows
way, when the oven is finished with the corresponding layers of clay
about the bricks (they should be thin and are expected to crack in an hour
the clay, then the following one is placed and it continues until finished in the
the top part of the oven should be thicker as that is where it accumulates
the radiant heat) after completion, a layer of grass is placed over it all
about 5 cm thick (you can buy a bale and separate layers from it)
easily the same or cut grass like puna according to its geographical location or
media, above the grass is covered with bird wire or masonry mesh to
The mold is shaped into the form of the oven, it is tied with wire, and artistic shapes are given.
, roof to protect the oven entrance from the rain, nozzle, etc. then it is passed.
with a mason's trowel, cement with sand without lime since this is an enemy of
the metal is well covered all over the mesh, it is covered and left until the next day, then
The common plaster is applied, when the grass catches fire it will transform into
ash settles on a layer of 5 centimeters of air where the bricks will expand
and they will contract without any problem, I have had a bread oven for 15 years and never
I hope this has been helpful for someone; it is my contribution.
for a page that so generously provides its knowledge, a hug, Adrian Llali
the purple hills alpa corral argentina
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 16, 2015, 11:41

Adrián, thank you very much for your contribution, I think it can be
valuable for those new ones who build their oven. A hug.
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5.

October 19, 2015, 14:46

Eduardo, I wanted to tell you that I built an oven but without clay and I would like to know
What do you think about this construction and do you think it will work?
 The oven is made of (4 parts sand, 1/5 part lime, and a quarter part cement) and has bricks.
hard construction but not refractory, cast iron door purchased with
clock and fireplace, I just started it but I didn't wait for the drying time,
But what worries me the most is if it doesn't have clay, it won't work well or not.
hot enough. - I look forward to your comments
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 30, 2015, 5:59

Friend, first of all, I apologize for the delay, but I was
traveling through Morocco and just returning to the country. I don't think I have
problems except that there the joint comes apart and sand falls
in the food, if that happens you will have to cover the food with a
chapa. Greetings from Argentina.
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6.

Anonymous, October 31, 2015, 6:23 PM

Hello, excellent information and very well explained, I have a question about the cooking.
Do I make the same mess at the little oven with the metal cylinders and plaster it with clay?

Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerNovember 1, 2015, 4:45

I suppose so, although each oven is different even if they have.
the same type of construction, you have to gain experience, you
I recommend that you read the post I wrote on this same blog.
about baking in a clay oven. Greetings from
Argentina.
Responder

7.

November 2, 2015, 14:00

Good explanations and easy to understand, greetings from Spain.

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerNovember 2, 2015, 7:53 PM

Thank you very much. Greetings from Argentina.
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8.
 Luis Miguel Gualteros Martin, November 7, 2015, 2:43

Hello friends, receive a cordial greeting from the department of Cundinamarca

Colombia, my oven is being cured, in 8 days I will turn it on to cook.
some pizzas.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerNovember 9, 2015, 7:16

Luis, a pleasure to meet you, good luck with your oven!!! A hug
from Argentina.
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9.

November 13, 2015, 3:41 PM

Hello Eduardo, I had an oven built a month ago, during the curing process it started to
the internal mud falling off, I was told it was normal and that it could even peel off
everything, the external clay with cracks that reveal the brick underneath. Sunday
I put 10 kg of eucalyptus plus the starting woods, the maximum temperature it reached.
It was 230°C, I put in meat and after half an hour the temperature was at 200° and after an hour it was at
170-180 ° the oven dome burned if you touched it, my question is if with clay
Refractory can be solved with internal and external plaster in several layers.
to seal it. Thank you very much.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerNovember 14, 2015, 3:30

Dear friend, clay ovens are not plastered on the inside,
just for the inconveniences you mentioned. I recommend you
that you peel it completely from the inside and reinforce the clay coating
from outside. A greeting from Argentina.

2.

Anonymous November 17, 2015, 6:55

Thank you very much for your response, the mud coverage that
you recommend, it can be obtained at a nursery, (the bags of
black soil with fertilizer), I read here that they add coarse salt,
Another question, to add the new layer of clay, what is needed?
moisten the surface to improve adhesion? Many
thank you

3.

Eduardo SolerNovember 17, 2015, 19:43

The mud mixture consists of 6 parts of soil (any kind), 2 parts
of cut straw about 5 cm long and 1 part cement, water
 amount needed to obtain a consistent clay. If it is
It's important to moisturize so that it doesn't dry out suddenly.

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10.

Anonymous, November 18, 2015, 1:37 PM

Thank you very much for your response. I am going to cannibalize a straw curtain that is
media rota, I will tell you how everything turned out.

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11.

Anonymous December 4, 2015, 10:44

thank you for sharing, I've been surfing the internet for days to make an oven, and the topic of
I wanted to replace the manure, I make your clay and I follow the advice of not putting too much.
mix inside,
a hug
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 6, 2015, 3:26

If that manure thing is complicated, I got the mix from the
from the club 'friends of the clay oven'. A hug from Argentina.
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12.

Anonymous, December 13, 2015, 4:20

very good forum, question, can straw be replaced by grass, when you say
one part of cement is 6 buckets of sand, 2 of straw or grass?, and one bucket of
cement?
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 15, 2015, 20:48

It could be replaced with a dry, hardy grass, so that
that it does not break. When I talk about parts I am saying
volume, you can use buckets, jars, etc. The same is used
container for measuring all the components of the mixture. A
greeting from Argentina.
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13.

Martin, January 20, 2016, 6:20

 Thank you Eduardo for all the info, it was very helpful. I have a question about
Now, in the curing process, how much fire is required inside the ...
oven y what time. Thank you
greetings.
Answer
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJanuary 21, 2016, 8:33

Martin, the fire is the normal one as if it were going to cook, the time:
In about 15 minutes, there will come a time when the roof is going to
put white. Greetings from Argentina.
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14.

February 2, 2016

Very interesting, but can I glue the bricks with cement and sand? Or forcefully?
it has to be with clay. regards,
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerFebruary 2, 2016, 7:54 PM

Pavel, it must necessarily be clay, for two reasons: 1) the
mix of sand with heat at 300ºC as a furnace raises it
starts to peel; 2) the mud joint when it cures, with the
heat turns into brick, leaving the vault as a unique
brick and it is what allows the accumulation of heat. Regards
from Argentina.
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15.

February 8, 2016, 10:05

Greetings, Eduardo, your explanation was very helpful to me since in my country the
refractory cement cannot be obtained and with your information I will be able to prepare it
mix to be able to start my oven. Greetings from Puerto Rico
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerFebruary 14, 2016, 7:09

I'm glad, my friend, that the information is helpful to you. Best regards from
Argentina.
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16.
 Mauri February 19, 2016, 11:51

Hello. I saw in some book that they didn't recommend making the floor with refractory tiles and the
walls with common bricks. They requested to maintain the same material on the floor and
on the walls. But I would like to make the floor with refractory materials because of the issue of
wear. Do you have any comments to make about this??
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerFebruary 19, 2016, 14:12

Mauri, I have a refractory floor that has been in place for 10 years and it is still in good condition.

very well, furthermore she cooks spectacularly as you can see in

the dishes I presented in the post "how to cook in the oven"
clay. A greeting from Argentina.
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17.

Victoria, February 20, 2016, 2:20 PM

Hello. We have read carefully and appreciate all the information you provide is of the
better than we have found. What opinion can you give us about the idea of building
a clay oven inside a kitchen? having the space for it,
what should we take into account to carry out the idea or give up and do it
outside.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerFebruary 21, 2016, 8:00 AM

Victoria, there is no problem doing it in a kitchen, just that
you will need to place the vent with a chimney outside and
install a gas injector, because wood is very dirty and can pollute
smoke. A greeting from Argentina.
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18.

March 9, 2016

Hello Eduardo, how much can one charge for an oven like this; since
I built one and I don't know how much to charge for it if anyone knows. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 9, 2016, 19:14

Fernando, the truth is that I have no idea, you should
ask a bricklayer about it. Greetings from Argentina.
 2.

fernando March 10, 2016, 12:05

THANK YOU EDUARDO VERY GOOD ADVICE

I LEARNED ABOUT THE OVEN GREETINGS FROM SANTA FE
ARGENTINA CAPITAL !!!
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19.

Unknown March 11, 2016, 12:46

Hello, I am about to build my oven with refractory bricks... the question is... the
refractory bricks keep my heat or just refract it by the way
time... do I need to have embers inside to maintain temperature? or is it
Is the initial fire enough? Excellent contribution, thank you.
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Answers

Eduardo SolerMarch 14, 2016, 17:39

Enrique, the refractory materials accumulate very little heat, if you do it with
You will have to inject gas into the refractories. Best regards.
from Argentina.
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20.

March 14, 2016, 9:54

Eduardo, I want to let you know that I already have the oven ready with the clay plaster and I
The last layer is missing, the thing is that it's been 10 days and the mud is still soft.
The oven is inside, and where I am is a humid area.
Would you advise me to do it? Thank you.

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 14, 2016, 17:07

Mauri, the only thing you can do is be patient and wait for
it dries. But if it is indoors, it will take longer unless
There are drafts. Did you make a chimney for the outside? A
greeting from Argentina.

2.

Anonymous, October 29, 2016, 9:03

I have read that it should be left for up to 30 days to dry.

good. Greetings
 3.

Eduardo Soler

I put the chimney on the outside.

Responder

2.

Jose Barboza, March 15, 2016, 12:52

Hello Friends. I want to make myself a clay oven, but I am at a high altitude and
The humidity is usually very high and it is cloudy. The question is, should it
is it necessary to give special treatment to the oven in such a humid and low-sunlight place or is it the same?
a sunny place with low humidity. The other thing is if I don't have straw for the
Can I mix it with sawdust or not??? Thank you for responding, regards
from CR.

Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 21, 2016, 5:47 PM

Sorry for the delay, but I was traveling and didn't have time.
to write. The same procedure indicated is followed, only that
you must wait longer for the drying. Regarding the other question, yes
You don't have straw, you can use wood shavings not sawdust. Regards.
from Argentina.
Responder

3.

Anonymous March 25, 2016, 6:31

Greetings to you, my friend Eduardo from Caracas, VENEZUELA. I would like to know.
How many bricks did you use for this good project? I have planned to make a winch.
In my house, it is planned to make an adobe oven. I would appreciate that.
information through this means or email nicolalapenna@[Link]
Thank you brother
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 25, 2016, 7:19

Nico, if I remember correctly, it was about 200 bricks, including those of
the base and the door, the walls and the dome are halves. A hug
from Argentina.
Responder

4.
 Luis, April 3, 2016, 10:21 PM

Hello, I wanted to ask about the reason for the coarse salt layer? Can it be replaced?
for another material? Thank you.

Responder

5.

Eduardo SolerApril 4, 2016, 8:51

Luis, salt and glass are common insulators used in construction.
clay ovens prevent heat loss through the floor. Greetings from Argentina.
Respond

6.

April 6, 2016, 9:10

Hello, first of all thank you for sharing your experience, it helps us a lot.
I have a question, does the mixture you used to bond the bricks contain cement?
Portland, have you heard that with that type of cement it cracks? Did it work for you?
thank you
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerApril 7, 2016, 10:32

Juan, it doesn't crack because the amount he carries is very little, it's
1 of cement for 6 of earth and 2 of straw, it is practically mud,
Cement is just for binding the earth. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

7.

Diego, April 7, 2016, 5:54

Hi, the project is very good. I wanted to ask if dry grass can be used?!
And if there is any way to calculate the amount of mud it has? Many
thank you
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerApril 7, 2016, 10:35

Diego, the dry grass has no resistance, you could use a broom.
old one to remove the fluff or to go to a carpentry to look for shavings
to add to the mix. A greeting from Argentina.
Respond

8.

Anonymous May 11, 2016, 7:38

 Good, do you know the amount of clay you used?
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMay 11, 2016, 8:58

I don't know, my friend, because I prepared the clay every time I ...
I would put to work, what I can tell you is that I used 2 buckets of
bricklayer by course. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

9.

Enrique Slosse May 24, 2016, 1:11 PM

Excellent post! I wanted to ask you a question. Do you think it's possible to do it?
entirely made of clay, I mean adobe bricks in molds. Many
Thank you
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerMay 24, 2016, 13:41

Yes Enrique, in fact the primitives were like that. A greeting from
Argentina.
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10.

May 24, 2016

Very good comments about the construction of the clay oven, it

It is advisable to use adobe bricks in two flat forms: 18x15x09 and the ties.
from duck 18x15x12x9 for the beginning and end of the do respectively. On
hug

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMay 25, 2016, 17:48

You don't put your name, friend, but thank you very much for your contribution.
A greeting from Argentina.
Responder

11.

May 28, 2016, 8:17

 Hello Eduardo!! Thank you!! Your help is invaluable... I am starting to
I will build... I'll tell you how it goes later!! I'm Carla, I live in Tigre.
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerMay 31, 2016, 8:37

Nice to meet you Carla, I am also from Argentina. I
I'm glad the information was helpful to you. Best regards.

Responder

12.

June 4, 2016

Excellent post. Eduardo, a question: Was the floor adhered with refractory cement?
And it can all be with common construction brick and animal manure is
necessary?. greetings from Chile,
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 8, 2016, 10:06

Friend, the post explains what you're asking me, I suggest you
that you read it again more carefully. In the post it says that it
attach with the prepared mud mixture as indicated, and it does not require
animal manure. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

13.

Giuseppe Giancana June 22, 2016, 9:13

Eduardo, congratulations on the excellent work, greetings from Venezuela, I want

make me a two-chamber oven that works with wood, I have a question about
Regarding whether the use of refractory brick is necessary? Because I am thinking of doing it.
everything with a handmade brick (artisanal) made of clay and it is
tempered at temperature for 3 days. The question: Is it durable and does it hold up?
temperature? It is a homemade oven for family use on weekends, the
The adobe brick that I want to use has dimensions of 25 cm in length and 12 cm in width.
Width 6 cm deep, in your vast experience with yourself and friends that
Can you provide me advice on how not to fail in choosing the materials?
that my oven works to cook piglets, pizzas, breads, and other recipes.
Greetings and thank you for your time....

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 25, 2016, 11:10

Giuseppe, I don't know the bricks you are telling me about, but I tell you that
It is not necessary to build the oven with refractory brick, any
 adobe is good, as it will then be cooked during the curing of
oven and it will turn into common brick, which are the best for
make an oven. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

14.

Roger, July 5, 2016, 19:44

Hello and greetings from Chile. I would like to make a clay oven and I have seen
some YouTube videos where it teaches how to make ovens with a mixture of
arena 2 to 3 parts and one part of clay powder and all this then coated with
clay with straw mixture. What do you think of that system? Here in Chile they sell it.
refractory cement, if I do it with common brick I could use this to join them
bricks o mix it with clay such time ..
Many greetings and thank you
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 7, 2016, 11:47

I don't know that cement Roger, I think you should
consult it with a bricklayer, or maybe a forum member can help you.
Greetings from Argentina.
Reply

15.

July 13, 2016, 21:06

Greetings remove Ecuador.

I have a wood-burning oven, 5-6 years old, made of construction bricks. Like all
We know it is very difficult to remove ashes and dust from the floor to place the pizza.
Now I want to cover the floor with a smooth surface and I don't know if the refractory brick
I need help. I would like to use an iron to cover the entire surface. What is it...
that pizzerias use with real wood ovens that almost look like granite
The marble. Has anyone heard of black tone for this type of work? Thank you.
in advance.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 15, 2016, 20:53

Andrés, I already replied to the second message further down.

Responder

16.

Anonymous July 13, 2016, 10:08 PM

Hello! Greetings! Thank you very much for your information, my question is the following,
I have an old oven from a relative that the dome broke and they have filled it.
 I have to go through the entire curing process to use it or just heat it once.
Will you be there? Thank you very much for everything.

Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 15, 2016, 21:17

Heating it once is fine. Greetings from Argentina.
Respond

17.

Roger July 17, 2016, 16:37

When you make the mixture to stick the bricks, is straw necessary?... I don't know.
the burn when being almost in direct contact with the fire, I thought that was pr
When is the insulation done? Did it work well for you? Regards.
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 18, 2016, 16:14

Roger, the straw is to give the mud cohesion, then when it
the kitchen turns into brick and it no longer matters. All brick
before cooking it is clay but for it to maintain its shape until
baking needs the help of the liga, which is generally straw or
wood shavings. Greetings from Argentina.
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18.

July 22, 2016, 10:44

The old gauchos say that the hornero, upon finishing the dome, must be completed.
and it fits exactly with a half brick (in my area, low bricks are used).
Also, before going to collect, the bricklayer stands on the oven giving a guarantee of
your work (as in the past with septic tanks) Regards
Respond
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 22, 2016, 5:25 PM

Thank you very much for your contribution, that's right my friend, when it closes there is a
half a brick, which in my case is needed for it to fit and be level with it
I had to lower the edges in a wedge shape with the grinder.
I didn't know about the bricklayer standing over the oven. Best regards.
Responder

19.
 Silvana, I am from Chascomús July 27, 2016, 20:16

Hello, I loved how you made your oven and I followed the instructions to make it.
I already cured it and before giving it the lime coat I tested it with some empanadas.
And another day some pizzas, but when taking out the embers it cools down very quickly. Why?
Could it be? And the chimney also moves, do you think that by giving it the plaster...
Will it be secured? Please I need your advice. Thank you very much.
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 29, 2016, 8:01

Silavana, if you followed the instructions of this post you should
maintain the temperature, is it without the mud cover? because
If that's the case, it should be treated with clay cover, because
it's the insulation. If the chimney moves, you will have to secure it.
with cement and sand when you make the rough plaster, even
dig the mud about 10cm around to fix it to the brick beforehand
to revoke. Regards.
Responder

20.

Anonymous, August 2, 2016, 6:47

Hello Eduardo, greetings from Venezuela. Here we buy already cooked bricks.
the sales of materials. I mean, they are already bricks. These would be glued with the mixture.
of clay. When curing the oven
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Answers

Eduardo SolerAugust 2, 2016, 12:14

That's right, my friend. Greetings from Argentina.

Responder

21.

Braulio Garcia, August 15, 2016, 11:54

Greetings, you have relieved me of a problem with the mix for the mud. I was
stuck because I can't find refractory cement and I'm hesitant to do the
I will do it the old-fashioned way. Question, can I make the floor with regular bricks?
made of clay?

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerAugust 18, 2016, 10:42

Braulio, the floor can be made with common bricks but not
it will be smooth enough to put the bread directly on it, of all
 I always use fonts, but there are people who like to throw it away.
on the oven floor. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

22.

Lonjas 93219 August 19, 2016, 6:25

HELLO!! my name is Alejo it is very nice of you to share your experience with
so much detail... I am considering getting an oven and your blog is a good one
consultation tool ... I will surely be asking you things ... best regards
from La Plata
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerAugust 24, 2016, 20:06

Go ahead Alejo, enjoy the oven, many tasty things are waiting for you.
meals. Greetings.
Responder

23.

Anonymous August 22, 2016, 16:09

Hello everyone, I am about to make a clay stove and I have some doubts about it.
Regarding this, do the bricks need to be common, refractory, or both? I have a
free space next to the grill to build it 80×80 cm, the idea is to make it
medium type cane, that is, brick on the sides with a height of 50 or 60 cm, in semi
circle and the one-eyed in the center of 50 cm wide. At the base, it must have
glass, salt, refractory earth, what height should be given to each thing?
I listen to advice and suggestions, I think it is a fair measure since we are
Few families, with this measure from what I was reading, a piglet enters or
2-3 pizzas. Thank you for reading this message. Jorge from Argentina
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerAugust 25, 2016, 4:11 PM

Jorge, I'm sorry I can't help you as I don't have experience in
this type of ovens semi-arch. Perhaps some forum member can
to help you. Regards.
Respond

24.

Unknown August 27, 2016, 6:30 PM

Everything in the post is very good and instructive!!! The effort that one puts in also counts a lot.
made in something as tasty as building to then delight in various.
meals with family and friends!! Just one tip I have is to be careful when asking for shavings.
because it may possibly have toxic pests in the wood..... greetings to everyone, I am
 Adrian from Temperley, and a fanatic fan of my club Atlético Temperley... I would like
know how to send photos of my little work...
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerAugust 29, 2016, 8:40 AM

Dria, nice to meet you, and thank you very much for your contribution.
hug.
Responder

25.

MARCELO DEX. September 4, 2016, 5:51

I will start preparing my oven; we will talk if you have any questions.. thank you, friend..

Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerSeptember 4, 2016, 8:45

Go ahead Marcelo, the task will reward you. A hug from
Argentina.
Responder

26.

Unknown September 6, 2016, 12:00

Hello Eduardo, approximately how many bricks did you use to make the dome? Thank you
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerSeptember 7, 2016, 10:38

I don't remember well since it's been many years, but I think they were
300 bricks. A greeting from Argentina.
Respond

27.

Claudio, September 30, 2016, 5:58 PM

Hello Eduardo, I am in the construction stage of a double chamber oven.

y me worried the mix for to carry out the dome.
As mentioned in a previous contribution, do you think adding salt to the mud mix is a good idea?
What will vitrify better, and regarding the finishing of the dome, I have seen in
In many cases, they cover them with fiberglass and secure them with wire.
henhouse and then they proceed to make the different plasters with material, that
what do you think, regards
 Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 10, 2016, 6:33

Claudio, sorry for the delay but I was traveling in Colombia and
I just arrived. Regarding the insulation, anything you can do.
for her it is welcome, fiberglass is a good insulator. With
I have no experience when it comes to adding salt to the mixture.
greetings from Argentina.
Responder

28.

October 4, 2016, 12:20

I believe that before building an oven, they must know what they are doing; it doesn't go well.
nothing medita height materials position of the chimney all have to be in
proportion to the internal measure
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 5, 2016, 10:07

This comment is a bit confusing because some are missing.
you eat, but I think I understand what it says regarding that everything must
plan according to the objective. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

29.

Anonymous, October 7, 2016, 5:37 PM

Hello Eduardo!!! I want to ask you a question. I am making my little oven.

I want to know what happens if I put a ... instead of an iron door.
kitchen oven door with glass window ?? will it withstand the temperature ???
Thank you very much in advance and greetings from Santa Isabel, Santa Fe ....

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 10, 2016, 10:00

Friend, you probably resist because those lids are made
for 200-250ºC but it would be necessary to assess the comfort for the
opening. A greeting.
Responder

30.

Jorge, October 7, 2016, 18:18

 Eduardo: your contribution is very good. I am working on making an oven right now.
I made the tile and prepared the clay a day ago, my idea is to do it with the clay.
the old custom, in fact I put horse manure, straw, dry grass, sawdust and
up to 1 kg of coarse salt, I must wait a week for this to happen.
Ferment and be ready. But my question is the following: I understand that glass
It is insulating and that is why it goes underneath attached to the slab so that it does not absorb heat.
and on top goes the coarse salt layer which helps to retain the heat.
bricks of the oven floor. It can be like this or am I wrong? And as I have
understood that the mixture contains salt to help retain some heat
on the walls. With the topic of expansion, I saw that many people make the oven one
Once revoked with mud, they wait for it to dry for 1 or 2 days and then put wool on it.
They put a mesh or expandable material above the glass and then they coat it.
with thick plaster and then the fine one. All this to fulfill the function that the
strong heat did not reach the plaster and at the same time as it expands the brick
leave space that the wool provides to avoid cracking. Regards and thank you
for your information and contributions from the fans of the oven. Regards from La Rioja. Jorge

Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerOctober 10, 2016, 10:40

Jorge, I recommend that you do a before putting the glass on.
layer of bricks laid flat on the slab, this so that the heat
do not affect the slab. I put salt and glass on the bricks and the
slab of down always is cold.
Regarding the plastering, I recommend that you...
This way you will avoid future fractures.
As for wool, anything that serves to insulate is welcome. A
greeting.
Respond

31.

Hugo, October 16, 2016, 8:38

Very good and detailed explanation of how to build it, thank you!!
A question: every time you refer to 'mud' to bond the bricks, cover the salt and
to coat the vault; you are talking about the mixture of clay with straw and cement
no??
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 17, 2016, 7:57

Yes Hugo, all the time I use the mixture of mud with straw and
cement. A greeting from Argentina.
Responder

32.

JUAN de SF - USA October 18, 2016, 21:43

after finishing the first layer of bricks, with clay bricks and
mix of 3 parts soil, 1 part cement, and straw ... leaving the nails for
 Grab better onto the woven wire, DO NOT put fiberglass before plastering it.
??? I am just about to make a bar oven and I saw and they advised me that. Thank you
Juan of San Francisco - California - USA
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 19, 2016, 9:50

Juan, I didn't put it on mine, the traditional ones don't have it, but if I do
It would be a great thing, because it would improve insulation.
A greeting from Argentina.
Responder

33.

October 24, 2016

I have an oven that I've had for about 10 years covered, but rain has affected it from the side.
deteriorating to the point of having not only cracks but also holes in between
bricks. The question is clay+cement, clay+lime, clay+cement+lime in those
places before the final plaster???
Reply
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 24, 2016, 15:32

Héctor, I would tell you to fill the holes with mud and cement,
putting pieces of brick in the holes, and then renders of
New with clay and cement. Once it is dry, you must cure it.
again the oven so that the patches can bake and return to
be bricks. Greetings.
Responder

34.

Waler, October 25, 2016, 11:54

Hello, I have an oven with an internal circumference of 110 cm and a height of 48 cm... it is
It's big. The question is that I want to cover it and I have to think about the chimney in it.
wooden ceiling...how do you think it? 6" pipe insulated with amito?
Anadevidrio? What do you recommend? Martin from Neuquén

Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 27, 2016, 10:33

The drain pipe must be the same diameter as the outlet.
the slot and make sure that when you turn it on it has a
open window for the entry of air. Regards.

2.
 Eduardo SolerOctober 27, 2016, 10:34
Regarding insulation, it does not matter as they are gases that
during the Chaldean period they leave.

Responder

35.

Anonymous, October 26, 2016, 7:07

Hello, the post is very good. I have a few questions, I'm going to make it smaller.
Do I respect the height just the same?! Can I use wood shavings from pine?! And I can't.
get refractory soil for the tiles what could I replace it with?!
thank you very much

Responder
Responses

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 27, 2016, 11:03

If it is going to be smaller, the height should be in proportion.
a little lower, but what is preserved is the mouth in case
opposite no they will enter
the food a to cook.
If the shavings are fine, they can be used; if you can't get refractory earth,
the mixture is clay with cement without shavings or straw.
Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

36.

Daniel Sanchez, October 27, 2016, 8:49

What is the refractory earth that you use on the floor? I have researched here in Mexico.
but I only found refractory clay on the internet but the supplier tells me that
it is not recommended for use in the oven; it can be substituted with another material
Is there any way to prepare it? Greetings from Monterrey, Mexico.
Thank you for continuing to respond to the comments, thank you.

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 27, 2016, 11:19

Daniel, no problem, you can have the mud meeting with
soil cement. A greeting from Argentina.
Responder

37.

November 5, 2016, 1:39 PM

THANK YOU THIS WEEK WE WILL THICKEN THE CONSTRUCTION OF

BAKERY AND PASTRY OVEN ADOSHEM WE HOPE FOR US
APOLLEN IN THE PROCESS AND IF THERE ARE OTHER INSTRUCTIONS DO IT
 KNOW FROM VENEZUELA ONLY THAT WE ARE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING DOUBLE
LARGE FOR BAKING BREAD, PASTRIES, PIZZA, AND CAKES
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerNovember 7, 2016, 7:14

Good luck Miguel. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

38.

November 9, 2016, 2:00 PM

Hello Eduardo, many thank you for you contribution.

I am from Caseros, Buenos Aires Province and I am about to build my oven. The idea
is to make the floor with refractory brick and refractory clay joint. The walls
with common brick and joint of.... Must it be clay without fail? can't it
to be made of the same refractory clay? On the outside, the insulating wool and common plaster.
(3 of arena y 1 Cement).
Thank you very much for your availability. Mario
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerNovember 10, 2016, 9:37

Mario, the truth is that I have no experience with materials no
traditional in this type of oven, so I'm not encouraged to
I wouldn't recommend anything. The mud doesn't fail. Best regards.

Responder

39.

Anonymous, November 23, 2016, 3:32

Hello Eduardo, your advice is very good. Let's see if you can satisfy this doubt of mine.
Regarding the mixture, I was advised to do it the traditional way, two
of sand, one of earth and plenty of straw to properly increase the volume. my doubt
What if the sand does not disintegrate in the future due to high temperatures?
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerNovember 29, 2016, 10:12

It doesn't contain sand, as it crumbles with heat; the mixture is what
Indico above otherwise the traditional one with manure is used.
fermented horse. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

40.
 Unknown November 30, 2016, 12:38

I would like to know if it is possible to paint the clay oven with a waterproofing agent.
exterior to protect it from the harshness of the weather. The oven manufacturer told me
recommended anti-drip from Venier. If so, should I pass it before or after the
Cured. What do you recommend since I would like to leave it rustic without plastering. Thank you.
A greeting, I hope for a response.

Responder

41.

Unknown November 30, 2016, 12:39

Hello, they made me a clay oven and recommended painting it with a

Colorless impermeabilizing Anti dripping Venier can be as I want to maintain
with the exterior plaster and without coating it is correct and if so I have to do it beforehand
or after the healing, thank you in advance and I look forward to your response.

Responder
Responses

Eduardo SolerDecember 1, 2016, 8:43

Alejandro, usually when the oven is left unplastered, or
rustic cabin, a small roof is made to protect it from
the inclemencies del time.
I don't know if waterproofing agents stick to mud, but if they do
positive, you should heal first. Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

42.

Anonymous, December 12, 2016, 16:22

Eduardo, no any mixture is used in the oven like salt in the mixture or
cement
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerDecember 14, 2016, 8:36

I agree, friend, but the traditional method of manure
fermented is tedious, that's why one mixes it with cement which
he gives the league to the clay. Greetings from Argentina.

Responder

43.

Anonymous December 18, 2016, 9:22

Hello Eduardo, my name is Juan. I built my clay oven.

BEFORE SEEING YOUR INSTRUCTIONS. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I DO NOT
I PUT GLASS AS YOU RECOMMEND, I STUCK ONE ON THE CERAMIC.
COMMON BRICK BED AND ON THIS BED I STUCK ANOTHER
 OF REFRACTORY LOCETS FROM THOSE SEEN IN YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL
I re-plastered it and let it dry for several days and then I...
Kiss me twice or three times. But now I want to kiss you several times.
QUESTIONS TO KNOW IF I CAN FIX THE ERRORS
COMMITTED. 1 If I don't put glass on the slab, it heats up what do I do?
THE FIRST LAYER OF PLASTER I MADE ONLY WITH CLAY AND THIS (THE
CLAY) WHEN IT DRIED, IT CRACKED ALL, I RE-COATED IT WITH
MORE CLAY AND ONCE AGAIN THE CLAY CRACKED BUT A LOT
LESS AMOUNT, THEN I WILL REVOKE IT BUT THIS TIME
WITH A LITTLE CEMENT AND I CRACK A LITTLE BIT. WHAT
I KEEP ON MAKING PLASTER WITH MORE CEMENT UNTIL
DID IT STOP CRACKING? 3 WHEN I TOUCH THE OUTER PART WITH THE
PALM OF THE HOTWARM, HOW DO I SOLVE IT?
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 23, 2016, 7:47

Juan, the solution to problems is becoming complicated, actually what
what you have to do is heat it up and test with your hand if it gets hot
slab or the dome, see if the temperature inside is maintained, of the
On the contrary, gas injection must be used. The cracks in the plaster.
they are filled with a mixture of liquid cement and fine sand. Happy
parties!!
Responder

44.

December 20, 2016, 9:17 AM

Hello Eduardo, I am making an oven and I am experiencing that the clay is drying.
Is it normal for cracks to form with the sun?
Responder
Responses

1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 23, 2016, 8:05

This happens due to sudden dehydration; it should be covered or sprayed.
with a little water to give moisture and prevent drying out.
So abrupt. Happy holidays from Argentina.
Responder
 1. Hello, I am making an oven and I see that cracks are forming in the plaster.
So far, no bricks have fallen, but I see that it tends to
the clay unifies and it seems that the joints of the bricks separate, it will be the adobe
I put straw, horse manure, and a bit of sandy black soil.
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerDecember 23, 2016, 8:01

If it separates, it's because you are not wetting the bricks enough.
before setting them, or the mix has little bonding, I give it
I would add more fermented manure or a little bit of cement. Happy
parties from Argentina.
Responder

2.

December 21, 2016, 11:56

Hello, I have a question. I finished the oven and I am in the curing part. I turned it on.
a fire with the leftover wood I used for the dome and a couple of boxes of
the temperature reached 350 I took out the coals and it remained at 300 late..... Until
After 90 minutes the temperature reached 50, could it be lacking clay!? A couple of times
I closed everything to see if smoke was coming out from any crack and nothing.... I ask before
to put the fiberglass and the exterior plaster. Thank you.
Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 23, 2016, 7:56

Friend, if there are no losses or cracks, put in the fiberglass and the
revoke, which will help you maintain it a little longer
temperature. Happy holidays!!! Greetings from Argentina.
Responder

3.

αrturΩ Psychologist ® December 23, 2016, 10:34

Good afternoon Eduardo. My name is Arturo. Besides congratulating you on your Blog,
I want to tell you that the reading encourages me to start the oven project.
clay. The technical aspects enriched by his experience make the idea
be more specific. I'll tell you later. Greetings from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico.
Responder
Answers
 1.

Eduardo SolerDecember 27, 2016, 8:03

Nice to meet you, Arturo, I'm glad you find the blog useful and
good luck with your oven project. Best regards from Argentina and
happy 2017.
Responder

4.

Anonymous, December 29, 2016, 11:11

Thank you for the blog, it has helped me a lot, how much time is needed for it?
healed, how many days should it be done? thank you for the response. regards: Rosa
Star.
Responder
Answers

Eduardo SolerDecember 29, 2016, 5:02 PM

Rosa, it must be dried before curing; curing is
turn it on for at least 30 minutes and let it cool for three or
Four times, that is once dry, it should be turned on every two days.
empty and let cool. Happy 2017 and greetings from Argentina.
Responder

5.

December 29, 2016, 11:27

thank you for sharing your knowledge, I was reading about curing, for
How many days does it need to be done? Is it only once a day? Thank you for the
response. Sincerely: Rosa Estrella from Peru, greetings Happy New Year!!!

Responder

6.

Anonymous January 8, 2017, 20:59

Hello friend, I am from Quito in the Valley of los Chillos. I want to build an oven inside.
of the earth yes could help me how I can contact me.
Greetings
Respond

7.

Yimmi, February 7, 2017, 19:22

Eduardo, congratulations on the blog. I would like to ask you a few questions. First, how much...
approx. time. The project is finished and second I am about to build the
oven inside a room so the shape will be oval that is 90 by
120 has the same results or is not recommended, and lastly for the
mix to bind the bricks they recommend sugar instead of salt because when diluted
 it forms like glue and when heated helps to better secure everything in the oven, I am from
Peru. Thank you
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Answers

Eduardo SolerFebruary 10, 2017, 7:49

Yimmi, the time depends on the dedication, I took 7 months but
I worked only on weekends. A friend working all the time.
he did it in 15 days. The oval shape has no problems, just
that the door must be at one of the ends of the oval. With
Regarding the mix, I am not familiar with any others than the traditional one or the
that I recommend in this post. Greetings from Argentina.
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February 13, 2017, 6:52

Good afternoon Eduardo, I congratulate you on your chat or blog, I have spent more than one
It was an hour reading all the opinions and it turned out to be very instructive.
My name is Marcelo and I write from Manises, Valencia, Spain.
I write not only to congratulate you but also to ask for advice and share experiences.
in the construction of the ovens of firewood.
I am Argentine and I am going for my fourth Wood Oven, this one will be in Valencia.
there is not much black soil here, it is very sandy in contrast
get refractory clay that will mix securely with lime and a little bit of
cement
My problem is that I want to make the oven entrance with refractory brick and
the glue I mentioned but I would like the rest of the circumference
make it with regular brick to reduce costs, I would do it that way.
because as it looks and is not protected by coating and is exposed to
Temperature changes were more easily perceived compared to the rest.
What would the coating have, for this reason I ask if the union of different types
from refractory brick to common brick for you or for someone
A partner who reads this would like to know if it would cause problems in that union.
I would also like to mention that the door would be a guillotine type which would move to
through the arch and of 1 grooves made with a grinder on the sides of
the refractory bricks of the entrance, supported the same arch with two lintels
the sheet metal embedded in the oven's base to make it stronger since
with my experience I think that the guillotine door is safer and causes
less desMorona lie what the door normal.
Another of the weak points of the furnace is the support of the chimney that...
it seems to you. To wall it with cement instead of sand as you say
sprinkles put it in earth refractory.
One of the things I've learned is that I think at least it has happened to me.
putting salt under the refractory floor is not advisable because some
Sometimes with the humidity and the weather, it dissolves as it absorbs the salt.
a lot of humidity and it happens that the floor is starting to sink in my case
It was very humid in Buenos Aires. So I will do it with just one row.
Under the floor, a row of bricks, glass, and sand to weave the foundation.
I have also read and having worked in pizzerias here in Europe the ovens
of firewood Italians all have the chimney behind the door right away, the
Italians cannot conceive of an oven with the chimney at the back or halfway.
inside right after the door with a high draft.
Smoke and gases tend to escape always due to the movement inside the furnace.
they tend to lean forward that's why the exit with its respective butterfly inside
 For the graduate, the air outlet must be right before the door on the side.
From the inside, it is understood.
Also, another thing that can be added that I did in Buenos Aires was
put a piece of tube approximately one inch on the right side
for 18 centimeters in length inside the wall to be able to place inside a
plumber's torch used to bond the membranes in the
roofs that would serve to keep the oven warm with gas fire and with its
respective plug when no If usa.
Well, I want to thank you for this blog and hoping to see if someone...
Can you help me with the union of different types of materials. Goodbye everyone.

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerFebruary 13, 2017, 12:59

Salvador, there is no problem with the mix, if you read the ...
Later you will see that I use various types of materials, the floor that I have
my oven is made of refractory material and has been in use for more than ten years, it is

impeccable, it is stuck with a mixture of 6 parts of common soil

(there is no obligation for it to be black) with 2 of wild straw (or
anyone and if not fine wood shavings) and 1 of cement. What
You need to make the refractory mix 6 parts to 1 of cement.
and it doesn't contain lime, I stuck all the bricks with that earth mixture
common, because when that mixture cures, it becomes brick
with the heat.
I haven't had problems with salt because it stays in a sandwich and
it has no contact with the outside, therefore it has no source of
humidity.
Regarding the porthole, whether you put it in the front or the back, it’s the same.
It's a matter of taste, what cannot be is to put it on top in the
the middle of the dome because the heat escapes and does not warm the dome. The
the hole in the back has the advantage that it doesn’t blow smoke at you while
the duration of heating that you must stay in the oven mouth
and the airflow carries the smoke backwards.
The guillotine door is good, it's just that it needs to be respected.
minimum measurements of the oven mouth otherwise you won't
enter a roast suckling pig whole.
The gas injector hole is a very good option.
A greeting from a compatriot and may your oven turn out beautifully.

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9.

Unknown March 28, 2017, 15:25

Hello Eduardo! Excellent POST!!! I'm left with a doubt... the mix to glue
the bricks and plaster is 6 parts of earth, 1 part of cement and 2 parts of
hay or straw! Once it is assembled, can it be used? It's the last thing that
I'm missing something to start my oven!! Thank you!!!

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMarch 29, 2017, 8:54

 Diego, if you use grass it must be dry and sturdy, that's why it's better.
the straw, I used tough straw. It's like that, that mixture with those
proportions work for both bricks and plaster,
when you turn on the oven and cook something, send me a message
shortly telling how it went with the oven. A greeting from
Argentina.

2.

March 29, 2017, 12:04

Great!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! one more... where can I get straw
brava? Thank you!!

3.

Eduardo SolerApril 1, 2017, 5:40 PM

Diego, straw can be found in the countryside, in the vacant lots, it grows.
Naturally, it dries in summer and in winter. Hugs.
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10.

Unknown April 7, 2017, 10:28

Hello, I wanted to know what type of paint you used to paint the exterior of the oven?

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerApril 8, 2017, 6:44

Agrelo, I painted it with water-based wall paint, this is with the
common painting. A greeting from Argentina.
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11.

Fernando de Gallegos April 23, 2017, 11:04

Eduardo, good morning, I am Fernando from Río Gallegos, I have 2 questions: do you say straw?
in dry straw, it can be from a bale for cows or it is better to use some old brooms
as you advised and the other is I'm going to do it inside (with an exit to the outside)
And the gas, is the final revocation for the protection of the mud due to the weather? I can't do it.
leave rustic on the inside
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerApril 24, 2017, 11:38

Fernando, the straw can be the bundled one, the one from a cut broom.
3cm long girl, there on the outskirts of Río Gallegos must
 it's tough news, the kind that dries in the winter. If it's not going to be...
The outdoors can be left rustic. Best regards.
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12.

May 3, 2017, 14:01

Good, I will encourage myself to do it, my mother will surely love it, Greetings from
Honduras
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerMay 8, 2017, 14:49

Good luck!!! Greetings from Argentina.
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13.

June 4, 2017, 16:48

Hello, congratulations on the job. I'm about to do one, just one question, can I?
make the inner vault with refractory tiles and then line it with bricks or
it would be finished inside with refractory tiles of 2.5 cm
thickness if you explained to me I appreciate it greetings thank you

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 5, 2017, 10:38

If the oven is going to be gas injected, it is better that it has the
walls covered with refractory, but if it's going to be with wood I don't
I am very sure that it is convenient, as those who cook
it is precisely the walls, and they must be able to store energy, in
the refractories insulate a lot and it is possible that when it opens the
the oven lets the heat escape, whereas if it is injection there wouldn't be any.
problems. I would like to know the opinion of someone who has it.
So. Greetings from Argentina.
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14.

Unknown June 5, 2017, 1:17 PM

Eduardo! I've already started with the construction!!! I already have the floor made with salt.
thick and ground glass!, I placed the cast iron door and I'm starting to
raise the vault with 6 parts of black soil, 1 part of cement, and 2 parts of grass
So far, I'm doing well, except that it's very humid in the area these days.
north (BsAs) so it takes a few days until the mud dries! I am documenting it.
Everything in pictures, so as soon as I can, I will send some for you to see how it's going.
 Awesome!! Thank you for this excellent post that not only helped me but also made me
It will make me do it myself!!! Greetings!!
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 6, 2017, 12:38

Diego, send me an email so I can get in touch with you.
private so you can send me the photos. The address of
The email will not be published. Best regards.

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15.

Unknown June 19, 2017, 18:25

Hello Eduardo
I have a question about oven firing, because for brick firing it is necessary to
keep them in an oven at about 1000 degrees for 24 hours and for the oven
Although you use fired bricks, the mixture to bond the bricks will have to
having the right temperature and time.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 21, 2017, 6:23

José, it is not necessary to reach a complete cooking here.
brick, treating it in the indicated way is enough, moreover it is
the joint thickness is fine. Greetings from Argentina.
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16.

Unknown June 21, 2017, 3:50 PM

Thank you, here in the Canary Islands those bricks cannot be found, I will try to make some.
I make the bricks with clay and let them cure when the oven is hot.
Another thing I have read that may be of interest is when refractory bricks are placed.
On the floor, the problem is that it takes twice as long to get warm.
regarding the clay one and it can affect the cooked food.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJune 21, 2017, 5:13 PM

José, I am surprised by what you tell me about the bricks.
in the islands, regarding the refractories, there are none on the floor
The problem is that it is not where the heat is stored, it should be avoided.
the escape through the floor, on the contrary, if excessive heat accumulates in the
food would quickly burn, heat accumulates
 on the walls of the oven, that's why it's not convenient to make them of
refractory unless a gas injector is going to be installed.
greetings from Argentina.

2.

Anonymous, August 8, 2017, 6:27

Greetings Eduardo, I have found the information about the

placement of refractory bricks on the floor, I leave you the link, see
a to leave del minute 4.20
I am already on my way to starting the construction of the oven, already
to provide my results.
The provided text is a URL and does not contain content for translation.

3.

Eduardo SolerAugust 18, 2017, 6:55 AM

I saw the video, regarding what it talks about the floor is relative what
Say, because the part of the idea that is cooked from below and the ovens
they don't cook with clay from below because it would burn the food,
They always cook from above, what the floor should prevent is the leak of
warm but it shouldn't be too hot. Regards.
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17.

July 5, 2017

Dear Eduardo. Reading all the comments, I have no other option but to
face this project: how I want to gather the materials. I
I would like you to indicate the quantities. (Following your measurements) how much salt.
Tiles. Refractory clay. Etc. You already provided the quantity of bricks. Thank you and
I congratulate you again on the blog
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 7, 2017, 16:41

39 tiles of 11x22.3cm and 5 finishing tiles are needed
for the mouth with rounded edge. 1 bag of 50 kg salt. with
5kg of refractory earth for the joint should be enough. Best regards
from Argentina.
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18.

GOMONES IBIZA July 10, 2017, 9:23

Esduardo, I am about to make an oven but I do not have much space and
I am going to do it 80cm, will a 10kg piglet fit? And finally, can it be used?
to get the refractory bricks and refractory cement? I congratulate you on the
explanations are very educational Thank you!!
 Responder
Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerJuly 13, 2017, 9:46

Yes friend, a piglet weighing 8 to 10 kg fits in an 80 cm oven.
inner diameter. Regarding that mixture for gluing the
bricks I can't tell you anything because I have no experience. A
greeting from Argentina.
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19.

Clay Oven Fanatics August 23, 2017, 2:00

Hello Eduardo, I would like to contact you to ask you to publish your blog on our platform.
web. I appreciate your response, a hug!!!
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerAugust 23, 2017, 20:51

I have no problem with them publishing my blog on the page.
from you as long as you provide the reference. I visited the page
from you and I was surprised to see my article published without any
reference about authorship and without prior authorization. There is no
problems in using online information, that's what it's published for,
to share, but you must always cite the source out of courtesy.
I ask that you correct the error and indicate where you took the article from.
A greeting from Argentina.
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20.

Carlos V6 September 6, 2017, 21:11

Dear Eduardo

Nice to greet you from Colombia and congratulations on such excellent work.
above all, thank you for sharing it with all of us.

I am in the process of building a furnace and so far I see your blog.

Thank goodness I haven’t started laying the brick yet since despite having...
I understand the proportions of the mixture, but I still have doubts about its components.
What type of soil should be used...? Can it be clay...? Or which soil?
...?
2. Portland cement ......? Is it the common construction cement ..? If not
So, could it be prepared with common construction cement?
Bale straw...? It will be something similar to the dry hay that livestock is fed.
o the horses ...?

Finally, once the mixture is prepared, they begin to stick or join.

the bricks, but the next question is whether to spread or cover
completely the entire interior vault as it is being built ... ? That is to say
 The entire interior of the vault must be completely covered with mixture.
oven in the interior )..?

Of in advance thank you for you comments

Warm regards

Carlos

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerSeptember 25, 2017, 9:23

Carlos, first of all, I apologize for the delay but I was traveling.
Middle East and I just returned to Argentina. I will respond to you now:
1) The soil must be clayey silt, it cannot be sandy, the one of
the plants it works good.
The cement that I used is Portland, but it can be done.
with horse manure with much more work
The straw is anyone that does not disarm, at worst
in cases sawdust is used, it is to give glue to the mixture, the
As long as it is dry, it can be useful.
4) the interior should not be lined, the bricks remain visible and with
junta flat tidy
Greetings from Argentina.
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21.

jotabur September 17, 2017, 1:53

Brilliant blog, brilliant your attention to each forum member, excellent all
contributions..., the little iron is ready to start building our oven of
90 cm diameter rod..., I suppose you with ten years old
oven cooking experience you should already know your temperature very well
oven to put the food in to cook..., what would be your reference for
temperature to understand that you are in time to start cooking??, from now on
thank you for your attention and for all the information, Regards, Jorge, from
Rural Montevideo.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 4, 2017, 9:30

Sorry for the delay, but I was traveling and I'm just now getting back.
reintegrating. I bring my hand to my mouth and if I hold it for 10 seconds already
Well, I don't have a pyrometer. Greetings from Argentina.
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22.
 Clay Oven Fans September 23, 2017, 6:14

Thank you very much, we added it at the end, if you're interested send us a message.
private and we contact each other, we are from Argentina too! Hug
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23.

Carlos September 25, 2017, 10:32

Dear Eduardo

Thank you very much for your comments, they have been very helpful for the fabrication of the oven.

Cordially Greeting since Colombia

Atte

Charles V.
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 4, 2017, 9:36

How great, Carlos, I am so glad that they were able to.
do. Now to enjoy it by cooking delicious things. I was in
I went to Colombia last year and I loved the Caribbean cuisine.
Greetings from Argentina.
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24.

Unknown October 1, 2017, 18:46

Hello! They made me the clay oven but seeing your post I see that mine hasn't been
placed on the refractory clay floor. Can I place it now after 6 uses?
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 4, 2017, 9:10

Mariela, there is no obligation for it to have a refractor. That's just
necessary when you want to cook stone pizzas on the
oven floor. Greetings from Argentina.
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25.

October 7, 2017, 8:31

Hello Eduardo, my name is Mauricio and I am from Mar del Plata, first I want to
Congratulations and thank you for your advice, I want to let you know that I am going to start doing
my clay oven following your advice, I am going to start in a couple of
 months, more or less in January, because it's the time when I can work in it
I bake a couple of hours a day, I saw that in a previous comment you mentioned that the plaster
while it dries, it can crack more if there are high
temperatures, QUESTIONS I should ask to avoid that? once dry it is
When does the healing begin? I apologize if you have already answered the same.
questions, THANK YOU VERY MUCH and I repeat EXCELLENT POST

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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 9, 2017, 16:49

Mauricio, you can cover it with a tarpaulin to prevent it from
dehydrate quickly and give time for slower drying.
To heal, it must be dry. Best regards.

2.

October 10, 2017, 5:16

Thank you very much

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26.

October 8, 2017, 3:47

Hello Eduardo, my question is whether the soil with fertilizer sold to you in nurseries
it is used to prepare the mixture, both for sticking the bricks and for the
revoke. Thank you very much

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Responses

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 10, 2017, 9:10

Mauro, in principle, any land should work, there is always
to prepare a bucket and try. Maybe the nursery has it.
a lot of organic matter and in one of those it's not necessary to use straw.
I would try it and if a good glue is obtained, go ahead.
greetings from Argentina.
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27.

Unknown October 9, 2017, 4:00

Hello Eduardo, good morning. My question is how many bricks did you use?
Refractories, common bricks and the preparation of clay or you did it with
Material refraction would also be very useful for me to avoid buying too much. Regards.

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Answers

1.
 Eduardo SolerOctober 11, 2017, 8:33
Luis, I think I already answered that before, look at the posts and
If you can't find it, write to me again and I'll look for it in my...
files. Greetings from Argentina.
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28.

October 13, 2017, 18:15

I think the way to make the vault came to me that it's the best way.
it would be to use coarse mix without cement, make the ball and stick the bricks with mud
supporting them on the mixture, easier than that, then finished through the door
The mixture is taken out, and it's solved. Of course, the mixing vault is made later.
to have the finished base done
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Answers

1.

Eduardo SolerOctober 17, 2017, 4:32 PM

The problem with the mix is that later with the heat it unravels and
it even falls on the food, whereas the mud joint is made
brick and it doesn't come apart anymore. Greetings from Argentina.

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29.

Unknown October 25, 2017, 7:16

Hello Eduardo, I want to make 2 inquiries. The first is that I finished the oven and I
I made 2 layers of clay and I'm about to make the third one. But the previous 2 have...
They cracked a lot when drying. How do I prevent them from cracking?
The second question is, before revoking it with cement, is it justified to put wool?
Is it glass so that the cement doesn't break, or do I stick it on the mud?
A big hug. Regards
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Hello, I can share my experience in making an oven that can serve many.
The mud mixture to lift the bricks is a batch of 20 liters of mud with 1 kg of salt.
thick revolver leave parked for an hour and use, it must be used during the day, it cannot be left
for the other since the salt would lose the desired slimy effect. the surface of the bricks that
they remain inside the oven, you have to leave them with the smallest joint possible, that makes
Over time, do not throw scraps on the food, the expansion is solved as follows
way, when the oven is finished with the corresponding layers of clay over the bricks
these should be thin and it is expected to wait an hour for the clay to crack, then it is placed on the
next and continue until finishing at the top of the oven it should be thicker
since it is where radiant heat accumulates) after finishing, a layer is added
pasture all around 5 cm thick (you can buy a bale and separate layers from it
easily or cut grass type puna according to its geographical location or means, on top of the grass
it is covered with bird wire or masonry mesh for stucco, shaped like an oven, it is tied
with wire, artistic shapes are made, a roof to protect the entrance of the oven from the rain, nozzle
Then a mason's trowel is used to apply cement with sand without lime, as this is
enemy of the metal and covers the entire mesh well, is covered and left until the next day, then is
the common plaster is applied, when the grass catches fire it will turn to ash
5 centimeters of air layer where the bricks will expand and contract without problem, I don't have.
I have had a bread oven for 15 years and I never had to touch the cover, I hope this has been helpful.
For someone, this is my contribution to a page that so generously offers its knowledge, a hug.
Adrian Llali, Los Moradillos, Alpa Corral, Argentina