Day 21, 22, 23 & 24

Whew I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and get our blog out! Tom's been working like a mad man and making tremendous progress. Tom also took Monday off and by the end of the day yesterday, his employer suggested he take another day off since it was a tad slow at work - now THAT was a huge blessing since Tom had some good momentum going.

Day 21 was the beginning stage of closing in the baking chamber.

Tom again laid out the front of the chamber before cementing it in place.

The EasyUps proved to be a real benefit since the temps reached 90°.
As always, Tom's outdoor shop is set up for efficiency.
Note: Big blue sky and no clouds. Just another day in sunny Las Cruces :)

With the front firebricks in place, Tom cements them in place with a
high temperature mortar mix.

Here you can see the 2 x 4 that supported
the firebricks until the mortar mix is dry.

Day 22 was such an exciting day, the final firebricks are cemented in place to close in the baking chamber! I posted the announcement on Facebook and enjoyed all the "likes" we received - thanks to everyone!

You can see Tom's cabinet making skills at work in the intricate way he's
crafted the firebricks to create the corner.

Tom cements in the complete front of the baking chamber.

The final corner is done. Baking chamber is closed in!

Day 23 . . . Monday. The start of the chimney!
Now for all you Engineers out there, I know that you'll just love checking out this jig Tom's created. It's purpose is to keep a level line for each row of chimney bricks.

Note the face of the wide plank is all marked with the proper
measurements of each row of brick placement.

Scaffold

A visit and consultation with Dad Hester :)

Day's end. Note the moon peeking up over the oven :)

Day 24 . . . Today. This is about a live as I can get today. It's 11am MST and this is where Tom is at. 

Tom contemplating the day. I've already been to the brick yard to pick
up 25 more bricks. We bought the last of these types of Red Bricks from
the supplier - talk about cutting it close!

Stay tuned, more to come later today! Kath