7) Building the front Arch

Building the front Arch.....setting out & planning.....

Created hardboard template for planned double arch. I'm using double bull nose blue black bricks.
Aim is to cut as few bricks as possible so plan is to build 2 small columns to create spring line then have a cut brick at each side to act as the 'springer' which will create the shallow angle of the arch to match profile of the door.

Because its more of a segmental arch there will be quite a lot of pressure pushing outwards.

Cutting the double bull nose bricks was a bit tricky.... used a 9inch angle grinder with a diamond blade. Not for the faint hearted!

Setting out the springer with 1cm space for mortar. Use 2inch insulation board as a former because its easy to cut. I doubled up to get a 4inch form to fully support the bricks.

Unfortunately I realised to get a snug fit against the oven dome I had to cut all the bricks down to remove on e of the 'bullnose' ends which shortened the bricks. 

 

Setting out the outer arch of the brick oven.

I will again have to cut another 'springer' brick for the outer arch.
Plan to build the pillars or columns first to ensure the arch doesn't push the columns out before the mortar goes off.....