So, I wanted to build a new furnace, and I needed to get some bricks for it. I did some looking around for what kind of bricks to use, and it seemed like fire bricks were the way to go. They’re made to handle some serious heat.
First thing I did was head over to the local hardware store. I figured they’d have what I needed, but boy was I wrong. They had regular bricks, but nothing that could stand up to the kind of temperatures a furnace throws out. I asked one of the guys working there, and he just gave me this blank stare, like I was speaking another language or something. Not very helpful.
After that, I decided to try a place that specializes in building supplies. I drove a bit further out, hoping for better luck. When I got there, I found a whole section dedicated to different kinds of bricks. I spotted some that looked promising and asked one of the employees if they were fire bricks. He said they were, but they were kinda pricey. I was willing to pay a bit more for quality, so I picked up a bunch of them.
I also needed some mortar to hold the bricks together. Regular mortar wouldn’t cut it, so I made sure to get some refractory mortar. It’s designed for high-heat applications, so it should do the trick. It was a bit messy to work with, kinda like thick, goopy paste, but I managed to get the bricks laid out how I wanted them.
Building the Furnace
Laying the Bricks:
- I started by laying down a base layer of fire bricks, making sure they were level.
- Then, I started building up the walls, one row at a time.
- I used a trowel to spread the refractory mortar onto each brick before placing it.
- It was a bit like putting together a big, heavy puzzle.
Once the walls were up, I built an arch for the furnace opening. This was the trickiest part, but I took my time and it turned out okay. I used some scrap wood to make a form to support the arch while the mortar dried.
Letting It Cure:
- After I finished building the furnace, I had to let the mortar cure for a few days.
- I covered the whole thing with a tarp to protect it from the elements.
- It was tough being patient, but I knew it was important to let it cure properly.
After a few days, I fired up the furnace for the first time. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but it worked! The fire bricks held up great, and the furnace got nice and hot. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s been working like a charm. Building a furnace with fire bricks is definitely the way to go if you need something that can handle some serious heat. It might cost you a little bit more, but it is so worth it. Believe me, you do not want to play around with the wrong kind of bricks when it comes to a furnace. It’s a huge pain, and it can be dangerous, too.
