The video is part of a series on building a pizza oven. In this episode, the host is constructing the dome of the oven using firebrick and refractory mortar. To build the dome, the host needs to cut many firebricks in half and prepare forms for the arches. They also create a special tool to help place the bricks in a circular pattern.
The host explains that they need to use refractory mortar, which can handle high temperatures, and that regular mortar or fireplace mortar is not suitable for this project. They also mention the importance of wetting the bricks before applying mortar to prevent the mortar from draining all the water.
The host shows how to build the inner and outer arches, using a wooden framing and spacers to ensure the bricks fit properly. They also demonstrate how to use the special tool to place the bricks in a circular pattern.
Throughout the video, the host provides tips and explanations for each step of the process, including how to cut the bricks, prepare the forms, and apply the mortar. They also apologize for not providing as much detail as usual, citing the complexity of the project and the difficulty of shooting a video while working on it.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. To build a pizza oven, you need to cut a lot of firebricks in half.
2. The builder cut about 80 and a half firebricks and needed about 50 more for the size of the oven.
3. Firebricks need to be wet before being used with mortar.
4. Using regular mortar or fireplace mortar is not suitable for a pizza oven.
5. A refractory mortar is needed to handle the high temperatures of a pizza oven.
6. The builder used a refractory mortar that is good for chimneys, fireplaces, and brick ovens.
7. The mortar has a consistency similar to thin set used for tiling.
8. An "indispensable tool" is needed to place bricks in a circular pattern.
9. The tool is an arm that can rotate 360 degrees and be raised.
10. The tool has a stop to ensure proper brick placement.
11. The builder made the tool using an old caster and a piece of wood.
12. The builder needed to prepare forms for the arches, including an inner and outer form.
13. The inner form is smaller than the outer form to create a lip for the oven door.
14. The lip is necessary to create a seal for the oven door.
15. The builder used a wet towel to keep the bricks moist and ensure a stronger bond with the mortar.
16. Spacers are needed to prevent the firebricks from cracking.
17. The builder used a wooden framing to create the arch.
18. The arch needs to be cut at an angle to fit the bricks.
19. The builder used an angle-finding app to determine the correct angle for the cut.
20. The builder started building the arch from the middle of the back portion of the oven.
21. The bricks need to be staggered to create a stronger structure.
22. The builder cut a short brick to shift it and maintain the staggered look.
23. The outer arch needs to be higher than the inner arch to create a lip for the flue.
24. The builder raised the form by about three-quarters of an inch to create the lip.
25. The builder needed to use math to determine the correct angle for the closure of the oven top.