Installation guide

Pompeii Oven Instructions

Next, cut (12) lengths of 2"x4" that will serve as the legs

that hold the bottom frame in place inside the stand

opening. You will use 1/4" shims to accurately set the top

of the frame. The top of the 2”x4” frame should be about

1" below the top of the stand (to allow for the 3/4" plywood

and shims). Measure and cut your 2”x4” legs accordingly -

- stand height, minus 2 1/2" (1 1/2" for the 2”x4” and 1" for

the plywood and shim).

3.2. The form support ready for the tray.

Set two 2" x4" legs at each corner and one in the middle of

the span, then lay the frame on top. Place shims between

the legs and frame, and then tap the shims to raise the

frame up until its top is 11/16" (the true thickness of 3/4"

plywood) from the top of the stand. After the bottom tray is

built, you will add more 2“x4” legs to support the center of

the tray (Photo 3.3).

3.3. Form supports.

The Bottom Tray

Cut the two sheets of plywood lengthwise to fit into the

opening (3/8" shorter so that it will easily come out later),

and lay it on the frame. Tape the joint with masking tape.

Set your last two 2"x4"legs supporting a 2"x4" on its side

directly under the joint, which will support the weight of the

wet hearth while it is curing. Shim to level. You have

finished the bottom of your form. (Photo 3.4)

To prevent the concrete from bonding to your forms you

can either get a commercially available release agent

(usually a spray) or use a homegrown method of

vegetable oil, which may render the plywood useless for

other projects. Another option would be to cover the tray

with a 10 mil plastic sheet.

3.4. Plywood set in place.

The Side Forms

Next, build the sides of the form using 2”x8" lumber to fit

around the block stand edges. This frame forms the sides

of your 7 1/2 " insulating hearth. The 2”x8” board will be

set at the top of the outer edge of the block wall, and will

need to be supported by 2”x4” legs and shims similar to

the tray. When placing the forms there should be a

distance of 7 ½ inches from the top of the form to the top

of the hollow blocks.

The form should be held in place by ratcheting cargo

straps to prevent bulging of the sides. You can also hold