I Built an Oven
Well, I did it. You probably already knew that because I've been in the process for some time and I've told just about everyone on the planet. I've written up the things I learned while building my oven, so you can see just what all it takes.
Does it work? Yes, indeed it does. I can make pizza and follow up with a batch of bread. But it's a bit more tricky than the ordinary large brick oven. In a large brick oven, you have lots of room and lots of oxygen for a roarin' fire. You don't need a lot of fire-tending skill to successfully fire a big oven. But this oven requires quite a bit more skill. I'm going to write up exactly what I've learned about firing a small oven Real Soon Now™, but in the meantime I'll just tell you the secret: small pieces, lots of oxygen, and start at least ⅓ of the way back in the oven.
If you just can't wait, may I recommend visiting the excellent woodheat.org site which has excellent information on building fires, especially the Concise Guide to High-Performance Woodburning and Top Down Fever.
