Wednesday, July 14, 2021

A Wood-fired bake oven from Adobes

 Just before the pandemic hit, I was over the border in Mexico with an old friend I hadn't seen in almost 40 years.  The man has everything, a beautiful family of five with his Mexican wife, a handmade round adobe house, the respect of his community, four old Volvo's kept going with spit and piano wire...

What could I give him?

Just up on street, down another, on the edge of town, is an adobe maker, a woman in her fifties turning out hundreds of adobes a week.  They are laid out on edge drying in the sun; later, they'll be stacked in a scove (a rectangular pile that is both the adobes and the kiln) and fired to maturity.

Our goal, my friend and I, was to build an oven with the least possible cost and of local materials.  We chose green (unfired) adobes.  These would be easy to cut, the very mud that they are made from would serve as mortar, and they were cheap.

We also had limited space and an existing barbecue platform (next to the wood-fired hot water heater).

Vamos pues!
























9 comments:

  1. Really cool , I'm about to start my first pizza oven soon, thanks for all the info.

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  2. Thank for sharing the blog. Your post is very nice and informative. Loose Brick is a leading masonry contractor in Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. we provide a wide range of masonry and brickwork services. Visit our website for additional details.

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  3. The power of simplicity!
    It’s inspiring to see how you and your friend embraced resourcefulness, building something practical and meaningful with local materials. A true lesson in minimalism and community collaboration.
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  4. Adobes for the win!
    Using green adobes is such a creative and sustainable choice. They’re not only cost-effective but also perfectly suited for your project. I’d love to know how the oven turned out!
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  5. Handmade connections.
    This story beautifully intertwines the artistry of the adobe maker and the bond of an old friendship. It’s amazing how something as humble as mud can carry so much meaning.
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  6. A touch of Mexico.
    Building with local materials like adobe really connects the project to the place. It must have been rewarding to honor the traditions and craftsmanship of the area. Bravo!
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  7. Repurposing at its finest!
    Repurposing the existing barbecue platform was a genius move. It’s incredible what can be achieved with a bit of ingenuity and a hands-on approach.
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  8. The joy of shared effort.
    There’s something magical about working together to create something tangible. Your project not only brought functionality but also strengthened your bond with your friend.
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  9. Resourceful and rooted.
    This oven is more than just an oven—it’s a testament to creativity, sustainability, and the spirit of working with what you have. I bet the first meal cooked in it was unforgettable!
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