We discussed the best strategies to help the oven dry faster. We decided to scoop the sand form out on the second day. The cob was still quite wet. We knew the oven might collapse without its form. But we also knew it would dry much faster if hollow. So we took the risk and scooped out the sand and even built a tiny fire. The oven wouldn't draw well. This seems to be more of an issue with smaller ovens and may indicate our door isn't cut high enough. We added an air hole in the back of the oven. But the fire may simply pull too much moisture out of the clay, in effect snuffing itself. Time will tell. I'm glad we hollowed the oven because it is drying VERY slowly. Yesterday I sent the kids out with matches and orders to burn a small fire on the hearth. They were more successful than me.
4 comments:
WAY more fun than an Easy Bake Oven. What lucky kids!
How cool is that!?! I feel lucky to be able to learn from your experiences!!
What a trip. I never would have done that. You guys rock!
Hi :) I came to your blog via Annie's "Sensible Living" blog.
I really love your blog, you guys do some pretty great things.
I have a question about the cob oven. I've searched in vain for an ingredients listing for the "cob" because it's a project I know my kids would LOVE.
Can you help me out? What ratio of sand/mud/clay/earth did you use for the mud and where did you get it? I am at a loss! Thanks :)
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