Masters know that a furnace can be well folded only from a properly prepared clay solution. The ideal one is one that does not differ in composition from raw brick. It should be of optimal consistency so that it does not crack when dried. In addition, the width of the joints between the bricks should be 3-4 mm, since the mortar should be as small as possible in the masonry, but at the same time it should bind the brick well.
The amount of sand is calculated depending on how fat the clay has for the furnace. Experienced builders prefer to prepare a mixture of raw brick battle , as it is considered optimal when laying. Make the solution as follows: in a large barrel, soak the clay, mix and leave for about a day. During this time, water is added to it if necessary. Senior stoves will be able to determine the quality of the material by touch. And for beginners, we offer methods of checking the quality of the solution to help.
First way
The thick composition of clay is mixed with water and a ball and a cake are made. The ball in diameter should be 5 cm, and the cake should be no more than 1 cm thick. Dry them at room temperature. If cracks do not form on the products, and when falling from a height, they do not break, such clay for the furnace has a normal level of fat content. Otherwise, sand is added.
Second way
Take 2 kg of clay and pour into a container. Then it is poured with water and mixed with a funk. Sand is added depending on how the clay adheres to the wooden spatula and whether the solution completely envelops it. When clots remain on the blade with stirring, sand is not added, and clay for the furnace is considered normal fat content. A skinny compound covers the paddle with a thin layer, which is easy to determine.
Third way
Make a cool batch of clay (0.5 kg) and water, and then roll the ball. The diameter of such a ball should be approximately 50 mm. Take 2 smooth planks and put a ball between them. After that, squeeze the ball, pressing the upper stick. Skinny clay for the furnace cannot withstand pressure - the ball will disintegrate. If it is normal, 1/3 of the surface should crack, and with excessive fat content - 1/2.
Kneading for the furnace
After checking the quality of the solution for fat content, it is prepared for work. The required amount of sand is poured into the container, making a deepening, and the previously prepared clay dough is poured. Clay for laying the furnace should be creamy consistency. The solution is stirred all the time. When kneading with fingers, grains of sand should be felt.
Fireclay
Chamotte clay for the furnace is obtained by firing at high temperatures (1300-1500 ° C). The refractory clay is burned to completely lose its plasticity, all water is removed from it. Advantages of the material:
- heat resistance;
- strength;
- durability;
- frost resistance.
This is an indispensable material in baths and saunas. With chamotte, stove-furnaces and fireplace niches are finished. In construction stores, you can buy this material called "kaolin." The powdery product is diluted with water and used according to the instructions. It is used for kiln works that are not afraid of heating. Fireclay is used for mortars, for plaster, masonry and cladding. Chamotte is used when making floor vases, convex panels, elements for columns and so on.
When preparing a solution of clay, there are subtleties. Now you know how to cook it, because the quality of the oven depends on it.