Clay for the furnace: preparation of the solution

Masters know that the stove can be folded well only from a properly prepared clay mortar. Ideal is one that does not differ in composition from raw brick. It should be of optimum consistency, so that it does not crack when dry. 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 must well bind the brick.

The amount of sand is calculated according to the fat content of the clay for the furnace. Experienced builders prefer to prepare a mixture from the battle of raw brick, as it is considered optimal for 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. Furnaces with experience will be able to determine the quality of the material to the touch. And for beginners to help, we offer ways to check the quality of the solution.

The first way

Knead the thick composition of clay with water and make a ball and cake. The ball in diameter should be 5 cm, and the cake - no more than 1 cm thick. At room temperature, dry them. If cracks are not formed on the products, and if they fall from a height they are not broken, such clay for the furnace has a normal level of fat content. Otherwise, add sand.

The second way

Take 2 kg of clay and fall asleep in the container. Then pour it with water and mix gauntlet. Sand is added depending on how the clay adheres to the wooden spatula, and whether the solution is completely enveloped. When clumps remain on the spatula while mixing, sand is not added, and clay for the furnace is considered normal fat content. Skinny composition covers the oar with a thin layer, which is easy to determine.

The third way

Make a steep knead 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 plates and put the ball between them. After that, squeeze the ball, pressing the upper stick. The thin clay for the furnace will not withstand pressure - the ball will disintegrate. If it is normal, 1/3 of the surface should crack, and if it is too fat, it should be 1/2.

Kneading for the oven

After checking the quality of the solution for fat content, it is prepared for work. The required amount of sand falls into the container, making a depression, and the pre-prepared clay dough is poured. Clay for laying the furnace should be creamy-like consistency. The solution is stirred all the time. When kneading fingers should be felt grains of sand.

Chamotte

Chamotte clay for the furnace is obtained by roasting at high temperatures (1300-1500 ° C). The refractory clay is burned down so that it completely lost its plasticity and removes all the water from it. Advantages of the material:

• Heat resistance;
• strength;
• durability;
• Frost resistance.

It is an indispensable material in baths and saunas. Chamotte furnish stoves-stoves, fireplace niches. In the building stores you can buy this material called "kaolin". The powdered product is diluted with water and used according to the instructions. It is used for furnace operations, which are not afraid of heating. Chamotte is used for mortars, for plastering, masonry and cladding. Chamotte is used for making floor vases, convex panels, elements for columns and so on.

When preparing mortar from clay, there are some subtleties. Now you know how to cook it properly, because the quality of the oven depends on it.