To cement or not to cement?

[chuckinduck]

Finished bricking my new mason 2x3 yesterday. It went surprising smooth for someone who has never done any kind of masonry work. Question for others who may have been down this road. I got the stove late last fall and will be building a sugar shack this spring when weather and time are on my side. For this year I’ll be boiling near the house but plan to move it to its new home once completed. Should I be concerned with the joints cracking when I move it? It’s not a far move. Probably 200ft. But it is down a hill and I will be using a front end loader so it could be a little bumpy. I can always cement it this summer if others thing the move will damage all my work. Any thoughts?

[bigschuss]

Finished bricking my new mason 2x3 yesterday. It went surprising smooth for someone who has never done any kind of masonry work. Question for others who may have been down this road. I got the stove late last fall and will be building a sugar shack this spring when weather and time are on my side. For this year I’ll be boiling near the house but plan to move it to its new home once completed. Should I be concerned with the joints cracking when I move it? It’s not a far move. Probably 200ft. But it is down a hill and I will be using a front end loader so it could be a little bumpy. I can always cement it this summer if others thing the move will damage all my work. Any thoughts?

I cemented my Mason 2x4 and it all nearly flaked or spawled off after my first few boils. I don't think I cemented it correctly when I did it. Regardless, my bricks are basically just dry laid and remain in place via gravity. No issues. No problems. No cement.

You're not going to cement between the bricks are you?

[maple flats]

You don't want any gaps. Using refractory or not, moving it should not be an issue if done right. I suggest you sling it under the bucket using straps or slings and drive at a crawl. As long as you have the unit evenly supported you should have no problem.

[chuckinduck]

Thanks. Slinging it may help with shifting. Good idea. I can go slow to reduce shifting. Yes I plan to put. Refractory cement between the firebrick. From what the manufacturer says 1/16” joints.

[bigschuss]

Thanks. Slinging it may help with shifting. Good idea. I can go slow to reduce shifting. Yes I plan to put. Refractory cement between the firebrick. From what the manufacturer says 1/16” joints.

Interesting. That was not the case when I bought my 2x4 just 5 years ago. The bricks fit perfectly as is. Any cement added between the bricks and they would not have fit.

Good luck!

[chuckinduck]

Interesting. That was not the case when I bought my 2x4 just 5 years ago. The bricks fit perfectly as is. Any cement added between the bricks and they would not have fit.

Good luck!

You’re correct in thinking the brick won’t fit once refractory cement is added. But I blocked my arch with full bricks on the bottom so 3 courses was already too high. I had to take some off my top course anyways so I gave myself wiggle room for the refractory cement.