Mason 2x3 questions bricking & insulating

[bcarpenter]

Couple questions related to my new WF Mason 2x3 hobby evaporator. The forums are great and I am on informational overload from all my research and reading and from looking at the bricking info on the WF mason site so I am looking for opinions on the following:

1. The 2x3 fire box is flat not stepped like the larger 2x4's. Should I step it up using bricks on the back half so that the back half of the bricks is at the same elevation of the bottom of the stack outlet?

2. If I step up the back 1/2 of the evaporator can I use patio bricks to step it up with a layer of splits on top?

3. Any reason why I can't brick the whole unit with splits or should I use full bricks on the bottom and splits for the rest?

4. I have read a lot about insulating board that gets covered by splits in people's evaporators so they can insulate the arch so they can stand next to it. Should I be insulating with the board sold by Bascoms and covering with splits on the sides to help make it more bearable to stand aroun the evaporator?

5. I will be boiling outside, no shack this year. For the stack which is 6" outlet on my evaporator any issues coming off with a 90-degree elbow and going up 6' using black stove pipe I have seen at the Tractor Supply? So I need a stack cover or can I leave it open ended?

Thanks for your input in advance.

[CTfarm]

Here are some pics of my 2x3 Mason I bricked last year. I used blanket instead of board and used splits stood on their sides for support for the step up.

finish brick2.jpgfinish brick.jpgblanket.jpg

[bcarpenter]

Those photos are excellent and are going to be very helpful for me thanks CT. I have Two more questions on your setup.

How thick was the blanket you used, what product was it, and did it insulate well when you were boiling, could you stand next to the sides without discomfort?

Also what did you use to create the step in the back all fire bricks built up the couple inches (never mind I just reread and saw that you used splits)

Thanks again for your responses.

[CTfarm]

I just ordered the Arch paper from Bill up at WF Mason. He sent me the amount and thickness I needed. (arch paper 12sf @$5.=60. Last years price). Remember you just paper the fire box and not the step up. Make sure you plan out your cuts of the arch paper to get the most out of it. Worked great. If you have the blower, and you should, get a dimmer switch extension cord to plug it into, You can then regulate the blower and shut it off easily when you open the door to feed in more wood.
setup.jpgboiling.jpg

[bcarpenter]

Great, thanks for your help. DId you ever run your 2x3 without the blower and do you have any info on your boil rates without the blower and with the blower? Just curious what to expect from someone who has teh same unit that I do.
Thanks
Bill

[Starting Small]

Hi Bill, when I asked Bill Mason about it last year he said it would add about 3 GPH. I think it added all of that and maybe more. It is a huge difference in steam and the violence of the boil. When I shut the blower down to fire it, it was very significant how quickly the boil slowed way down.

One question I have that maybe Bill may come across as well.....I never cemented my fire brick in last year. I am planning to cement it this week and I have arch paper. Do I cement the back of the bricks to the arch paper or just place the bricks against the wall and cement the bricks to each other?

[bcarpenter]

Just a quick update, I was at Bascom's yesterday to pick up some supplies for the upcoming season and after looking at insulating Arch board in person and based on the feedback from everyone I decided to buy and use the arch board in my evaporator. I appreciate all the help everyone has given me.

[sg5054]

Does anyone have a mason 2x3 with the squirrel cage blower? If so, could you send or post the specs etc from the label. I'd like to add one to mine.
Thanks in advance.

[bcarpenter]

Just a quick update, I have installed both the 1" arch board from Bascom's and the fire bricks (splits). I used about 6-1/2 pieces of the arch board and 56 bricks. Still need to figure out the stack, and due a test boil! Thanks again to those who have given me help or advice.

Bricking the arch part 2 2013-01-13 027.jpgBricking the arch part 2 2013-01-13 030.jpg

[junior1]

Starting Small. We insulated then bricked our new mason cooker last year. i only cemented the outside of the brick not to the insulation.