Quick clay oven build

[Mortblanc]

I have built several clay ovens at historic sites.

We used traditional methods without using traditional materials.

Wattle and daub construction works very well.

Form a beehive framework using saplings. We normally built a platform at counter height, for comfort, and built the beehive on top.

We then mixed a slurry of the cheapest "kitty litter" (no chemicals please) we could find into a clay slurry.

We smeared the clay over the outside and inside of the structure in increasingly thick layers until 3"-4" thick and let dry.

It will take forever (weeks) to get completely dry, and most people never wait that long.

As it dries, if cracks form just mud them over and seal them up. Do the same after use as general maintenance.

Fire it up, keep it burning until it nearly glows, sweep out the coals, and bake your goodies. If it is a big oven, say 4 feet diameter, you can bake in it all morning on a single fireing.

(Welcome to how man discovered pottery!)

I have also used the kitty litter clay as fire clay for building forges.