Testing the Clay Oven | The Forest Kitchen | Earthen Oven

#tinyhome #selfreliance #earthenoven
I can't believe the amount of work I put into this thing, and it has failed.
I make a handle for the earthen oven door, I do fabricate a few items out of copper and galvanized sheet metal and give Cali a bath in the pond.
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Links to gear used at the cabin:
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Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
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Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK

[@furrane]

You either succeed or you learn, you never fail.

[@absolian]

my father used to say: "the only time you fail is when you give up and don't try to learn from previous mistakes.."

[@slaughtergang518]

i must be a genius from all this learning 😅

[@keithpup]

I tell my sons that all the time. You win or you learn. If you never quit learning you wont ever lose.

[@roaringlion4898]

Are you quoting anyone?

[@ellymae2006]

True story Furrane...never failure, always learning.

[@johntrevy1]

You had me worried, I thought you had burnt the whole kitchen down by the title.

[@vesper1140]

yeah that's not by accident when combined with the misleading thumbnail

[@MrPaulluma]

That’s what I thought too!

[@ronwatson4902]

You'll figure it out. I have total confidence in you.

[@blazingeek]

I thought it collapsed on itself or something. Glad that wasn't the case! Like you said, hope it can be recovered by adding more material on top.

[@lyndawilliams8434]

Ive cooked in medieval bread ovens, and what we do is get lots of bundles of loosely tied twigs and fill the oven, so you get a hot short fire. Bear in mind that if the cob isnt completely dried, that will soak heat out of the oven. As a short cut, if you do intend to use it as it is, place a few large rocks around the edges of the base. They will help to store heat. Oh, and dont clean out the ash too much.. your bread should have ashes on the bottom.. you cut the base off, use it as a plate.. only the POSH people were served the 'upper crust'... seriously tho, hope you stick it out with the oven, you cant beat the taste of wood oven cooked bread.

[@curtisjmurphy]

I was thinking the same thing, big rocks inside to help hold heat. Not a lot of nice smooth round beach rocks in Ontario I suppose, not like on ocean beaches. Wouldn't want a jagged rock blowing up inside the oven.

[@strykerist]

Great points Lynda.

[@bryanhall9034]

lynda williams y

[@SpiritBear12]

I would add not to use rocks found by the river. They could have hidden water inside o them. If they get hot enough and that water turns to steam, the rocks can explode in the oven breaking it! Use rocks from a high and dry area. Or use more fire bricks as rocks to be really safe.

[@NoseyNana]

How about river rocks from a garden center or a rock yard? Heck if postage or delivery services weren't so steeply priced, I'd send you some from Arizona. I doubt you'd find an ounce of moisture, heh.

[@ac-cw6mh]

Love the videos brother. I have a very stressful job here in the states. I work as a executive protection agent and my life revolves around my client and his family, making my days really long. Watching your videos helps take the edge off.

[@nynatve1]

Just remember "fail" stands for - First Attempt In Learning. You never know unless you try.

[@dianaverhulst3407]

just reposted THAT on my FB wall. Thank you!!!!

[@nynatve1]

Glad you liked it

[@dianaverhulst3407]

Is it original? I've never heard it before. It will fit WELL into a children's learning calendar I'm creating for a program at my United Way.

[@dianaverhulst3407]

www.goodreads.com/quotes/1015959---if-you-fail-never-give-up-because-f-a-i-l-means

[@nynatve1]

Diana Verhulst I wish I could claim it, but I can not. It has been around for awhile.

[@yankeemudbug3263]

Shawn it's not a total failure just a minor setback that's what makes life interesting ... Well that's what I always tell myself when something goes wrong . keep up the good work and God bless

[@marythibault9032]

You should use a thermal reader to see where the heat loss is coming from.

[@Cosmos142857]

^THIS^

[@terrancecoard388]

He did a thermal read on the cabin so it is not out of the question.

[@rosiec1974]

Not a FAILURE.. A learning Curve Ball. Ive seen a lot of these ovens uses a clay seal on the doors too .. After the door is place in they then seal it up with clay while it cooks inside to help stop the heat escape through the gaps.. Just a thought.

[@cindirice5295]

No....no failure. Just experience, that we all learn from by watching your excellent videos. Both my husband and I so enjoy your cabin projects. We’re both big campers and cast iron cooks and your outside kitchen is intriguing and enticing; I want to step into it and immediately start baking a loaf of bread. (also impressed with the great seasoning you’ve done on your cast iron cooking pieces.) Your constant companion, Cali, is always a joy. Her spa treatment of a “Shampoo, Scrub and Stream-side Rinse” is exactly what any dog would enjoy from her dad at the end of a full day of projects. Thank you for sharing your rewarding cabin adventures with all of us.

[@joshbabb7470]

I spent 8 months creating a dug out canoe, and in the end end it failed. It just turned and turned in the water, but in the end I learned a lot about patience, techniques, and what tools I really needed for the job. Thanks for teaching me so many things Shawn. Have a great weekend - Josh

[@joshbabb7470]

@Chris Lutz I was thinking about it but I'm not sure about attachment options and how maneverable it would be.

[@joshbabb7470]

@Chris Lutz good idea !

[@NoseyNana]

+White Oak Outdoors Your tale reminded me a bit of Mel Gibson in The Patriot and his attempts to make a rocking chair. May your endeavors not be so numerous!

[@paulthompson5416]

I wouldn't exactly call that a fail? yea ok you'll need to keep a small fire going to bake bread and things. But a failure would have been me building the oven for you!! Then you'd have had no bread all winter and a pile of muck where the oven should have been 😂 👍🏼 keep up the fantastic videos and don't be so hard on yourself!!

[@thegashgirl]

(in an Aussie accent) "that's not a failure...i have seen failures and they don't look like that!" Keep your chin up, Shawn, it just means you have something else to learn to get it right...you do such fine work and there are so many of us that are both proud of you and inspired by you....and that beautiful Calli is always smiling and wagging her tail and waiting around for some attention and for the next throw of her chew/fetch toy, that's the spirit!

[@sadiejosiemom]

Like many I expected a huge crack in the outdoor oven - glad it wasn't that. The preview to the next episode looks like you baked bread - so you must've figured something out. So amazing you've been able to accomplish so much with no help.

[@canadyne]

Looks to me like he left the fire in the oven while cooking the bread. Funny, but that's how I assumed the oven was supposed to work. I didn't realize the fire was to be removed before cooking.

[@stopandthinknow]

Shawn: I've watched and admired your determination and hard work from the first log of the cabin to the recent setback of the oven. A setback is not a failure, just a correction. I will continue to be inspired by your skills and mental attitude. I adore Callie too much to give up on either of you! Best regards from Hank in South Carolina.

[@Oxatolla]

Pausing viewing to comment. Nice touch with the copper behind the lanterns!! Cool and cozy factor of 10! Your wood stove area looks so great. Love what you did with the oven door too! You da man.

[@peteb2]

Here's what i hate is that a man alone has been able complete so many tasks left alone to do them with his own hands and a few tools. Compare my daily grind (highly experienced and qualified) working in an office where what must be around 70% of my day is spent in ridiculous, superfluous meetings listening to pointless maybes or could-bes from others and essentially zero is in effect achieved for our 'work' or in another way.... the way we use our life-time. I know when the time comes and i am on my deathbed, i won't be saying; "if only i had had stayed at Work longer". Thank you Shawn for showing me there really are a better options and a better set of purposes we can use our lives for.

[@5-minute-witness356]

I struggle with this, too. Can't buy a cabin or a property without a paycheck though. There's a big Catch-22 I haven't figured out how to get around.

[@CLEMSON_COBRA]

Brick around it, fill the void between it and the bricks and call it an italian brick oven. Suddenly failure turns into cultural success. I enjoy your videos......

[@xcalibertrekker6693]

Funny I said the same things hours ago and he ignored it but he gave you a heart. Supposed he is just pissed that he didn't think of that to begin with.

[@jimkaspar8320]

It would be cool to see a "Shawn makes bricks" episode.

[@spiritofthewolf1880]

Xcaliber Trekker Complaining about not getting a like from your favorite KZbinr is the least of your worries. There's always next time.

[@Scy]

Why would you assume he sits on youtube reading comments all day? There are 800 comments right now. Would you look through all of them? If so, when would you have time to make a door for your pizza oven?

[@balduran.]

Xcaliber Trekker all these flavours and you choose to be salty :D

[@kevinclark3557]

remember it is not a failure...you just found 1 way that it didn't work...Bill Jordan that owns Realtree camo said that to me many years ago at a outdoor show and I feel it served me well ever since...plus failure is so negative and I try to always stay positive...even when things sometime don't go how we plan...just a little inspiration for you today

[@T8ERS]

I like how you don't talk while creating. We have to wait and see what the heck you're doing!

[@vickilynn5620]

For real....it keeps me on edge everytime..haha..now what thd heck is he building...hahaha...too freaking cool. Love these vids. Keep um coming Shawn. Never call youself a falure, Ive seen you accomplish much in just this last year... or more... thank you.

[@sailingnomad4963]

I find it incredibly relaxing. It’s the same vibe you had for you ice storm in a cabin. Later you add just enough conversation to let us know what you are thinking. Really cool for those of us whose cabin is only in our future!! Thank you!

[@normagomez9660]

love the copper behind the lanterns, great ambiance!

[@GiladGur]

Me too

[@robertwear640]

Yes. It looks great but tin would give more light.

[@jeanettec6212]

You never Fail until you stop Trying! The weather was not cooperating with the oven as well. I bet in the forest it’s hard for the sun to dry it out faster idk. I look at all your accomplishments and say wow! ❤️❤️❤️

[@stang7043]

Never say it was a failure. Always say it was a learning experience.

[@barbedstar6480]

Cob ovens are kind of like that proverbial 'First Date'.... You built it, now you have to learn to dance with it. Like women, cob ovens each have their own personality. No failure in the first round...you just said, "Howdy do's". It takes a while to become friends before the 'hot' romance begins! Love the handle on the door and the copper reflectors are superb. Read all the comment and your caring viewers have some great ideas for your relationship with the oven!

[@edowlut2004]

Shawn I know with your resilience you will overcome the problem, love seeing Cali having her bath

[@77tjm]

I've said it once and I'll say it again: Your uploads are like therapy to me!! There's definitely something to be said about the sights and sounds of Nature mixed in with creating something from nothing, using only your bare hands and the God given resources around you. (And Cali also plays a big part in the serenity of your videos too, obviously...lol) All of these things are the main reasons why I always save your videos to watch last.... They always leave me so peaceful and relaxed! :) Thanks for what you do, Shawn. Stay safe!

[@BadForgeWeld]

Hey sir. I recently lost my dog. And I can’t tell you how happy seeing Callie (can’t remember how you spell her name) has made me. She’s a really good dog and lots of personality. Just reminds me of my pup. Thanks for including her as a main feature of your videos. And give her an extra treat, an extra branch to chew, and an extra toss of the dummy. You’ll be glad you did.

[@t-6273]

Learning opportunities are always important. I agree that you could possibly salvage it by adding some more cob material on to of it to give it more thermal mass. At the least, give that a shot before you break it down. Always love your videos. Keep on keepin on.

[@PasDeBrasFR]

Failure is a chance to improve on perfection ! Good luck !

[@wanderinmoose5534]

Not a failure, a minor setback ! Out of the 10,000 things you've done so far, one little ripple. Not bad, not bad at all. Outstand job, I look back to that piece of land you marked out for your cabin ; what a transformation !!

[@beerandprawns]

You haven't failed at all James, you have actually succeeded in finding the problem in the thickness of the walls and roof of your oven. Looking forward to watching you fix the problem and the new outcomes. My family loves your channel.

[@John.117]

Shawn - a couple suggestions you might take a look at. First - check how much heat you’re losing through your wood door. Second - check how much heat you’re losing around your wood door (seal/gap). If you need to add material to the top - I recommend that you use chicken wire over the top of what you have right now - and then add material over the top of the chicken wire. I honestly think you’ll be just fine with a little bit more work. A little more cure time won’t hurt either. You’re doing fantastic - and I really think that what you’ve done so far will not turn out to be a waste time at all.

[@BFTEgodswarrio5939]

Shawn a friend of mine has made a earthen oven and a earthen forge. The only thing I saw he did different from what you have done is ,he added perillite(think I spelled it right) in with sand, clay and straw. Partner they are still standing today . He passed away from cancer few years ago, now I know each has a dome and they dried in a few weeks and he used them all the time. If I find the book he used to make them, I will send it to you.

[@shawnr771]

It is spelled Perlite. Used in old gypsum plaster for added fire resistance. Also used in gardening for moisture retention in soil. It can be purchased at gardening supply centers. Sorry to hear about your friend.

[@rcleveringa65]

ITS NOT A FAIL, just add some cob and you need a bigger fire, longer soak time. I will leave mine for 3 hours of fire in in it. I just did the same thing in my oven and felt disappointed. Had to call my friend and he said. It can't fail, it can't be broken. It will work. You got it. No fail at all. I love your work. Best of luck

[@albertlilly]

Failure helps us to grow. Don't be discouraged, but instead study some more and learn from the instance where you didn't meet your goal so you will the next time. You can't possibly be any less than completely happy with so many things you have done so well. One little setback may seem huge, but put in the context of all you have done and continue to do, it's a little balance life provides for us all. Take care, friend! You'll get it!

[@cromwell13649]

You learn nothing without failure . You are a craftsman.

[@jaynelund6931]

Even if you fail I always love the work you do

[@Hunter-ym2kk]

One of the sounds I appreciate is Cali's breathing.. cadence and comfort.. also, you can always tell a good tinner by the details of their layout..

[@pictoris]

I do not live in Canada. I do not live in the forest. At 60, I try to be resilient. A failure ? No. You give many dreams to those who look at you. We have few things in common: a Golden Retriever and I live very alone. You taught me a lot and made me want to start. Merc. Patrick, Belgium, Liege

[@tangowhisky1092]

Yes. The secret of success is tuning stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Your approach to life's curves are excellent teachings for youth! :-)

[@missbehavin8673]

Oh my, I thought it had crumbled. Thank goodness it didn't.

[@mattlong1100]

Don’t be discouraged, your successes far out way your failures. Keep up the outstanding work.

[@commonsgiant]

Thanks for making the rest of us feel a little better. If you don't fail sometimes, you are simply not trying hard enough.

[@SurvivalLilly]

Damn it, I just wanted to cut a video and was about to start ... and then you post a video. So I have to watch it now :)

[@LdHrothgar]

If you click through to her channel and mouse over the check mark it says "Verified", support.google.com/youtube/answer/3046484?hl=en

[@AliAli.]

Hi Lilly nice to see you here I like your videos I wish good luck for You to

[@lostinsperry1988]

Its awesome to see all my favorite creators in 1 place

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

Loß di net von da Oarbeid obholtn Madl ! ^^^

[@glenngoodale1709]

you should get a dog like Cali ....

[@BraxxJuventa]

Great video again Shawn! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@mglennon5535]

Talk about suspense.... I’m sure we were all hanging on every crackle in the oven. Honestly respect your acceptance of failure. Your wisdom and patience should be a lesson for all. Thank you for sharing these moments in time with all of us. Humble. The lessons we learn motivate and inspire. Best wishes..... MG ~~Peace~~

[@kandiwolfe1125]

I admre the dedication you have to this awesome project as well as the artistry and spirit of your craftsmanship in whatever it is you are building and creating!! It is truly inspiring to me to watch you build these structures and know that you haven't gone to the local lumberyard for pre-cut dimensional lumber that it is hand-nailed together istead of using a nail gun! I also must tell you that everytime I've watched you cook my stomach begins growling...lol...and I am quite sure that your cooking the way you do, is not only delicious, but SO MUCH HEALTHIER too! Thanks for sharing it with all of us!! Peace!!;)💜💙💜

[@cherylwaldrup2138]

I can't even imagine how the word "failure" can be applied to anything you do! I'm getting lots of great ideas from your video and learning a lot. Thanks so much

[@greywolfwalking6359]

You have not failed! There are always adjustments to "works " in progress! You have an option already figured out.." Git r dun , son!" I like all the rest of your viewers know you " can" n will make all work! Perhaps not as quick as you would like... But, then again, perhaps at a speed good for you , your family?? Just a thought...

[@MrHoeboe]

Oh thank goodness it’s only “that”. My fear was that it cracked and caved in! Just a slight set back Shawn. You’ll engineer your way out of it. Cheers!

[@666k9s]

Don't want to trivialize your hard work, but failure is just a learning process. Tons of people enjoyed watching your video, and were inspired. That's not a failure! Besides, we all got to see Cali! Still looking forward to seeing what you do next! Thank you for sharing all your work with us!

[@roywaite5793]

Those that never make a mistake. NEVER DO ANYTHING!!! Your simply in the learning process, this is not failure. You would have to give up in order to have failed. Your not the type to give up. Based on your skills displayed in your other videos I'm convinced you will find the solution without starting over. Looks like many comments are being left with advise. I don't know enough to say if it's good or bad, but you will find a away, I'm sure of that. Great video as always. Thank's

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

That bread coming out at the end sure didn't look like a fail to me. :)

[@symcardnel1741]

Exactly!!! I flipped a stock once and only made a 100k on it. I anticipated making 1mil so I had to call it a fail :). Shawn rocks!!!

[@mikefedele4521]

I bet if you took some river rocks and got them white hot they would give you more heat. It would play the same as fire just no smoke. They work in a sauna for hours. Personally I don't see it as failure... Look at it as 1.0. After all you can cook in it so it does work. I have faith.

[@kwhatten]

River rocks may explode!

[@mikefedele4521]

@@kwhatten I thought the same. I have seen the natives up at magnetawan first nation's do it they get so hot they glow. They don't explode they just crack. It sounds like a click. It was explained why they work but to be honest I can't recall. The natives up there use them for there rituals it is interesting.

[@neilh184]

Every failure is a stepping stone to success. I think we all look forward to watching you turn this into one!

[@evilash570]

Maybe cover the oven with stone and mortar? That might help the thermal loss, and salvage it while keeping the rustic earthen appeal. Also, it would be great to see you build a “rocket stove” with thermal copper coil to heat water off the grid! Its been great watching you build all of this, keep it up. You are an inspiration!

[@richardmiller3922]

Great video Shawn. I thought that the oven had cracked when I read the description, thank God that it didn't. Keep going mate, you'll get it right eventually. Great to see Cali enjoying herself as well.

[@a-ls6333]

I was surprised by the wet mop going in. From what I've seen of traditional baking methods, the embers get swept out with a birch brush. Maybe that method would help retain the temperature? I don't know, it may be worth a try. Don't give up on it just yet.

[@MichaelEugeneShaner]

Agreed. Except my reaction was a little more visceral. I mean, waiting all that time for things to "dry out" to undo the progress with a wet mop? Oi! Shawn, maybe you should try *NOT* using the wet mop before calling "No Joy."

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

Failure? NO! My good man, you’re doing great! Just keep on the way you’re going. It’ll work out! 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@sueo.6731]

Amazing enough that you can do all these things, but you are an absolute artist, too! This is the difference between surviving and thriving.

[@RedWolf17]

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal...it is the courage to continue that counts." ~Winston Churchill 🙏

[@JamesBu11]

Whenever Iv'e seen these types of oven working they invariably have a small fire in the back right of the oven while the cooking goes on at the left rear or left centre.

[@chux72vette]

As I have learned over my 55+ years as that there are many of the great successful teachers that were failures that made the sacrifice of committing their lives to continuing in doing what they believed in and made a difference for all mankind, hence Tesla and Edison to name just two. There are very many more and you are just one of them as I am as well. We are not defined by our failures at all but how we persevere and press on until we do succeed. You're going to be fine in all you do from you have already overcome since 2010. I'm convinced of it. Great video again to show that you are just a mere human like the rest of us. Thanx~

[@johnbrinton3873]

I find the older you get the more knowledge you possess. If you had to redo everything at your cabin I bet there would be 100 little changes you would make, this is the process. Your overall knowledge is amazing considering the world we live in today and there are only a limited number of people that can do what you can! Move forward, as I see it you are doing just fine! thx for sharing!

[@chrish2685]

Line it with copper sheet shawn,you got the metal working skills mate

[@johnmontague69]

My Self Reliance Hi Shawn, Look up COKE from a Coke Oven. It's a mixture of exotic coals from Brazil India Mexico & other exotic countries cooked and turned into lumps of hard ash. It's used to melt iron ores and get furnace tempreture high enough to make steel. You can use it to get your oven walls glowing Red Hot but I think you might need to line the oven with clay tiles. In winter time we would take a empty 45 Gallon oil drum burn 3 inch holes randomly all over it fill it with this Coke and set it alight. We called them frost fires and we would put these frost fires all over the place so men could keep warm in winter while working 24/7 in the Steel Works. This Coke is very light in weight and only a few lumps of it lasts for hours and hours unlike a regular lump of coal. We would wrap potatoes in tinfoil and pies scotch eggs sausages steak fish chicken, soups and pots of water. It would melt a normal pot if you didn't keep your eye on it, you name it we've cooked it over these frost fires in winter time. I'm unsure how you could get your hands on this stuff as it's against building regulations to use it in a normal everyday household log or coal fire. It's too hot for the brickwork chimney and any timbers joists or timber bridals around the chimney walls would sometimes catch fire! That's only because people would pile this stuff into their fire uneducated of it's difference between Coke and coal. A few lumps at a time and you can heat your house or ovens without any worries. Google it and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. You might be able to get it without any hassles but over here in Scotland when the steelworks was running, we had to umm Borrow it!! 😃 saved a fortune not buying coal and logs. It's not charcoal don't be fooled. It's silver ash gray in colour. It looks like something you'd find on the moon. You could fill a tonne bag with it and 2 or 3 men could drag it around its so light. It glows roasting hot red for hours. Good luck if you ever get your hands on it. I'm pretty sure you'll have that oven up and running at tempreture before you read this lol. Looking forwards on seeing how this wooden oven door holds out! What's your expectations? lol ☺

[@susanbrown2909]

Just a slight error...not a fail..that’s the fun of building things for the first time. We get it right next time ..thanks Shawn for video..

[@victorcouwenbergh8892]

This "failure" is much better than mine. I got myself ready to go to the supermarket, walked all the way up, only to find it closed! One of those holy days that I had completely forgotten. At least you are there in the middle of the forest, with all the knowledge you have, trying to find a solution for the problem. The only thing I can do is go home and watch this video!

[@michaelwelch557]

Great video, Shawn, like always. Not being an "Oven-man" but having a lot of experiences at building, and dealing with and adjusting to my my own failures {LOL} I was wondering about atemporary "fix" for your oven. My thought was, as well as you work with sheet metal, could you make an insert {copper?} that slides into the oven? It would be concave in shape like the interior and be self supportive with sides that rest on the oven base {?}. Might not have to cover every sq. inch. of the inside, just enough to make the oven heat up and retain its heat/temp. I realize it would not be "earth" but it might work until spring, while you can decide what to do long term. Just a thought!! Keep up the great work.

[@capnskiddies]

It looked like maybe too small a fire, (intensity & duration) to heat such a large amount of material to retain baking temps after the fire. Could be the edits throwing me, but you'd probably need an hour's worth of good strong fire to be able to bake or roast in it. As mentioned by another, leave some embers inside to stabilise the heat over a longer period.

[@jaredbennett2827]

I agree, I think a long sustained fire with plenty of fuel would make it work. I think you should heat it up more than you need, just get it super hot and see how long the heat lasts. I definitely think you should play with it a lot more before you make any major changes.

[@stephanieluigon5192]

Shawn, I think you have provided a vital life lesson here for all your fans, and kudos to you for doing so. No one holds you in higher esteem than I, and the self awareness I've gathered from your "reflections" at the end of earlier videos have shown us all one very important lesson. Even heroes fail sometimes. What makes them heroes is the fact that they don't give up.

[@oklahomaparanormalseekersj3191]

Shawn....I think you are right on target with increasing the thickness. I have quite a few family photos of clay ovens used by them and they all are very thick. You have done well...no matter what. Keep inspiring! 😊

[@betty8173]

My theory, the several thumbs down folk, are too disappointed in your lower cob oven temp to admit they liked your video, your efforts...but those of us who are more familiar with learning from the school of hard knocks, don't see this as a fail, but room for improvement : ) thanks for taking us along, another good day, looking forward to cooler weather here in Florida also, God bless your prep for the winter.

[@jaswats9645]

Actually, I don't like the change in the menu. Why can't I click on the channel name and choose the latest one anymore? I didn't down vote, but it seems an unnecessary change.

[@jeanblythe1595]

I think that's KZbin, not Shawn. KZbin is going through some, uh, things. Some things don't know the rule of "if it aint broke, don't fix it," which is the short definition of KZbin lately. Still very glad to have it tho.

[@happygardener28]

i've noticed a large portion of self-reliance videos are getting negative votes even though the videos are excellent. perhaps the thumbs-down are from softies who are looking for a quick fix and don't appreciate real work...

[@smokieintexas7634]

The first word in the title of episode made it difficult to hit the like button but I did.

[@jeanblythe1595]

Anything you learn from that doesn't destroy the build is a good thing, and not a failure. We're most of us learning right along with you, so I guess this just means waiting a little longer for the pizza! Frustrating, yes, but patience has a way of teaching us in ways like this. It was still a very enjoyable video! Cali loved your undivided attention--she adores you, that's clear :) And the fireplace lanterns now with the copper behind them are exquisite and the definition of cozy and romantic. Soothing to the soul.

[@jasons_favorite_hobbies]

On the positive side, you can still use the oven with the fire inside until the spring. Not a total fail. The copper behind the lanterns looks amazing. Super romantic. Love the channel and looking forward to seeing all your upcoming winter videos.

[@stewartew]

It wasn't a "fail" it was a prototype, you look disappointed and rightfully so, a lot of work but it did not collapse or crack as you thought it might. You have a good base to improve it.

[@petermontagnon4440]

AS we say in the Infantry , "Shit Happens!!" Be thankful for small blessing though. When I saw that you had a failure, I thought it had cracked. That would have been really bad!! Not as bad as it could have been. Stay safe and take care.

[@TheGbow0704]

With all the amazing accomplishments you've made on this cabin, one setback is nothing

[@stephenriley9084]

Oven is structurally intact. Success! Leave the embers in it around the perimiter while baking. Standard practice. Good door. I think the more you use it the happier you will be. Mops not required. I sat up at that point waiting for a BANG! Regards Stephen.

[@Sailor376also]

Experiment a bit before you surrender that design. The only similar ovens I am familiar with are much larger,,, and yes size,, mass vs surface are ratios may doom the smaller cousin. The larger leave the fire burning off to the side,, perhaps your fire remnants are not removed, Use your fabricated metal tray and put the bread on that and slide it in? Or if the bread is panned up,,, can it just be slid into the remaining coals? Two observations however. One,,, I was appalled when you used the wet mop. Too rapid a temp change and thermal stresses could blow your oven,, and water absorbs incredible amounts of heat when it transitions phases,, you, lost 50C with the wet mop alone? Second. Wood is a hydrocarbon,,, hydrogen burns to form water, and carbon burns to form CO2. But wood burns in stages,, three separate stages. When first alight, nearly all of the burning energy is just boiling off the water in the wood,, a cold fire. The second stage is the consuming of the hydrogen,, which makes water,, which is also cooling the total reaction AND the cob. The third portion,, the final is charcoal. Charcoal combustion does not produce water, does not cool ts own reaction,,, and what you did was take the best part of the heating potential and dump it in your grill. The remnant charcoal is small in volume and size,, leave it in there when you slide the bread in there. That small amount of charcoal is more than half of your usable heat,, and with the door in place,, reduced oxygen,, it will consume slowly and maintain your heat. The early fire produces water, the water is absorbed and cools the cob. It is only the charcoal fire that will substantially raise the temp on the cob.

[@edgrapes2199]

I agree! If you think the greater mass is on the sides, heat the sides more. Build the fire in the center and then move it outward and maintain the fire on the sides longer.

[@Tessanna12]

Interesting. All makes alot of sense. Very well explained. It's just "simple" physics, right? 😂

[@OldGoatintheWoods]

Well, it isn't a complete failure! That would be getting up to temp & having it collapse. Think adding some thickness to the top might be your ticket. You're right - you have to have some failures along with successes!

[@jlawrence1752]

I am so amazed by your metal working skills Shawn! Thanks for posting, these videos are a family event around my house.

[@glenjamindle]

I'm with ya on the cool weather. I'm sick of the heat. Bring on that snow!

[@gailc.goodwin2053]

That's too bad but you'll get it done. 🌲

[@jasonhenry7461]

The bread you showed at the end of the video seemed far from a failure. Keep pressing and inspiring folks!

[@jasonkraus2831]

Hey Shawn - It's always tough when what we put our time into doesn't come out quite as well as we'd hoped, but I don't know many people that would look at what you built and think there was anything wrong with it. Remember, that was the first cook on a new oven with a relatively small fire that you also doused the embers and pulled many of them out. I think it's going to work out better than you think. I'm sure you've seen it, but the Townsends YT channel is great on Cobb ovens. One thing he has done that I didn't see you do was start with the door so that he really ensures a tight seal on that. He also tends to build the entire oven over firebrick instead of just the inner section. Not entirely certain what that full effect has, but it might make enough of a difference (more area radiating back heat). Truly enjoy your channel and feel a strong connection to all the work you do. If you ever make it way down into the southern plains (Kansas) and want to take a load of our Hedge wood back to burn I'll send it with you. By BTU it is the hottest burning wood on the planet!

[@legal60luv79]

WoW that is something else. And the statement bout life's failure and success is so true.

[@theprojectlistbydrew8654]

5 am and Houston we have a video :p

[@bigchieftrucker9757]

Great vid. More cob...before you give all that work up. Maybe consult a professional cob oven builder for advice. I'd polish the copper behind the candles to give more light, cabins are notorious for being hard to light with traditions candles and lanterns. never knew CANADA GOT THAT HOT ,i THOUGHT YOU HAD TWO SEASONS COOL AND COLD. LOL

[@joeb8167]

the old saying about Edison.. many trials to final success. I would not even consider the oven a failure... just a trial needing some modifications... isn't that the way things go? Seldom does perfection come at the first try. Interesting construction on the oven door handle! Thanks Shawn.

[@Hermes909]

I don't think it has failed completely but rather not living up to your expectations. I'm sure something good will come out of this eventually. All the best, Shawn and keep your spirits high!

[@Mantreaus]

Until you can fix the Oven, a lil smoke flavor from the proper wood does no harm. And I believe you will find a solution. BTW, I just noticed I am wearing a green Hoodie of yours. Took a walk earlier to the store and it is getting cooler in the eve's. Finally got some good rain, and in Oregon that is saying something. At 10.5c it kept me very warm. Thank You for the Vids, I would rather have a Cabin such as Your's than any Log Mansion in Montana.

[@trudyschaffer8016]

david allen where in Oregon? I am in Grants Pass, and no rain in sight!😞

[@Mantreaus]

Trudy, NW Valley. If we have had a dry year up here, You are defiantly dusty down there. Still Beautiful Country. Suppose to be a snowing winter and cold per The Farmers Almanac.

[@tgchism]

May I ask how long you fired your oven for? Our cob oven usually takes a good 2-3 hours of a good fire to get it up and going. From watching your build video I do see one thing different between our ovens. Ours has a an oven section that is just clay (fire clay) and cement sand mix about 4" thick covered by another 6" layer of clay mixed with redwood bark chips (in place of straw) for insulation. We used bark because it was easier to get than straw in my area. The insulation layer helps keep the heat in. When the inside of the oven reaches 700 F on the hearth, the dome reads over 1000 F. Yet the outside of the oven never exceeds 135 F anywhere on the surface. Oh, our oven also has a 1" layer of lyme plaster for weather protection. Not really needed with your awesome cover. Overall, I think you need to fire the oven longer with a hotter fire. I have a video of the build of our oven as well as a much longer baking video on how to bake sourdough bread that shows how I fire the oven on my page if you would like to see our set up.

[@MySelfReliance]

tgchism Thanks. I'm sure the failure was due to the fire noI being not enough. I'm fixing that issue this week.

[@tgchism]

You'll get it! Good luck and great videos!

[@liziwemabona1245]

Shawn we all learn and have a story to tell. This part of our lives keep going we support you from south African.

[@robertoedlin]

We can all fall some times, just as long as you fall forward its not a failure. If anyone could make it work its you bud. You're my weekly motivation!

[@naturalist7022]

Disappointing, but love your positive attitude as usual. How many years life should you expect from the cabin logs?

[@SimonusDaStrega]

1:23 PM in Poland ;) Your 1th fail 😁 good job. 🤞

[@jamiemclaughlin8522]

Hi my name is Jamie I live in Southern California! I just started watching your videos 30 days ago. I can't tell you how much piece it's given me. As well as the determination to follow my own such dreams. I love working with my bands, and I can only strive to become a true free craftsmen such as yourself....thank you for sharing

[@ryanmcn1]

Shawn, you had me on the edge of my seat! I was waiting for the oven to collapse in on itself or something! Thank god it didn't! One minor failure among the wealth of successes you've had in the last year and a half. Keep up the great work!