Cob Lime in cob mix

[Michael Saunby]

It looks like this weekend is going to be frost free so I thought I'd
have a go at building a cob oven.  There's a pile of stone in the 
paddock that would make a decent base.

Last year when I attended a cob and stone building repair course we 
made cob from a mix of old recycled cob, new clay, straw and lime putty.
The guy running the course makes and sells lime putty and I've got a 
supply here that I'm using for plastering and lime wash; but before I
chuck some in the mix I was wondering whether anyone had any views on
the pros and cons of adding lime?

I realize for a cob oven it isn't going to be critical, but I'm just
curious.

-- 
Michael Saunby
Teachmore Farm, Jacobstowe, Okehampton, Devon, United Kingdom. EX20 3AJ