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castable refractory mix

updated sun 31 aug 97

 

William Latshaw on fri 15 aug 97

Hi

We're about to build a castable refractory Soda kiln and would
appreciate any comments about what mix works best. The primary
question seems to be: add vermiculite or not. In the book "Soda
Glazing" a reference is made to eliminating the vermiculite because
it made the mix too crumbly.

Also some folks use Kyanite in the mix,
which seems like a good idea as far as thermal shock resistance goes.

Finally, One mix listed an alumina cement, while others just added
Alumina Hydrate - any advantage.

Has anyone got one of these kilns that has withstood hundreds of
firings?

Thanks for your help!

William Latshaw
PO Box 1073
Ashland, OR 97520
latshaw@jeffnet.org