Mel Jacobson on wed 24 dec 97
a.p. green brick
When constructing the Minnesota Flat Top kiln for Dannon and Paris Jr. College
we encountered problems with the A.P. Green Greenlite bricks that we
purchased. The sizes were not consistent, some where more than an 1/8 inch
too long, and some even had a taper such as a wedge brick may have.
When springing the top we could not get even rows of bricks, and of course
when we pulled the form a number of brick fell in. This was very
embarrassing for and old potter from Minnesota. By re-doing the form, and
lifting the brick
at least 2 1/2 inches and pouring in a slip of sand/grog/and fire clay and
giving
the outside nuts a real torquing...we got everything to hold fast.
In fairness to A.P. Green, I have been in touch with their offices in
Mexico, Missouri, and have talked to Dennis Schubert, Manager and
Applications Engineer. He has written me a document explaining the
problems of construction of Greenlites. He has confirmed that the bricks
are not all `perfect
in size`, yet for general mortar construction for industrial use, they fall
into a
+- size that is within their tolerances.
We as potters often come up with some unusual methods of construction and of
course the flat top depends on perfect brick and the rough surface for
tight assembly.
Dennis is recommending that for flat top kilns, if using A.P. Green brick
we should us their L.I. series of insulating brick. Those brick are
perfect in size
and made in a more conventional manner. Yet the Greenlite are certainly
tougher and in most applications a superior brick.
A. P. Green is changing their construction technique of Greenlites and are
assuring customers of a better size definition in the future.
Under any circumstance I would buy and use the A.P. Green product. It is
an outstanding American Company, making brick in the U.S.A.
If any of you want a copy of the report from A. P. Green please send me your
fax number and I will send it to you.
I was very pleased with the prompt and honest reply to my questions. Our local
distributor at Smith Sharpe, Gary Moore was helpful in getting me in
contact with the proper people at Corporate and I thank him for that.
I am also pleased to report this problem to ClayArt. It is very important
when
encountering problems with any supplies that we share the information in a
quality way, and gather information and answers from our suppliers without
rancor or whining. This attitude will insure our computer driven
information network of serious and complete problem solving.
Mel Jacobson
14831 Walker Place
Minnetonka, MN. 55345
612. 935 5943
fax 612. 935 5434
http://www.pclink.com/melpots
Grimmer on fri 26 dec 97
Mel,
I also encountered considerable size variation in the Greenlites when
building the MFT. I just assumed it was because they were seconds and
that's what I get for being a cheapskate. But, hey, 71 cents is a lot
cheaper than $2.60, right? I didn't encounter any tapered brick, though,
just over and under length bricks and some with curves in them. I didn't
figure it out until 5 courses up the walls; I just figured I was a lousy
brick layer. Anyway, I managed to put aside all the 'sweet' bricks after
that point and used them in the roof. Only had to lift it 1" and it's
hanging in there real good.
I agree with your assessment of AP Green as a professional,
service-oriented company. Absolutely a pleasure to deal with.
steve grimmer
marion, illinois
Mel Jacobson wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> a.p. green brick
>
> When constructing the Minnesota Flat Top kiln for Dannon and Paris Jr. College
> we encountered problems with the A.P. Green Greenlite bricks that we
> purchased. The sizes were not consistent, some where more than an 1/8 inch
> too long, and some even had a taper such as a wedge brick may have.
>
> When springing the top we could not get even rows of bricks, and of course
> when we pulled the form a number of brick fell in. This was very
> embarrassing for and old potter from Minnesota. By re-doing the form, and
> lifting the brick
> at least 2 1/2 inches and pouring in a slip of sand/grog/and fire clay and
> giving
> the outside nuts a real torquing...we got everything to hold fast.
>
> In fairness to A.P. Green, I have been in touch with their offices in
> Mexico, Missouri, and have talked to Dennis Schubert, Manager and
> Applications Engineer. He has written me a document explaining the
> problems of construction of Greenlites. He has confirmed that the bricks
> are not all `perfect
> in size`, yet for general mortar construction for industrial use, they fall
> into a
> +- size that is within their tolerances.
>
> We as potters often come up with some unusual methods of construction and of
> course the flat top depends on perfect brick and the rough surface for
> tight assembly.
>
> Dennis is recommending that for flat top kilns, if using A.P. Green brick
> we should us their L.I. series of insulating brick. Those brick are
> perfect in size
> and made in a more conventional manner. Yet the Greenlite are certainly
> tougher and in most applications a superior brick.
>
> A. P. Green is changing their construction technique of Greenlites and are
> assuring customers of a better size definition in the future.
>
> Under any circumstance I would buy and use the A.P. Green product. It is
> an outstanding American Company, making brick in the U.S.A.
>
> If any of you want a copy of the report from A. P. Green please send me your
> fax number and I will send it to you.
>
> I was very pleased with the prompt and honest reply to my questions. Our local
> distributor at Smith Sharpe, Gary Moore was helpful in getting me in
> contact with the proper people at Corporate and I thank him for that.
>
> I am also pleased to report this problem to ClayArt. It is very important
> when
> encountering problems with any supplies that we share the information in a
> quality way, and gather information and answers from our suppliers without
> rancor or whining. This attitude will insure our computer driven
> information network of serious and complete problem solving.
>
> Mel Jacobson
> 14831 Walker Place
> Minnetonka, MN. 55345
> 612. 935 5943
> fax 612. 935 5434
>
> http://www.pclink.com/melpots
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