victoria henriksen on wed 27 oct 10
=3DA0=3DA0=3DA0I have a Paragon tnf 24-3 electric kiln with an Orton vent m=
aster.=3D
In the last few weeks we have been noticing that the bottom of the kiln (w=
=3D
hich I believe is made from galvanized metal) has some serious corrosion ha=
=3D
ppening. Large chunks of the metal are flaking off. I spoke with our local =
=3D
supplier and he said that they are familiar with this problem. He suggested=
=3D
that=3DA0I could eventually replace the bottom piece but that I shouldn't =
be=3D
too worried about it for now (as there are many kilns that do not have tha=
=3D
t metal piece), Well I am a little worried about it as it seems like this w=
=3D
ould compromise the structural integrity of the kiln. Am I correct in assum=
=3D
ing this?=3DA0We have had the vent for just over 1 1/2 years (it's been thr=
ou=3D
gh maybe 100 firings max.). I am careful to completely dry my greenware bef=
=3D
ore firing, and there is very little moisture in the kiln room. The bottom =
=3D
of the kiln was in pretty good shape before we started using the vent. It
seems like this happened fairly quickly.=3DA0I read in the archives that s=
om=3D
eone had suggested replacing the galvanized bottom with a piece of 1/4" sta=
=3D
inless steel. I would be really happy if anyone could share their thoughts =
=3D
on whether this would be the best route to take.Thanks in advance!Victoria=
=3D
=3D0A=3D0A
Arnold Howard on thu 28 oct 10
From: "victoria henriksen"
I have a Paragon tnf 24-3 electric kiln with an Orton vent
master. In the last few weeks we have been noticing that the
bottom of the kiln (which I believe is made from galvanized
metal) has some serious corrosion happening. Large chunks of
the metal are flaking off.
-------------
Victoria, the newest Paragon ceramic kiln manual covers this
procedure. Please see pages 45-46:
http://www.paragonweb.com/files/manuals/IM104_Paragon_Ceramic_Kiln_Inst.pdf
Note: The cover of the manual includes a photo of two
Paragon employees lifting a kiln to replace the base plate.
Method #1:
The easiest way to repair a rusted base is to lay a piece of
galvanized sheet metal between the kiln and kiln stand. You
don't even need to remove the old base from the kiln.
You can buy the galvanized sheet metal from a hardware
store. It should be large enough to protect the entire kiln
bottom.
Method #2:
Paragon 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12-sided kilns have a galvanized
steel base plate under the firebrick bottom. The base plate
covers the entire bottom and folds up inside the stainless
steel case on all sides.
Though the base plate is made of galvanized steel, it will
eventually rust if you fire moist greenware or live near the
ocean. A sign of rust is dark flecks of steel under the
kiln. (Do not replace the base plate if it has only minor
rust.) To replace the base plate, you will need several
helpers.
First, remove the screws that hold the base plate to the
kiln. You will find a screw near the bottom of the kiln on
each flat side. Do not disturb the other screws in the
stainless steel case.
Have several people lift the kiln. The bottom and old base
plate will remain on the kiln stand while your helpers lift
the kiln.
Place a new base plate on top of the brick bottom. The
bottom is now sandwiched between the new base plate and the
old one. Carefully turn the bottom over so that the new base
plate is underneath and against the kiln stand. You must use
care in turning the bottom over. If it is cracked, the
bottom could separate if handled carelessly.
The old base plate is now on top of the brick bottom. Remove
the old base plate.
Place the kiln on top of the brick bottom. Slide the base
plate edges up inside the stainless steel kiln case. Drill
new holes and install the screws that you removed earlier.
This method of replacing the base plate also turns the brick
bottom over, giving you a fresh side. Apply kiln wash to the
brick bottom before firing the kiln.
(Method #2 is courtesy of Tony Rodriguez, kiln technician
with GSM Enterprises in San Antonio, Texas.)
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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