stevo on wed 4 mar 98
i have inherited a kiln that is about 25 cube hardbrick downdraft. thing
is that it is the interior is lined with an inch of fiber blanket and
refractory cement was used to stick it....including the arch. after being
exposed to the elements for a few years, the fiber is peeling off a corner
section of the arch, and bricks are spalling along with it. my approach
would be to peel what remains off the arch and apply itc, leave the rest
of the fiber on the walls - and coat them too. any thoughts or comments?
i need the phone number for the itc folks in florida if its handy -
thanks!
stevo
steve daniels
new chinarider pottery
Clennell on thu 5 mar 98
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>i have inherited a kiln that is about 25 cube hardbrick downdraft. thing
>is that it is the interior is lined with an inch of fiber blanket and
>refractory cement was used to stick it....including the arch. after being
>exposed to the elements for a few years, the fiber is peeling off a corner
>section of the arch, and bricks are spalling along with it. my approach
>would be to peel what remains off the arch and apply itc, leave the rest
>of the fiber on the walls - and coat them too. any thoughts or comments?
>i need the phone number for the itc folks in florida if its handy -
>thanks!
>
>stevo
>
>steve daniels
>new chinarider pottery
Dear Steve: what has been done to your old kiln is a process I recommend
as veneering. If I were you I'd replace the fiber using ITC 100. do not
remove it all. this is providing you with insulation which is badly needed
in a hard brick kiln. I have pasted my process for veneering which I hope
proves useful to you.the phone # for ITC is 904-285-0200 ask for Alice
I've had so many requests for information on veneering that I have decided
to type something and save it. A novel thought!
This process is not new. It is outlined very thoroughly in the book "The
Energy Efficient Potter" by Regis C. Brodie.
This is how I have adopted the process to use with ITC products: We have
veneered a hardbrick and softbrick kiln. I'm sure it will work on a
battered fiber kiln but have not tried it.
Here is the process as I have done it:
1. act like a dentist and remove all decay- that is spalled brick and crumblies.
2. repair holes and crevices with ITC 200 patching compound.
3.mist kiln with water and spray with ITC 100
4.cut fiber into 12 inch squares or smaller. Put a a piece of plywood or a
bat on them and then stand and jump on it. This will compress the fiber .
I used 8 inch density AP Green fiber. I think you can buy fiber veneer but
it costs extra $$$$$$
5.make a trough and fill with ITC 100. Dip the squares in the ITC up to the
top edge. Take the square and stick it on the kiln wall. Use your fingers
to massage the square into place. I fingered the square until I was sure
it would adhere.
6.Overlap the squares slightly because the fiber will shrink during firing.
7.Let dry overnight using the pilots or electric heater. Slow drying with
a fan or your blowers on.
8.Next morning mist kiln with water and spray with ITC 100.
9. Follow Step #7 again.
10. Load pots and fire away.
I am going to spray the kiln with ITC 296a after the third firing. Why
not! It will only make the fiber more durable.
Now because you have made the interior of your kiln a little smaller you
will have to cut some off your shelves. If you veneered the front and back
wall this is about 2 inches. I didn't cut my shelves on the first firing
and had a very smoky firing because the flame was trapped. I might also
mention that I had the best carbon trap glazes we have ever had.
Yes, you will use a fair amount of ITC 100 but if you have priced a new
Bailey, Olsen or Geil kiln lately you know you will be saving thousands of
dollars. Even to build a new kiln is mucho dollars. This process is
relatively easy and is sure to make your old kiln sing again.
good luck with the process and if I can be of any help please do not
hesitate to contact me.
cheers,
Tony
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