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fire brick

updated thu 17 nov 05

 

Katie Cordrey on mon 11 oct 99

I found bricks for my first kiln by contacting aluminum plants in this area
(the Pacific Northwest.) They tear out the firebrick used in their
processing every two or three years. They usually dump them in a brick
graveyard. I managed to get them to allow me to take three pickup loads free
of charge. Sometimes the companies only allow employees access, so finding
an employee who will help you can also work. The main concern is generally
liability lawsuits so you can offer to sign a liability waiver if they like.

There must be similar processing plants in your part of the country. I'm not
sure, but iron smelters may also use firebrick that is periodically
replaced. You should have a good idea of how many you want, contact
companies and ask to speak to the plant manager. Explain your situation. If
the person you speak to can't help, ask if they can point you in the right
direction. Be persistent. It took me a month to find the place/person with
the goods.


It just might work for you too!

Good luck.

Katie Cordrey

-----Original Message-----
From: Ceramic Arts Discussion List [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU]On Behalf
Of wolffden1
Sent: Saturday, October 09, 1999 8:35 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: Poor student potter looking for free for the hauling or cheep
fire brick any condition, in MN


----------------------------Original message----------------------------
-------------------
Can anyone out there help me? I am trying to build a wood fired kiln and am
in
direr need of fire bricks. I'm willing to take hard/soft, broken, used or
even
new bricks if the price is right (like free or REALLY cheep!). I also need
shelves (in the same price range as the bricks) and angle iron too. I'm
located
about an half hour north of the Twin Cities. If you can help, email me at
wolffden1@email.msn.com . Thanks, Kimi

Mike Gordon on wed 16 nov 05


> Any advice?
> Thanks.
> Jeff Guin
>
> jeff,
I'd buy one of each and fire them to C/10 ( or find someone to do it
for you ) & see what they look like after. Mike Gordon

Ivor and Olive Lewis on thu 17 nov 05


Dear Jeff Guin.

Without knowing the specification of these bricks it is not possible to =
give a direct answer. If they are high in free silica they may be =
suspect. If they were designed for industrial use under conditions of =
constant and not intermittent firing then they may be useless to a =
potter. Ask a few questions.

Best regards,

Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
South Australia.