Andrew_M_Casto@PROGRESSIVE.COM on thu 14 oct 04
Folks -
I recently had a refractory supplier offer to sell me a 3000 degree mortar
instead of the ITC that I asked for. His point was that I could thin
the mixture out just like with ITC, and it would work just as well to
coat the inside of a kiln. According to him, a gallon of this would cost
about $15
as opposed to the much higher price of ITC. Not sure what brand
or manufacturer said mortar was from though - could find out.
Soooo, knowing that there are many ITC devotees out there, why
shouldn't I do this? Anyone have any suggestions?
I'm about to build a 40 cu ft bourry box by the way...want to coat the
bricks to keep em nice. I don't want to skimp and try to save a
hundred bucks now, but have a P.O.S. kiln later on.
Another question...if this mortar were ok to use instead of the ITC
(and I'm skeptical), what about inside the electric kiln like Mel talks
about?
Thanks for your help...
Andy Casto
(at the insurance company...getting painfully close to completing the
studio and
making pots again)
Ivor and Olive Lewis on fri 15 oct 04
Dear Andrew and the rest who have an interest in exploiting ITC
products:-
We have several problems arising from this discussion
1. ITC products are proprietary compounds and their compositions are
protected by privacy conventions. So recommendation of substitutes and
replacements are futile suggestions. My reason for saying this. If we
do not know what they are, how can we understand why they work.
2. Comparisons are futile and give poor answers unless all trials are
carried out under identical conditions, preferably with instrumental
control recording conditions of the experiment.
3. Anecdotal evidence being presented in this thread suggests we are
starting to compare differing qualities, equating apples with
gooseberries. Try not to do this, it leads to confusion.
4. Has anyone mentioned what the fine print says. In other words, do
we have enough information to make an rational decision and take
informed action.
Some observations using some of the information given so far :-
If the stuff settles quickly when it is thinned down then the solids
have a high density. This means that you are not dealing with your
normal run of the mill refractories derived from clay, silica and
alumina even though they may be ingredients. Those formulations used
directly on to electrical elements must have high heat conductivity
and emissivity (radiate heat well) for the obvious reason that if they
don't then coated elements will overheat.
Anyone wishing to make a similar product for themselves will need to
define their problem as a Technical task and solve it with tools of
Science and Maths.
I have not read the literature published by International Thermal
Ceramics but I do have "The Art of Firing " by Nils Lou. He suggests
the use of ITC 100 as a hardner and stabiliser for ceramic fibre
surfaces, as a way of avoiding clinker build up when firing with saw
dust, to alleviate corrosion in salt firnings, as an additive to
refractory mortar, as a lining for a kiln built with wood sheeting and
as a coating for elements in electric kilns converted to dual fuel
Electricity/Gas. ITC 213 is suggested as a protective coating for gas
burner heads and as a means of increasing emmisivity. ITC 296A is
suggested as a top finish where damaged refractory repairs are needed.
I do like the idea of building then gas firing a wooden kiln. Would
look good in birds eye maple with dovetail joints
Best regards to all,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
Andrew_M_Casto@PROGRESSIVE.COM on fri 15 oct 04
"Dear Andrew and the rest who have an interest in exploiting ITC
products:-"
Ivor,
I have no interest in "exploiting" ITC. Infact, it sounds like a great
thing.
I'm just a kid on a low budget with a question that I thought could be
answered here.
I don't think anyone has any malicious intent with this discussion.
Sorry if we're not the scientists that you are...you're answer
sounded helpful in the end, but I think I missed it all
when you badgered me in the first sentence.
Andy Casto
Carl Finch on fri 15 oct 04
At 05:54 AM 10/15/2004, Andrew_M_Casto@PROGRESSIVE.COM quoted Ivor:
>"Dear Andrew and the rest who have an interest in exploiting ITC
>products:-"
>
>Ivor,
>I have no interest in "exploiting" ITC. Infact,
>it sounds like a great thing.
I suspect you've misinterpreted Ivor's use of the word "exploit." It can
have a positive connotation, as "To 'work' (a mine, etc.); to turn to
industrial account (natural resources)." (from the OED)
--Carl
in Medford, Oregon
Ivor and Olive Lewis on sat 16 oct 04
Dear Carl Finch,
Thank you for interpreting my use of the word in the way I intended it
should be understood
> I suspect you've misinterpreted Ivor's use of the word "exploit."
It can
> have a positive connotation, as "To 'work' (a mine, etc.); to turn
to
> industrial account (natural resources)." (from the OED)
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
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