Ric Swenson on fri 8 dec 06
Mel
=20
I agree...always a good idea to save your original arch support.....imagine=
you have to move your kiln. Put the arch support in place...brace it wit =
2X4's and then have the forklift come get the kiln...never have to worry ab=
out a collapse of the arch.
=20
I never had to repair an arch...but when I sold the kiln some years later=
, my Olsen 24 was moved to where it this year and now it celebrates 30 year=
s of service!!
=20
Ric
=20
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mel jacobson on fri 8 dec 06
linda arbuckle reminds us all that having a frame saved for your
arch kiln is a good idea.
if you can keep the wooden structure that forms the arch, when
you want to tighten the arch or repair it...you just carefully
slide back in the wooden frame...jack it up...and do what is
necessary...you can even replace bricks that are bad.
(of course any clear thinking capable potter can make a
frame for an arch in about a half hour...) scrap plywood and
a few 1.2's.
one quick cure is jacking up the arch and pouring in a first, thin
solution of castable, followed by a top coat. it works like many
key bricks...let it dry and cure...let down the frame and the
arch is as good as new. kaowool soaked in itc100 is a great
crack filler...
we do that on occasion with flat tops...put the plywood back in, loosen the
bolts,
jack it up...put in some new brick, tighten, let down.
good as new.
one of the issues that many folks do not confront is:
kilns need to be tuned up...constantly. you check the brick,
the arch, roof. see if it has loosened. make sure the welded
areas are tight and unbroken...lots of heat on those arch supports.
if you use a wooden mallet and a piece of flex thin plywood, you
can tap any sunken brick back into place that need moving.
i have,on one occasion, slid a piece of masonite under the arch,
bent it into the same curve as the arch...snapped it under the edges
and jacked it up. just enough to move some bricks around, add
some mortar.
it may take a bit of courage to tackle arch repair...but
if you take your time...do one step at a time....you
should be fine.
mel
from: mel/minnetonka.mn.usa
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
Clayart page link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
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