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electric kiln building help please

updated tue 16 nov 10

 

paul gerhold on thu 11 nov 10


I have a very old Skutt that I am thinking of dismantling and reconfiguring
into a 24X24 X16 kiln in order to fire large slabs horizontally. I have
spare elements, bricks etc. so it can basically be done at no cost except
labor. My concern is that octagonal kilns are designed such that the metal
bands on the outside will push the bricks together creating a pretty tight
kiln . Because of the cut on the ends of the bricks the outside pressure
cannot collapse the walls inward. With straight sides this type of design
is not possible so I am thinking of either joining the bricks together with
internal straight pins or using cement or both. Any advice on this or
discussion of experience will be greatly appreciated.

I am thinking of also using ceramic fiber on the outside of the brick to
provide increased insulation. If it is relevant firing will be in cone 3-4
range.

Paul

Larry Kruzan on thu 11 nov 10


There is a video on the paragon website that shows how they build square ki=
lns - it may give you some ideas.



Best Wishes,

Larry

Arnold Howard on fri 12 nov 10


From: "Larry Kruzan"
> There is a video on the paragon website that shows how
> they build square kilns - it may give you some ideas.
-------------
You can find all the videos here:

http://www.paragonweb.com/videos.cfm

This one is particularly interesting, because it shows how
to cement bricks together. There is an art to using brick
cement:

http://www.paragonweb.com/VideoInfo.cfm?VID=3D38

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

jonathan byler on fri 12 nov 10


and I would LOVE to know what is in that kiln coating. I have some
kilns need the lids repaired, and I can't even find anyone who will
sell this coating that goes on the lid. I thought about ITC, but this
stuff seems it would hold up plenty well.

-jon


On Nov 12, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Arnold Howard wrote:

> From: "Larry Kruzan"
>> There is a video on the paragon website that shows how
>> they build square kilns - it may give you some ideas.
> -------------
> You can find all the videos here:
>
> http://www.paragonweb.com/videos.cfm
>
> This one is particularly interesting, because it shows how
> to cement bricks together. There is an art to using brick
> cement:
>
> http://www.paragonweb.com/VideoInfo.cfm?VID=3D38
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Arnold Howard
> Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
> ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

jonathan byler on fri 12 nov 10


you wouldn't be willing to share the recipe for that brick cement
would you?

thanks for posting the video, very informative.
-jon


On Nov 12, 2010, at 12:53 PM, Arnold Howard wrote:

> From: "Larry Kruzan"
>> There is a video on the paragon website that shows how
>> they build square kilns - it may give you some ideas.
> -------------
> You can find all the videos here:
>
> http://www.paragonweb.com/videos.cfm
>
> This one is particularly interesting, because it shows how
> to cement bricks together. There is an art to using brick
> cement:
>
> http://www.paragonweb.com/VideoInfo.cfm?VID=3D38
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Arnold Howard
> Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
> ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

Arnold Howard on mon 15 nov 10


From: "jonathan byler"
> and I would LOVE to know what is in that kiln coating.

It is made by AP Green.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com