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new kiln cracks

updated tue 2 feb 99

 

Susan Schultz on fri 29 jan 99


I have a new kiln (Coneart oval) which developed a crack
(NOT hairline) across the whole bottom in the first firing.
I know that hairline cracks in the lid are to be expected, but I
never experienced a big crack like this with my other kilns.
I was told that this is "O.K." and wonder if anybody else has had
this experience in the first firings? I am concerned because
there was other shipping damage, but I thought the bottom was
not affected.

Susan Schultz
Scsclay@aol.com
(who likes new things to be perfect)

Stephen J. Lewicki on sat 30 jan 99

At 01:07 PM 1/29/99 EST, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>I have a new kiln (Coneart oval) which developed a crack
>(NOT hairline) across the whole bottom in the first firing.
>I know that hairline cracks in the lid are to be expected, but I
>never experienced a big crack like this with my other kilns.
>I was told that this is "O.K." and wonder if anybody else has had
>this experience in the first firings? I am concerned because
>there was other shipping damage, but I thought the bottom was
>not affected.
>
>Susan Schultz
>Scsclay@aol.com
>(who likes new things to be perfect)
>

Dear Susan:

I have seen this occasionally. If you have a good support under the bottom
this should probably not be a problem. We put a sheet of aluminized steel
under our larger rectangular kilns. I assume Coneart has a good means for
tightening up the casing. Because all our bottoms are separate you can
tighten up the band around just the bottom or top which keeps the bricks
all together. I'm not sure what Coneart does. If it is one piece case
construction this would be difficult but you should talk to the manufacture
and see what they say about this.


Stephen Lewicki
President

L&L Kiln Mfg Inc.
6B Mt. Pleasant Drive
Aston, PA 19014

Phone: (610) 558-3899
Fax: (610) 558-3698
Email: steve@hotkilns.com

Euclid's Kilns & Elements on sat 30 jan 99

> I have a new kiln (Coneart oval) which developed a crack
> (NOT hairline) across the whole bottom in the first firing.
> I know that hairline cracks in the lid are to be expected, but I
> never experienced a big crack like this with my other kilns.
> I was told that this is "O.K." and wonder if anybody else has had
> this experience in the first firings?
Hi Susan,
As you pointed out, hairline cracks in large oval brick slabs is quite
common. As long as the crack is not opening up, it shouldn`t affect the
firing. If it is really bothering you or if it is opening up, tell Coneart
about your concerns again. They are usually very helpful. I would think
they would want to have a look at it, maybe just the band is needs
tightening up.
Chris @
Euclid's Kilns and Elements
1-800-296-5456
Web Site: http://www.euclids.com
E-Mail: mail@euclids.com

Jim Brooks on mon 1 feb 99

Susan.. i get a high temp cement for fire bricks at Acme Brick..i think most
brick yards would have something similar.. It fires very high.. above cone
10.. and is simple to use.. Just fill the cracks with the mortar.. let dry (it
air drys) and fire as usual..if the crack are very wide.. use some ground up
fire birck and mix with a little of the cement.. Hope this helps you get it
fixed..