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used k23 bricks - mortar or dry laid ??

updated fri 19 nov 04

 

MacIntire, Matt on thu 18 nov 04


I just purchased a used MFT car kiln. I packed the (K-23 IFB) bricks
pretty securely, but they rattled around in the back of a big truck more
than I expected. When I unloaded I found that many of the bricks had
ground down in places where they shifted around on the long journey
back.

Now I'm wondering... Since many of the bricks are not straight and true
like NEW bricks, should I use mortar when assembling them? Or is it
really better to dry stack. I guess I could use a bit of Kaowool here
and there as needed. =20

FWIW... I do plan to coat with ITC, and expect that will help seal up
little cracks here and there.


To mortar, or to dry stack - that is my question. =20

Opinions?


TIA

Marcia Selsor on thu 18 nov 04


If I am not mistaken, I think the bricks for the flat top are suppose
to be slightly
off to give a slight lift to the top.Not really an arch but a slight
lift.
Check with Nils or a book about building the MFT. I'd also recommend
NOT using mortar.
You can always turn the bricks around and use the other side when the
need aricses. I never use mortar on kilns.
If you are worried about slipping ot movement, you can mix a wet slurry
of fire clay and water and dip the edges as you lay the brick.
But I don't think it is necessary..
Marcia Selsor
On Nov 18, 2004, at 10:07 AM, MacIntire, Matt wrote:

> I just purchased a used MFT car kiln. I packed the (K-23 IFB) bricks
> pretty securely, but they rattled around in the back of a big truck
> more
> than I expected. When I unloaded I found that many of the bricks had
> ground down in places where they shifted around on the long journey
> back.
>
> Now I'm wondering... Since many of the bricks are not straight and
> true
> like NEW bricks, should I use mortar when assembling them? Or is it
> really better to dry stack. I guess I could use a bit of Kaowool here
> and there as needed.
>
> FWIW... I do plan to coat with ITC, and expect that will help seal up
> little cracks here and there.
>
>
> To mortar, or to dry stack - that is my question.
>
> Opinions?
>
>
> TIA