Hi
Please tell me this is normal!!!!!
I bought a brand new HotStart Pro only about 7 weeks ago. I had noticed over the last couple of weeks that the top of the lid (the outside cemented area) was showing lines like little cracks. I put this down to the kiln's temperature and that it was probably normal for a new kiln (just settling in).
However today, I found that the cement layer has now started to crack open and in parts it's actually raised, separated and flaking like blisters (big ones). If I touch it, the blisters break.
Does anyone know if this is normal or do you think there could there be a fault with the lid?
Hi Bluebell,
I don't know if it helps, but my Hotstart has done that too. I had it second hand and it had a couple of the 'blisters' then - which have got worse. I've put it down to the fact that I'm keeping it in the shed (an insulated one, but it's still a shed) - I could very well be wrong though.
They do sell cement for renewing the kiln lid top, but that can't be something you need to do after only 7 weeks can it?!?!
Be interesting to see what everyone else thinks.
Hazel xx
That's a worry. Surely that cannot be right? What does your supplier say?
I found this online in a manual for a Hotstart:
"The first time the elements are fired they will give off some smoke. This is normal and expected. It is also common for hairline cracks to appear in the floor and lid of a kiln. This is caused by the expansion and contraction of the mortared brick and is considered normal. It will not affect the firing nor the life of the kiln"
The link where I found this is here: http://www.skutt.com/pdf/HotStart/HotStartManual_PR.pdf on page 7.
Yes, I did read that in the manual, but I'm sure that's referring to the inside of the kiln. This problem is on the outside, on top of the lid. I could literally pick off bits the size of a 2p piece - its not really cracks as such, although it began with cracks.
I have written to the supplier today and I expect I'll hear from them tomorrow or very soon.
Hmm sounds like it could be a paint issue then - perhaps the paint on the outside is a dodgy batch or something.
Not good to have a scruffy looking kiln after such a short space of time!
Mine is the same, but it works fine!! Just need to hoover a bit !!
I think it's quite common in Skutts, both of mine have done it, doesn't affect the firing at all x
Hi Bluebell
Sorry to hear about your kiln lid, this does happen to Skutts which are kept in cold, damp conditions. It is caused by the moisture turning to steam when the kiln is fired. We do put a warning in the box about this.
It is superficial and will not effect the firing. We stock a patch cement for the inside of kilns and a grey refractory cement for Skutt lids.
Hope this helps
Jess