Kilnbrick problems

Sandera · January 10, 2012, 06:44:53 PM

I bought my second kiln a couple of months ago - Paragon Fusion 10. I've only fired it about a dozen times but already the kilnbrick is failing with a piece as big as the palm of my hand and a cm or so deep dropping out completely. It's at the point at which the lid hinges (the lid is very heavy and quite difficult to take off the safety bar easily).

I've had my Paragon Fusion 7 for over 18 months now and had no problems whatsoever.

I'm going to contact the UK supplier anyway but should I be worried?

Lee - Kilncare · January 11, 2012, 09:22:51 AM

A good rule of thumb with all top loaders is that the bigger and heavier the lid, the more likely it is that this type of thing will happen. At 22.5" wide opening, the fusion 10 lid is relatively large.
Most European kilns with this size of lid nowadays have some sort of assistance to ease the lift pressure for this very reason.

Best thing to do is to contact your supplier and see how it goes.

Pat from Canvey · January 11, 2012, 09:43:39 AM

I've used fire cement from Wickes ( a fairly local builders merchants) in the past to "glue" back a piece of the door brick for my big ceramic kiln. In my case I chamfered the brick (it seemed to expand slightly with the heat at 930 deg cent) since it was catching on the door when I opened it to "comb" the glass.

Lee - Kilncare · January 11, 2012, 09:46:53 AM

Yeh Pat, it is an option but in reality, you have been lucky that it has held out as 9 out of 10 repairs of this nature end in failure I'm affraid.

Pat from Canvey · January 11, 2012, 09:57:09 AM

I didn't want to transport the kiln in the back of the car. The rear of the car got far to close to the ground for my liking when I brought it home from Essex Kilns about 20 years ago. They've come out to replace a few of the elements once when I overestimated the amount of glass I could pot melt

without the glass overflowing the shelf.

Hobby Ceramicraft · January 13, 2012, 03:15:46 PM

Sandera

You are unlucky to have crumbling brick on a kiln the size of a Fusion 7. They have quite a small lid, so not a huge amount of stress on the hinge. For fear of repeating what has already been said, I would suggest carefully cutting the brick to a sharp edge, removing any loose dust, then coat with some kiln repair cement, making sure you get none close to the element.

Best Wishes
Matt

Lee - Kilncare · January 13, 2012, 03:33:23 PM

Welcome to the crazy kiln section Matt from Hobby Cermicraft

Hobby Ceramicraft · January 13, 2012, 04:04:07 PM

Hi Lee,

Many thanks for the welcome!

I have been scanning through the questions/topics on here to see if there is a space for my specialised knowledge, predominatelly for technical questions relating to the Paragon kiln range, (wot we sell of course!), and it seems you are the man with the answers! Your technical knowledge of kilns and the firing process that you have openly shared on here is outstanding! I bow before you sir!

I'm mainly a 'ceramics' chap, (as our name would suggest), but we have been selling the Paragon range since the mid 80's which does cross over into the glass market. I hope at some point I can add to this knowledge base once I find my way around.

Best Wishes,
Matt

Lee - Kilncare · January 13, 2012, 04:10:02 PM

Well thanks you for the kind words my good fellow

Jonny Hawkins I may not be, but I do like to think I know a little about kilns

It's always good to have specialised pockets of knowledge pal so I'm sure you will fit in fine.

Now then, can I sell you some British kilns

Lee - Kilncare · January 13, 2012, 04:39:39 PM

Quote from: Lee - Kilncare on January 13, 2012, 04:10:02 PM
Jonny Hawkins I may not be,

and I may not be Steven Hawkins either LOL

Sandera · January 13, 2012, 10:37:36 PM

Quote from: Hobby Ceramicraft on January 13, 2012, 03:15:46 PM
Sandera

You are unlucky to have crumbling brick on a kiln the size of a Fusion 7. They have quite a small lid, so not a huge amount of stress on the hinge. For fear of repeating what has already been said, I would suggest carefully cutting the brick to a sharp edge, removing any loose dust, then coat with some kiln repair cement, making sure you get none close to the element.

Best Wishes
Matt

Hi Matt.
The problem is actually with the Paragon 10 which I've only had a very short time. My Paragon 7 is great - fired it many, many times and not had a problem. I've got some fire cement (thanks Pat) and will see if I can glue it back in. Not heard back from the original supplier yet $:-\$

Hobby Ceramicraft · January 17, 2012, 06:02:20 PM

Sandera - sorry, I misread your initial posting. A fusion 10 makes more sense. A few years back we chose not to sell the brick lidded Fusion 10, instead we now only import the fibre lidded model. Significantly more expensive, but with a wide chamber like the Fusion 10 has, and with the element above in the lid, I am sure it is pays off in the long run. The last thing you need (especially for firing wide sheets of glass), is troublesome flecks of brick dust floating down onto your work.
I quoted a lady just before Christmas for a replacement fibre lid for a Fusion 10 direct from the US, who had just bought a brick lid model second hand, the price,.... £730 excluding VAT! Mind you £300 of that was air freight charges from America!

Lee - Never say never, but I'm quite happy with the Paragon range at the moment! Also, having sold them since the mid eighties, I have got to know their makeup quite well; super reliable kilns that allow me to sleep well at night,..... just like yours I do not doubt

Matt

Sandera · January 17, 2012, 08:51:12 PM

Hi Matt.
I'm not sure if you're with Hobby Ceramic Craft but, if you are, I bought my Fusion 7 via you. It's been a smashing little kiln. When I decided to buy a second bigger kiln I initially settled on the GL24 but I had real trouble sourcing it in the UK. I'm beginning to wish i'd persevered.

With regards to the Fusion 10 I'm quite surprised that the bricks are deteriorating so quickly. It's a bit worrying to be honest.

Hobby Ceramicraft · January 18, 2012, 05:46:32 PM

Sandera

I am indeed. Hobby Ceramicraft is our little ship, and today I wear the captain's hat!

I would say, just be careful you do not spend too much time or money on the kiln you have bought. Hopefully you got it at a great price anyway, but you could end up spending more on it than perhaps it may deserve. (so says a chap who only sells new kilns!

)

Best Wishes
Matt

Sandera · January 18, 2012, 07:16:58 PM

Quote from: Hobby Ceramicraft on January 18, 2012, 05:46:32 PM
Sandera

I am indeed. Hobby Ceramicraft is our little ship, and today I wear the captain's hat!

I would say, just be careful you do not spend too much time or money on the kiln you have bought. Hopefully you got it at a great price anyway, but you could end up spending more on it than perhaps it may deserve. (so says a chap who only sells new kilns! )

Best Wishes
Matt

Argghhh!! It was a new kiln!!