Maxi / Maxine Kiln Mandrel Rests

[ejralph]

Hi all -

I bought my Maxi kiln over a year ago, but haven't had a chance to set up and play with it yet.

The kiln came with steel mandrel rests to fit to the outside - do you all use them?

Looking at the hole in the kiln wall for the rest to fit into - on one side there is just ceramic brick behind so I don't see how it would clip in anyway. I am guessing if there was a hole in the brick behind to accommodate the metal clip of the rest, it was not aligned properly.

I don't really want to go making a hole in the brick to fit the rest if I'd seldom use it anyway, so just wondering how useful they are and what scenarios you use the mandrel rests and when you don't

Emma

[Calico Cat]

I use mine all the time - keeps the mandrels in place.

I don't remember having any problems fitting them - long one on the left, short one on the right - but you could give Kilncare a call - they're very helpful.

[JKC]

I haven't used them, my mandrels seem quite happy on their own.

[Enchanted Cobwebs]

I had to gouge a slot as there wasnt onein the underneath material just the slots in the metal casing, expect they dont do a slot in case you decide not to use them, think I just used a small screwdriver and gently scraped as its soft stuff under the metal. When you use the kiln first the flexible 'curtain' thing is a bit stiff and can dislodge the mandrels when opening specially if the beads are light and the rests help avoid this

[Lotti]

Mine went in fine, I didn't have to gouge anything (it isn't brick behind it if I remember correctly, I don't have it any more so can't check).  I used the outside rests all the time and only took them off when I started to do boro and needed the gap to get things into the kiln to be as big as possible.  Give Lee a bell if you are unsure he will explain how they go in. XX

[Lee - Kilncare]

Hi Ej, some of the racks will slot into the metal perfectly and some may need a little persuasion with a screwdriver as Cobs did.
We don't pre-fit the racks as they can score the paintwork when inserted so if they are not to be used it seems a shame to have marks on your lovely MAXI.
Give me a bell if you are having troubles.
Lee

[ejralph]

Thanks for all your help. Will have   a play with different options and see what works
Good to know not every one is using the rests and also  not having a slot in the ceramic brick behind isn't abnormal

Emma