Kiln Elements Sagging, Is This An Acceptable Fix?

[oddartist]

I've moved twice since purchasing my used kiln and some of the bottom bricks got weakened and the element channel crumbled. Pins worked for a few firings but now they won't hold either. I placed a couple short kiln posts in such a fashion that they keep the element off the kiln floor and this has worked quite well. However, I'm wondering:

 

#1- Will doing this cause any issues I should be aware of?

#2- How difficult would it be to replace the crumbling bricks?

#3- Should I replace the elements as well?

[Babs]

I've used suitable wire bent into a U shape with long"legs".

I place the "staple" to capture an element then push the long legs far into the bricks. Use a few.to support the element in as many places as needed If you put a counter bend at one end of the staple it will grab and secure in place

[oddartist]

I've tried that as well, but the bricks are too crumbly to hold and trying to get it to stay makes it even more so. That's why I'm considering replacing the bricks.

[No Longer Member]

It looks like the elements have shrunken and are now too short to reach the grooves. If the elements are still pliable enough (doubtful), you could stretch them out some which would make them longer thus pushing them back in the grooves. Ideally you want to stretch them enough that they have slight tension holding them against the back wall of the groove. This tension will get relieved once it's fired and (hopefully) the element will settle back in it's groove. I have a bottom element like that which sags a bit here and there but overall it's still ok.

 

One thing is for sure, If you leave them up on the posts like that, they are gonna sag between them.

 

Before I'd change bricks in that, i'd check the band hardware to make sure everything still works good. Last thing you want to do is take it apart and not be able to get it tight again. Do not forget, just a little at a time on the clamps (1/4 turn or less). Do not force them under any circumstances. You will need a perfectly flat work surface to do this on too. If it were me, I'd just stretch them some (gently and spread out over a large area, i.e; don't try to get 1/2" out of two coils) and then call it a day.

 

What make/model kiln is this?

[High Bridge Pottery]

Heating the element up with a small blowtorch of somekind will make it pliable. Hard to work on the bottom elements but stretching it back into the grove with some heat will slow/solve the issue.

[No Longer Member]

Heating the element up with a small blowtorch of somekind will make it pliable.

 

 

and equally uncomfortable to hold on to.

[neilestrick]

Just let them lay on the floor. If you can, pin them to the floor with a U shaped element pin. Just don't let them touch the bottle shelf. Raise the bottom shelf a bit if needed. When they are worn out and need replacing, replace the bricks, too.

[No Longer Member]

Just let them lay on the floor. If you can, pin them to the floor with a U shaped element pin. Just don't let them touch the bottle shelf. Raise the bottom shelf a bit if needed. When they are worn out and need replacing, replace the bricks, too.

 

I wondered what your take would be Neil. I considered that an option at first too but thought it might not be a good idea to put direct element heat against almost half of the bottom considering it's holding the entire weight of the kiln, shelves and load. Seems that would be a recipe for bottom problems.

[neilestrick]

 

Just let them lay on the floor. If you can, pin them to the floor with a U shaped element pin. Just don't let them touch the bottle shelf. Raise the bottom shelf a bit if needed. When they are worn out and need replacing, replace the bricks, too.

 

I wondered what your take would be Neil. I considered that an option at first too but thought it might not be a good idea to put direct element heat against almost half of the bottom considering it's holding the entire weight of the kiln, shelves and load. Seems that would be a recipe for bottom problems.

 

 

It won't hurt the bottom one bit. Lots of kilns have elements in the floor. You just don't want it up against the kiln shelf because it may crack the shelf.

[Babs]

One addition.

Pin the elements firmly near the last places, ie either side of hte damaged groove,  that the element is supported by the groove. This will  stop the rest of hte element oozing out of the groove onto the floor.

[ronfire]

If you want to stretch or reshape the element heat it red hot with a torch then bend or strech them with some needle nose pliers.

Do not use kiln power to heat the element and touch the elements when the kiln is on. 240 volts hurts ( dead )

[oddartist]

Sounds like I should just let 'em hang then. Hadn't thought of the shelf cracking! Thank you all!

[Babs]

Pin them at the last secure spot or they will grow,and pin them like Neil said.