Pnutbrand Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the type of cement to use to make a new kiln lid. Have been searching but haven't found anything that's made for lids, most cements I have found say not to use on lids. I am in the process of making a new gas kiln and would like to cement this one instead of drilling and cinching with all thread as I did on the last kiln. I have some amaco kiln cement, would this work? Will be firing mostly to cone 5-6 with an occasional cone 10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pres Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 I think that any kiln lid you construct will have to have some form of compression support at the circumference. Over the years I do not recall ever seeing in books or studios a lid without some form of external support-angle iron and threaded bars etc. I would check the library on kiln construction if you haven't already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timbo_heff Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Do you mean mortar when you say cement? Derby 3000 is great brick to brick: use thin. Very Very strong:: http://www.sheffield-pottery.com/DERBY-3000HT-Fireclay-Mortar-p/lvmd315.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Is this a typical front loading gas kiln? If so, just build an arch. It's just as quick and infinitely stronger. I wouldn't trust mortar to hold together the top of a kiln that is any more than 28 inches across. Give us some more info about the kiln. Size, shape, wall thickness, materials, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arnold Howard Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Is this a typical front loading gas kiln? If so, just build an arch. It's just as quick and infinitely stronger. I wouldn't trust mortar to hold together the top of a kiln that is any more than 28 inches across. Give us some more info about the kiln. Size, shape, wall thickness, materials, etc. Arches are elegant and very strong. We use that design on larger kilns. Should you decide to make a flat top, here is a video that shows how to cement the bricks together. As you will see, making a lid is an art form. The people who cement lids for a living are as skilled as brick layers. Note that the bricks are not sprayed with water, because the cement is applied very rapidly to the bricks. The long pan is essential. Sincerely, Arnold Howard Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnutbrand Posted September 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Thanks for the replies. The kiln is going to be top loading square kiln, 36" square outside with 4.5" wall thickness giving it 27" square inside. Using 9x3x4.5" 2600 IFB with a hard brick around the gas ports to prevent damaging soft bricks. It will have 2 intake ports and a downdraft exhaust. Will be using propane as a fuel source. And yes I reckon I do mean mortar instead of cement. Was also considering making it a two piece lid for weight purposes. Ill be lifting on and off most likely unless I decide to fabricate a hinge system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 Not sure where you live but the right cement can be had from Hi-Temp in Portland Or, it comes in 5 gallon buckets and can be shipped-they make it themselves on site-I have used the super 33 for gluing bricks but they have another made for skutt kilns that would be a better choice.Call them and talk to them-they are not a potters supply business but will sell you a tub.Ask for Jeff Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 I would also look at adding a layer of fiber board to the outside of the kiln to increase the insulation value and tightness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnutbrand Posted September 18, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 I would also look at adding a layer of fiber board to the outside of the kiln to increase the insulation value and tightness. I considered that. At the moment it has a sheet metal covering inside a welded angle iron frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldlady Posted September 18, 2013 Report Share Posted September 18, 2013 fascinating video, arnold, thanks. good thing i don't live closer, makes me want to sneak into the building after hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perkolator Posted September 23, 2013 Report Share Posted September 23, 2013 is Sairset the refractory material used on most kiln lid coatings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Bridge Pottery Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 I need to build a new kiln lid, flat type with sheet metal round the outside bolted into tension. This is more a reminder to myself to watch the video as I can't seem to watch it at work. Just one question, kiln cement/mortar doesn't need firing for it to work? Anybody in the UK know of a good make/type? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Just one question, kiln cement/mortar doesn't need firing for it to work? Anybody in the UK know of a good make/type? . Suggest you buy from a kiln builder - Pottery crafts? Potclays, ...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivolucien Posted November 4, 2015 Report Share Posted November 4, 2015 The Paragon video shows workers cutting IFB with no filter masks. Please consider protecting your workers lungs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earthfan Posted November 5, 2015 Report Share Posted November 5, 2015 Does the lid have to be brick? My homemade gas kiln is top loading. The lid is a frame of stainless steel with a couple of bits of angle aluminium across the top from which homemade ceramic buttons on shanks of kanthal element wire, suspend 5 inches of ceramic fibre. I get into the kiln by lifting each side onto a hook and swing it out of the way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted November 5, 2015 Report Share Posted November 5, 2015 Fiber blanket is best used in applications where it is not moved. Each time fiber blanket is moved or touched it releases fibers into the air which can be inhaled. Inhaling fiber is not good for your lungs. Yes, it is light weight and insulates well, but it is by no means durable and is the least safe kiln building material to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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