SFKeller

I'm also on the lookout for hard firebrick in the east. I havent been here yet but Louisville Firebrick has a plant near Grahn Ky. That seems to be about 4.5 hours away from you. I recently tore down a soft brick car kiln. It was a great deal except for the labor (I will be owing work for several friends for a while, lol). That being said the rental of a uhaul with low ramp was one of the best investments I made! (and I told my husband aren't you happy these were soft bricks,!) Great info in this forum. As soon as I read and reread the kiln books I've managed to find, I will have some questions for the experts. Sandi in WV

thanks for the info. i just bought a machine at NCECA and tried my first batch. Pugging should not be this hard, LOL. The manual keeps cautioning against overloading so Im hoping not having enough clay is the issue. Ive only operated the old type pug mills and Im really hoping this one will save wear and tear on my wrists. But after spending 3 hours trying to get it to pug im letting it rest and trying tomorrow. I've tried the suggestions for "spinning." The clay does feel great so far if only I could get it OUT! It's at throwable very soft consistency. FYI, mine is a small one, the VPM 9.