I was able to purchase an older but in good condition kiln for a great price from an acquaintance. After awhile started having an issue with dust falling onto my pieces (I fuse glass) from some gouges in the fire brick. My dad, a retired carpenter, decided to "surprise" me with his "help" and sanded down the top rim to get rid of the gouges without telling me first. There is now a gap and the lid does not fit together. The rim was sanded down between 1/8-1/4 inch (not even). I would say most of the lid has a 1/4 in gap, possibly a bit more in a few spots. I don't have the money to buy a new ki