That's no lie. I am starting to do the same before I get going in the morning. The cord is the only thing I am replacing so far. I plan on using it my self. As far as the cone, there is a supply house down the street that is going to walk me through some of that. She said my kiln must be old because it did not have something. I just have the two holes in front. Something about holding a melting plate inside. I needed to make sure it's operational before they spend the time with me. Thanks for the info. So bricks stay functional if intact .