MD pottery Posted May 24, 2023 Report Share Posted May 24, 2023 Hi all! I got this kiln as a gift and I’m getting it going. The floor of the inside of the kiln however is cracked and flaking off. Can I smear something on the bottom to fix or or a light stone shelf? Any tips are appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted May 24, 2023 Report Share Posted May 24, 2023 Hi @MD pottery, welcome to the forum! Is this a fiber floor or a brick floor? Post pics if you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD pottery Posted May 24, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2023 (edited) Thanks @neilestrick. It’s a fiber bottom I believe. The top has to be recoated as well. Edited May 24, 2023 by MD pottery Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted May 25, 2023 Report Share Posted May 25, 2023 I would get a new lid for the top. Recoat your old top lid and use it on the bottom, lids and bottoms have to be replaced periodically. I am not sure yours is fiber, if it is heavy it is probably clay. Denice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD pottery Posted May 25, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2023 @Denice thank you for that info. What should I coat it with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted May 25, 2023 Report Share Posted May 25, 2023 The floor is shot, but the lid doesn't look like it's going to last much longer, either. The bad news is that new lid and floor slabs cost about $300 each, plus shipping by freight, so it may or may not be worth that for such an old kiln. Also, if the outer steel band that goes around the floor slab also goes around the bottom section of the kiln walls, it can be a real bear to change out the slab, and may require some sanding of the bricks to get a new slab to fit. Duncan no longer makes kilns so you'll have to get a slab from another kiln company and it may not fit perfectly. Also, the new slabs will be brick, not fiber, so they'll insulate differently and the peak temp rating of the kiln may be lower. Post a pic of the serial plate so we can see what the wattage of the kiln is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denice Posted May 26, 2023 Report Share Posted May 26, 2023 Sorry about using the word clay instead of brick, I guess my mind wasn't working this morning. Paragon makes a sealer for kiln lids, I don't think you will need it. It sounds like you need to scrap this kiln. Neil knows his stuff so I would listen to him, I just bought a new LL kiln a few months ago from him, he was a lot of help. If you look around on Craigslist and estate sales you can find a pretty nice used kiln. I found a small one a few years ago that was old but had only been fired once, I had to repair the kiln sitter. Some how they broke it on the first firing. it costs me $50 for the part, I paid $250 for the kiln. Do some research on kilns and find out what the specs are on the size and firing range of the kiln you will need for your work. I have met people who bought a low fire kiln when they need a high fire kiln. Be prepared to rewire any kiln you buy, if the kiln has shelves and stilts will save you money. Denice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MD pottery Posted May 26, 2023 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2023 @Denice @neilestrick thanks for your input guys! I’ll definitely take what you said into consideration of what I do with the kiln:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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