Chamber complete and ironwork is started

I finished up framing in the soda ports with hard brick, and putting the IFB in place. Decided to add one more row for a little extra kiln height.

During this last row I realized I did something silly. With the double row thickness of IFB exterior, I didn't think I could alternate the corners (see how the row ends in a straight line instead of alternating like you normally do to stagger seams and interlock rows for stability). Still not sure why I thought I couldn't do it but the last row I figured it out. See? ughhh

I'm an airhead. No other excuse for my blonde move. This row was beautiful...so...what to do. My hubby offered to run an extra strip of ironwork so I don't have to dismantle the whole exterior. Works for me. LOL. Definitely my first kiln build. I am learning quickly.

Here are a few interior pictures of the kiln. It is all very square and level and I have no complaints. I staggered most joints and its pretty tight.

My hubby got started on the iron framing. 2" angle iron across the whole bottom and welded at all corners. I know many prefer to put rods across that can be released or tightened as needed. With a welder and a hubby who loves to weld, I know that we can redo this relatively painlessly if needed so we went with the "rigid" approach and welded the joints. We spent quite a bit of time deciding if expansion joints are needed. The literature I found says they are not necessary if under 4' which the interior of my kiln is, but I am larger due to the huge walls. Opted for not doing expansion joints figuring there is enough wiggle room in all the seams.

We worked until the sun set. The bottom layer of ironwork is in place but the rest will have to wait until the next work day.

Looking good! Very excited to get the remaining ironwork in place and to tackle the arch. Please do ask questions and give feedback.