Arch support is out! (and it didn't fall)

I opted to remove the arch support this morning and make sure the arch wouldn't collapse before I went on to adding the IFB layer. I'm happy to report it held up with little shifting. A few bricks slipped down 1/8"-ish but the rest barely moved. Some gaps from uneven cuts but I don't think it is too bad. I guess time will tell.

I know it's not perfect but out of all the things I have done on the kiln, I am proud of this part! lol, I'll even be more proud if it holds together when I fire up the kiln. I really had to cut bricks and make odd sizes fit together. Like all of the kiln, not ideal but I think a good use of what was available to me. I plan on adding a layer of ceramic fiber over (as there are a few gaps) and then top it with a layer of IFB. Getting closer to finishing. Now I need my hubby to hop on here and give you guys the rundown on how he built the burners. Also he needs to post info on the pilot lights and safety stuff (which is the one part we spared no expense and bought new).

more arch...

A new blade and I'm off cutting arch bricks again. You can see how much the old blade was worn down when compared to the new one. 1/4" worn away. When it was wearing thin, it would catch on the bricks. I know I've said it before, but cutting all those bricks is not for the faint of heart and I can't emphasize enough the need to be super careful to keep you fingers safe around that blade!

Back to work with a much smoother cutting blade. More cutting, fitting, and more cutting...

 and more cutting...

and more cutting...

and more fitting...

Almost there but the sun set. The bricks are sitting snug and even. Going back tomorrow to do even more cutting...

Skew back bricks and arch work

So it was Easter and I had family visiting who had no interest in helping me build my kiln (no surprise there!). I also have a show in 3 weeks so my kiln building was once again on hold but getting back to it today. My wonderful hubby built my arch support out of scrap wood and scrap cardboard using the paper templates I drew up earlier.

                                     

Temporary wooden supports went up to hold the arch support in place. The rear wall continued up and the arch pieces started.

The skew back gave me some grief as my saw was too small to fit the brick for an angles cut like that. Some finagling (and help from Russ again,) and they are all set. I had to cut them into half brick before adding the correct angle.

My saw blade officially bit the dust so off to home depot for a new blade.

Iron support continues

First of all, that beer sitting on the kiln is mine not my welding hubby's. (I get to relax and watch as he welds away.) Four corners went up. We extended them higher than they need to be and will trim them down later.

We used 2" new angle iron. Next we put up side support to accept the weight and pressure of the sprung arch. Russ found used but solid c-channel (3", I think).

Pretty sure this structure will hold up just fine. Engineer husband tend to over-engineer everything. ;) A temporary bar was added at the top of the ironwork on both sides to "box" in the structure that will be removed later, after supports are added lower (Due to my haphazard planning, I didn't know exactly where those final supports should line up.)

Worked until sundown so time to quit. Now I can get moving on installing the sprung arch. Woohoo!!! Getting closer!

Silicon Carbide shelves

I picked up some silicon carbide shelves a couple weeks ago that were advertised on Potter's Attic facebook site and happen to be located just a couple hour drive away. $200 for 8 shelves in the size I need and about another 6-8 shelves worth of pieces.

I attacked the shelves with a diamond cup on an angle grinder. Yes, I wore respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Good thing I did too as I was covered in dust and grime by the time I was done. I also wore the cup down to nothing. :) But look how much prettier they look!

I also trimmed up the broken shelves with the wet tile saw which cut a beautiful straight line. (Didn't take any pics of those though.) Need to research the shelves. All I know is that they were used in a gas kiln for 10 years over 20 years ago. They have some convenient info imprinted on the ends that should help.