Mini electric kiln project

[scott.livesey]

Mr. Scott thanks for your recommendations. 
I have difficulties to accommodate the stretched element (spacing 3x wire diameter) into the side wall grooves. For this reason I am considering resistance wire holders made of porous cordierite, which are used in traction and resistance devices. One threated ceramic holder of 300 mm (or 12") length can accommodate 3 meters (or 120") of Kanthal wire. Depending on the wire diameter I would need 6 or 8 wire holders.
Jan

I like this solution as it gives you several options on mounting the finished elements.  6 holders would let you do right, left and back walls

[Mark Reich]

I think the main reason elements are embedded is because bad things happen if you touch one.

[Jan]

Yes, Mr. Mark, the grooves protect the elements from unintentionally touching but mainly support the element coils from creeping.

The problem with elements grooved into bricks is that in pockets behind the coils the temperature may be significantly larger than the temperature in the kiln. This shortens the life expectancy of the element at higher temperatures.

Jan

[Jan]

I have difficulties to accommodate the stretched element (spacing 3x wire diameter) into the side wall grooves. For this reason I am considering resistance wire holders made of porous cordierite, which are used in traction and resistance devices. One threated ceramic holder of 300 mm (or 12") length can accommodate 3 meters (or 120") of Kanthal wire. Depending on the wire diameter I would need 6 or 8 wire holders.
Jan

I like this solution as it gives you several options on mounting the finished elements.  6 holders would let you do right, left and back walls

I hope it might work well. Mr. Doudley Giberson told me, he used 15" long 1/4" diameter mulite rods to support the heating element in his mailbox anealler.

The attached picture shows details of my threaded ceramic wire holders from local production.

   

Jan

[scott.livesey]

grooved bricks are used for cost. the bricks can be purchased with the grooves already there. all that needs to be done is lay the elements in. low material cost, low labor cost. but the area inside the groove is hotter than inside the furnace reducing element life and being less efficient.
the mulite or ceramic rods and the donuts to support them may cost more than the actual elements. attaching them will take a lot more labor. the advantages of mounting the elements on rods are better control of element movement, enhanced element life, better efficiency.

[Mark Reich]

Well, I guess I only have the two major brands of knife kilns to go by, plus reading about kilns and salt pots others have made, and the first hand experience of kilns my friends have made.

From the years of experience of my friend, Mr.Ed Fowler, and being on a first name basis with the kind and gracious Owners of Paragon Industries, I am easily able to lend first hand knowledge and experience.

That's certainly not to say I know more than y'all, but I am really very sure that Mr. Arnold Howard has spent more time developing kilns than anyone else I could possibly think of, and I just got off the phone after speaking to each of these Gentlemen.

Your method of winding the wire around a ceramic rod is interestingly unique to me, and I'll await your results.

I'm sure you are aware the wire is carrying quite a bit of electricity when they are on, and the wire will have a great deal of expansion and contraction. I wish for your success with this en devour.

[Jan]

I'm sure you are aware the wire is carrying quite a bit of electricity when they are on, and the wire will have a great deal of expansion and contraction. I wish for your success with this en devour.

Yes Mr. Mark, endeavour is the correct word to describe this effort.


Electrons carrying the electricity are our tiny good friends because they provide the steel with its unique properties like malleability.

Jan

[Mark Reich]

Sometimes spell check comes up empty.

Thank you for your understanding.

[Jan]

Sorry Mr. Mark, my intention was not to correct your spelling, but on the contrary to stress that you have selected the proper word to describe the situation.

Jan

[Mark Reich]

Thank You, Mr. Jan, no worries!

Actually, I thought you did understand, despite the difference in spelling.

Sometimes it's hard to have perfectly clear comprehension. I think we all try to give each other the benefit of doubt, which is certainly helpful to the spirit of this Forum.