vermiculite board in kilns

This is the main board for discussing general techniques, tools, and processes for fusing, slumping, and related kiln-forming activities.

Moderators: Brad Walker, Tony Smith

Post Reply
Bert Weiss
Posts: 2339
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 12:06 am
Location: Chatham NH
Contact:

vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Bert Weiss »

Has anybody used vermiculite boards to line kilns or kiln floors? If so what brand and what density?
Bert

Bert Weiss Art Glass*
http://www.customartglass.com
Furniture Lighting Sculpture Tableware
Architectural Commissions
Stephen Richard
Posts: 302
Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2003 4:36 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Contact:

Re: vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Stephen Richard »

I've done it for sides, but no idea of density or trademark. 25mm thickness.
Steve Richard
You can view my Blog at: http://verrier-glass.blogspot.com/
Bert Weiss
Posts: 2339
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 12:06 am
Location: Chatham NH
Contact:

Re: vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Bert Weiss »

I am evaluating based on weight, strength, insulating value, and cost. The denser V-board backed up with calcium silicate board will yield a 183º cold face with a 1500º hotface, on side walls. That is pretty good. A less dense V-board will be about 30º cooler. The floor is the radical place. I am thinking that if I cut the board up in to large bricks, it will not warp.

My 20 year old kiln lined with Unifrax HD board is in remarkably good shape considering it has been dropped a couple of times and overheated once. It will be a tough choice.
Bert

Bert Weiss Art Glass*
http://www.customartglass.com
Furniture Lighting Sculpture Tableware
Architectural Commissions
Brad Walker
Site Admin
Posts: 1524
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2003 9:33 pm
Location: North Carolina, USA
Contact:

Re: vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Brad Walker »

Bert Weiss wrote: I am thinking that if I cut the board up in to large bricks, it will not warp.
Skamol makes vermiculite bricks.
Bert Weiss
Posts: 2339
Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2003 12:06 am
Location: Chatham NH
Contact:

Re: vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Bert Weiss »

Brad Walker wrote:
Bert Weiss wrote: I am thinking that if I cut the board up in to large bricks, it will not warp.
Skamol makes vermiculite bricks.
Jim Wiles, who used to work for Skamol, now represents both Skamol and a German company. He prefers the German board for it's strength. I am thinking about cutting my own bricks something like 21" x 12" and shiplapped instead of square cut. I will immediately cover the floor with 1/4" fiber blanket, which can be either covered with more fiber blanket or replaced.

The big decision is really the walls and roof. Do I go for surface strength or light weight? I still lean towards light weight.
Bert

Bert Weiss Art Glass*
http://www.customartglass.com
Furniture Lighting Sculpture Tableware
Architectural Commissions
Brad Walker
Site Admin
Posts: 1524
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2003 9:33 pm
Location: North Carolina, USA
Contact:

Re: vermiculite board in kilns

Post by Brad Walker »

Bert Weiss wrote:He prefers the German board for it's strength.
I've bought both types from Jim and he's right -- the German board is stronger, even at the same rated density. It's also a bit larger, being one meter long, rather than 36".

Last time I spoke to him Jim said he was going to stop carrying Skamol and only carry the German stuff (which comes from somewhere in Eastern Europe -- Romania maybe -- not Germany).
Post Reply