Okay, folks, let’s talk about something that might not be on everyone’s radar but is super important if you’re into pottery or ceramics – kiln brick pins. I’ve been messing around with kilns for a while now, and I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping them in good shape.
So, I recently had to deal with some worn-out pins in my kiln. You know, those little U-shaped things that hold the heating elements in place? Yeah, those. They don’t last forever, especially when you’re firing up that kiln regularly like I do. When I changed my coils, I knew it was time to replace those pins too.
First off, getting the new pins was easy peasy. I found a pack of about a dozen. Plenty to work with since you usually only need a couple in each corner of the kiln.
Now, the fun part – actually replacing them. You gotta make sure you’re careful when you’re working inside the kiln. I always make sure to disconnect it from power first, safety first, right? Then, I gently removed the old, worn-out pins. They were pretty brittle, so it wasn’t too hard.
After that, I took the new pins and carefully inserted them into the slots where the heating elements sit. It’s like giving your kiln a little facelift. The new pins hold those elements snugly in place, which is crucial for even heating.
- Step 1: Get new pins.
- Step 2: Turn off the kiln.
- Step 3: Remove old pins. Be gentle!
- Step 4: Insert new pins. Make sure they fit well.
I also learned something interesting about kiln bricks. When they’re made at the factory, they’re fired at super high temperatures. This process burns out all the stuff inside, leaving behind a brick full of tiny holes. It’s like the bricks have their own little kiln story!
Oh, and one more thing! If you’re setting up a new kiln, or even just moving your old one, pay attention to where those metal legs are. The heat can transfer straight through them to the floor. So, you gotta put something under those legs to block the heat. I learned that the hard way.
In a Nutshell
Changing kiln brick pins is a simple but important part of kiln maintenance. It’s not rocket science, but it does make a big difference in how your kiln performs. And hey, it’s kinda satisfying to give your kiln a little TLC, right?
Alright, that’s my little kiln adventure for today. Hope this was helpful to someone out there. Keep on firing!
