Hello All:

I am very new to this stuff and could use some pointers, but last week I
came across a great deal on a kiln and wheel. The kiln has never been
assembled, it is about 30 years old, it was sold by Westby Ceramic
supply and is 4 rows of 8 bricks each, 3 rows have heating elements and
one row is a spacer row. I don't know where the spacer row is supposed
to be located in the stack, or if it even maters where it is placed. I
had to lay out bricks and trace the ring on them and cut the bricks to
shape for the lid and base of the thing. It's all held together with
bands, 2 for each ring and one for the lid and one for the base. Now I
need to coat the lid and base with this mortar stuff that is in the kit
and install the coils and wiring. The wiring is asbestos covered so I
don't want to mess with it. What do kilns use now a days for wire that
will hold up to the heat? Does anyone have info or experience with one
of these kilns?
Also the wheel that I got is called a spinning tiger. It is missing the
rubber drive thing on the motor shaft so I ordered one from Creative
supply, it seemed awfully expensive for a piece of rubber, It doubled my
cost for the whole outfit!, I got the kiln, Wheel and a box of clay for
$25.
Anyhow, please post any helpful comments that you may have, Thanks,
Brian