Furnace rebuild problems

[jlmetcalf]

I'm rebuilding an old thermolyne ceramic fiber furnace that is missing the original element holders. I would like to us some ceramic element holders similar to what is in my old Hupert furnace. (see photo) I've searched high/low and about worn out google without succes. Anyone know of a source for ceramic element holders?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[K R Johnson]

Check out this homegrown oven. Maybe you can do something similar.
http://www.freewebs.com/knifemaking/HT FURNACE.pdf

 

[deker]

Try pottery supply houses, you may have some luck there.

-d

 

[jlmetcalf]

Yes, I've seen that thread on building a furnace. It was well done and would be a good place to start for someone building their own from scratch.

The problem I have is that the furnace I have was built with 3" thick ceramic fiber insulation with 5/8" thick ceramic element holders that act as a linner as well. These element holders were missing when I got the furnace. I could attempt to make linners/holders from groved firebrick but FB would need to be too thick and I would loose too much space. Note: the current chamber without linning is 5x5x12.

jim

 

[Lon Aguiar]

Amaco makes a metal enameling kiln that uses ceramic element holders on each side. http://www.amaco.com/prod-67-efc-127.html

You can buy just the element holders from them. http://www.amaco.com/pdfs/K2.pdf

I'm not sure of the dimensions but you might be able to make them work.

Good luck!
Lon

 

[SteelSlaver]

Wow they are spendy. Why couldn't you get some high temp ceramic clay and form the holders around some steel rods. Then warm till stiff, remove the rods and fire them. Or make grooves in the bricks behind the old holders and install the elements in those.