Kiln/oven

[SteelSlaver]

I picked up a small kiln from a guy that was using it for ceramics. I plan to use it as a heating oven for my harding. It will melt the cone that equals 2000f. It it a top loader that has 2 elements. I will rewire it so that each element is controlled by a relay and control that with a solidstate controller and thermocouple. That part is not a problem as I spent my long ago time in college studing electronic and electrical circuits. Here are my questions. It is a top loader and the inside diamentions are about 13"x13"x13" and I am wondering if the elments will sag out of their slots if I lay it on a side. If so can this be prevented. If not can I make a bar or 2 accross the top and hang my blades in the oven then open and pick off and quench. I could get an inconel bar make for the hanger bar to go across the top from work if they have not tossed them all. I also have access to some soft firebrick and insul board material and was wondering if I could remove the heater elements and brick and reform it so one side is the bottom without breaking the elements. How expensive is the element wire. I could get some stainless and make a box to go inside and and use a little brick to hold it centered away from the walls and use it as a salt pot. If I did this I could make it higher and place more bricks around the stainless that rose above the current top and acheive more depth. I could even put an light stailess jacket on the outside of the extension. I already have a good gas forge. Have a small oven with good thermometer and control for tempering. Want to work with some of the cpm154 besides 1095,5160, W2, A6, 15N20,52100. Seldom make blades over 13"

What should I do? opinions suggestions. I want to improve my harding as it is so important to a superior blade.

 

[delbert ealy]

I use a toplaoder myself. What I did was to cut a hole in the lid about 6" square. I use a 12" square of ceramic wool to close the hole. I hang my blades from a wire through the blade or wrapped around the tang. I have a flat steel bar set over the top of the kiln.
Hope this helps,
Del
PS let me know if you need some ceramic wool, I have some to spare.

 

[deker]

Also, another note. If you try to move the element wire too much, it may crack on you depending on what type of wire it is. For example, I've read that Kanthal wire, after the first firing, oxidizes an outer layer that protects the inner wire from more breakdown. The wire becomes pretty brittle and fragile as a result though.

-d

 

[SteelSlaver]

Thanks for both replies and information. Also for the offer of the insulation. I can get small pieces of Koawool at work. I am inclined to go with the top loader as is and I like the idea of the small hole (holes) in the top. Great idea.