Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

[Turbocouch]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

If you ever have the need to pull the stove/furnace, you can always treat it then. Don't buy the rigidizer until you need it, as it does not store well. It tends to evaporate unless the lid seal is PERFECTLY clean. We always have an issue when we store it for more than 6 months, unless someone is very careful to clean the lid and the container lip. It's not real cheap, but once treated, it should last forever. We normally buy it in a 5 gal pail, but I think they will ship a gallon as well. Smaller quantities were made available to us as a sample (a quart) because we were planning to buy several cases of the Kaowool and we are an oven OEM.

You could also treat the edge that is exposed until you have the time to do it right, but be careful of it staining the floor. Waxpaper or flashing and tape may be slipped underneath to minimize this. Tell the manufacturer you are considering making ovens using their material, and you need a sample quart/liter of the rigidizer. It can't hurt to try. If you need a phone number, I'll look it up at work. Just post a request and I'll respond.

Thanks,

Turbocouch

[Ken524]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Hi Turbocouch. I sure wish you were around 3 years ago when I bought and used the stuff! I don't think our local dealer really understood the behavior of the board (nor did they completely understand my application - lots of strange looks!).

Oh well.... The board seems to have stabilized and my oven performs beautifully now

[Turbocouch]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

I work for a company that manufactures ovens. We use the Kaowool insulation boards in several ovens we make. That particular board is good up to around 1050 deg C. It is fairly soft and is not meant to be rubbed or abraided. You are correct as to the ability to absorb. If you want to use this insulation in the application I see here, you should treat the board with Rigidizer. It is a clear fluid that when dried, makes the board like a brick. You will have to apply this ridigizer with a chip brush using quick strokes, since the board will suck the liquid right out of the brush. Alteratively you can spray it, in an extracted spray booth, using a mask. The more ridigizer you use, the stronger the result, but the longer it takes to dry. We usually bake the board in our powder coat oven after applying it. Our needs only require about a 1/4 skin of ridigizer. We have made smaller pieces that we have dipped in the 5 gal pail (also sold in quarts) and baked. It came out like a brick. Make sure you have the shape you want before treating this stuff.

Also, one other note: Be sure to use a good mask when cutting this material. It is not good for your lungs.

Turbocouch

[bolex16mm]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

I was going to use the K Fac-19 boards for insulation but after getting input from the forum I have decided against it and do the vermiculite-cement mix. But the question I have is, does it make any sense at all to put down the K Fac-19 boards and then pour the vermicuite-cement mix over it or is that just plain stupid?
Tony

[wlively]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Ditto DMUN.

[dmun]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

So.. If I am reading you correctly.
New builders should NOT use the Kaowool board...

So.. they should use the FB CalSil product, or the vermcrete/perlcrete base.

Insblock19 from HW is fine too, got mine wet repeatedly, no compression or decay.

[asudavew]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

FB Board is Alu-Sil, the same basic product as FB Blanket. I have installed FB Board right next to SuperIsol in my oven here, and it is holding up fine. It have even abused it, leaving it out in the rain and pouring wet concrete all around it.

James

That's good for new builders to know.

Because: Ken did such beautiful brickwork. And his Kaowool board was responsible for some undeserved cracks. (and grief)

Might be a good sticky for new builders James.

How's that fireplace coming?

[james]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

FB Board is Alu-Sil, the same basic product as FB Blanket. I have installed FB Board right next to SuperIsol in my oven here, and it is holding up fine. It have even abused it, leaving it out in the rain and pouring wet concrete all around it.

James

[asudavew]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

NO! I believe FB's board is a CalSil product. It holds up well when wet.

Kaowool board turns to MUSH when wet. PLEASE don't use Kaowool Board under your oven. Get the good stuff from FB or build a vermiculite base.

(did I mention you should NOT use Kaowool Board under your oven? )

So.. If I am reading you correctly.
New builders should NOT use the Kaowool board...

So.. they should use the FB CalSil product, or the vermcrete/perlcrete base.

So did you get your Kaowool board weatherproofed yet?

[Ken524]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the new FB board a kaowool board equivalent?

NO! I believe FB's board is a CalSil product. It holds up well when wet.

Kaowool board turns to MUSH when wet. PLEASE don't use Kaowool Board under your oven. Get the good stuff from FB or build a vermiculite base.

(did I mention you should NOT use Kaowool Board under your oven? )

[jpar]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the new FB board a kaowool board equivalent?

[Les]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Dave,
I was planning on going that route as well but went down the insblock path. I was going to cut a few pieces of wood to support the form and ram set them into the hearth. They can be remove fairly easy - just a thought. Wet clay balls just isn't as cool as firing off a few rounds... Plus you neighbors come out side wondering - what the hell was that..

Les...

[asudavew]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Oh... and don't forget; after you pour the vermiculite, make sure you post a message saying "This stuff is really weird, did I do this right?"

Dude, that made me laugh my butt off.

If I did it again, I would build a 4" high form on top of my stand roughly the shape of the oven (maybe a bit bigger) and pour the vermiculite/portland mixture in.

That's my plan Ken. I'm gonna use Masonite as the form. But I'm not sure how to anchor it. I'm thinking about just using wet clay balls to hold it in place....and let them dry. They will be easy to remove and wash away. And maybe some bricks around it.


Still thinking about it though.

[Ken524]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Good post.
I can't justify the expense of using a fiber board, but you made me feel better about vermiculite!

Vermiculite has a lot going for it. You won't have to worry about the moisture issues and it's tried and proven. If I did it again, I would build a 4" high form on top of my stand roughly the shape of the oven (maybe a bit bigger) and pour the vermiculite/portland mixture in. That way studs can be attached directly to the concrete if desired.

The money I spent for the Kaowool board should have been saved for finishing touches. Live and Learn (and have a blast doing it!)

Oh... and don't forget; after you pour the vermiculite, make sure you post a message saying "This stuff is really weird, did I do this right?"

[asudavew]

Re: Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

Good post.

I can't justify the expense of using a fiber board, but you made me feel better about vermiculite!

I got some bricks today!!

woohoo!!

gonna post some pics