Kaowool Refractory Ceramic Fiber Insulating Board

[asudavew]

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

[Ken524]

Originally Posted by asudavew

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]

Originally Posted by Ken524

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.

[Les]

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...

[jpar]

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

[Ken524]

Originally Posted by jpar

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? )

[asudavew]

Originally Posted by Ken524

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?

[james]

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]

Originally Posted by james

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?

[dmun]

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.