[Ferro List] 3 questions for Walter

[Walter Jeffries]

On Feb 26, 2008, at 11:21 PM, Keith B wrote:
> I used vermiculite with waterglass based binder for kiln repair and
> rebuild

Interesting. One of my learning projects is for building a masonry  
stove. I have built the support structure in the tiny cottage but  
will probably not build the actual stove for another year or two as I  
read, experiment and learn. Looking at kilns is a good idea. I would  
be interested in your experiences there.

> (too hot for OPC)

What is OPC? O... Portland Cement? What's the O in that case?

> but figured it too fragile for lower
> temperature use, as it wouldn't stand mechanical mixing.

We found that as well. We got a totally different thing if we  
mechanically mixed for too long. I was able to get it to mix in the  
mixer we have but I found it was easier to do it by hand. For the  
roof I'm looking at how to get the local ready mix company to do a  
load. If not that then I'll figure out something else. Lot of volume  
on that one.

> you probably got really good mechanical properties from it.

Yes, it is structurally strong. Not as good as 'real' concrete but I  
can stand and walk on it when it is cured. Then we top coat it with a  
denser concrete.

> The question about porosity and water from the building interior came
> from research papers on arctic construction which turned up some years
> back when Janoahsh first joined us.   It turns out that  water  
> vapor can
> pass through OPC based mortar capillaries which are too fine to pass
> liquid.

For this we use the Aquron products on a dense interior parge with a  
high cement content. We are using the Aquron-300 (in the mix), 2000  
and 1200 in that order with the last two sprayed on. In the bathtub  
we'll then top coat with wax - still to be done. Hopefully that will  
work.

Cheers,

Walter Jeffries
Sugar Mountain Farm LLC
Orange, Vermont
Pastured Pigs & Sheep
http://SugarMtnFarm.com/blog
http://HollyGraphicArt.com
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