Pottery kiln question: I have some leaks in the cracks between sections. What can I seal them with?

Question

This is an old octagonal kiln, an L and L . I added a suction vent (homemade) by drilling some holes in the top and bottom, similar to the commercial add ons. Hot air still escapes throught the top holes though, I think because there are too many leaks elsewhere. In a smoke test, smoke will enter the bottom peek hole but not the top one. Can I seal the unit on the outside with aluminum foil tape, as is used on heat ducting work?

Answer 1

I don't think foil tape is the answer. try a masonry store (where bricks and mortar is sold) a see if fire box mortar will fill the cracks and joints

Answer 2

I owned a large 4 section Octagonal in WA state and cannot imagine WHY YOU WOULD alter any original design,,, There truly was no need. The heat levels can be controlled easily enough with the termostat/timer and the peek holes using the ceramic plugs. Adding any RETRO stuff wasn't such a good idea.

Anyway,,, no offense.

Tape? Doubtful; assuming that your kiln is such that it can fire to a 10 cone perhaps.

When you look into the kiln are any of the "fire" bricks degraded? Take the thing apart and HONE the surfaces that BUTT together