Vermiculite Board
Vermiculite board is a rigid refractory
material that can withstand temperatures up to 2012F (1100C). It's made by
pressing and gluing vermiculite into
board form (not unlike pressed wood or particle board. In addition
to being reasonably strong, the board is also resistant to thermal shock and can be
machined with standard woodworking tools.
A Denmark-based company named Skamol is the most common
manufacturer of vermiculite board. Skamol offers the board in
several different sizes, densities, and thicknesses.
From a health and safety perspective, vermiculite board is asbestos free, but
it does
contain some silica, so wearing a respirator or mask is highly recommended when
cutting the board.
Tomorrow's tip will have more information about
vermiculite board and its uses in the kiln, which include damming,
shelving, and mold making.
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Copyright 2005 Brad Walker.
All rights reserved.
This article is one of a series
on refractory materials for the kiln worker.
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