Does anyone use a "Loading Ring" on their top-loading kiln to protect the top firebricks from damage?

Are loading rings commercially available or do we need to buy some plywood and have it cut with a jigsaw?

Our kiln is frequently loaded by inexperienced people who find it very easy to break the top ring of firebrick, either hitting it with ware or leaning on it with their hand or arm.

They're easy enough to repair or replace with 1.51 parts of Wollastonite mixed with 1 part of Phosphoric Acid 80% concentration, but it would be nicer to prevent to problem in the first place - as the repairs inevitably spall-off the brick within a year.

Wollastonite & Phosphoric Acid

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Interesting - The studio I teach in needs them .

"Loading Ring" (photo) to protect the firebrick in our top-loading kiln.

In place to load the kiln. We bought a plywood round and had the inside cut with a jigsaw.

Precariously laid on the kiln edge to display the wood blocks which hold it in place.

Nice - thanks for the pictures- really good idea

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