Walk-In Cooler Kiln Build

[OHBucknut]

Well I just bought a Nyle L53, and want to set up my kiln very soon.  So my intentions are to use a large walk in cooler (4" thick panels) as my insulated box.  I bought this large 30x16x8 cooler cheaper than I could build anything and the best part about it is that they are in 4' x8' sections so I can easily change the size of the kiln as needed (if I ever upgrade to bigger unit). My plan as of now is to make it 16x8x8.

Now the questions I have...

- The building I am putting this in has a gravel floor so I has going to build a HD wood insulated floor. does anyone see any issues with this?

-I'm not sure how I am going to build the doors yet but I would like to have atleast 12' opening as I plan to load and unload with my tractor. Any pics or ideas on how to do that?

- The cooler is lined with galvanized on both sides.  Should I proactively paint the inside with aluminum room coating or should I see how it will hold up prior making that mess (I know the stuff is a mess from my roofing days).

- I plan on using halogen lights for supplemental heat source, but was looking for a good option for fans.  I don't want to spend a crazy amount but I also don't want to keep replacing cheap ones.  Any good recommendations for fans?

- Anyone Else using walk in cooler for their insulated Box?


I know that's a lot but I'm trying to gather as much info as I can prior to building so I don't have to do it again.  Any other tip or tricks are welcomed

[K-Guy]

There are several problems with this.

Your chamber size is too big for the L53. Think 8x8x13 that is the maximum chamber size for a L53.

Yes, you do want to do an insulated floor, just make sure it has enough support for the load.

Galvanized is not a good idea in a kiln, coat it with the aluminized roofing paint and pay attention to when it needs to be redone.

The problem with refrigerator/freezer panels is that often the insulation can't take the heat and will break down from it. They are only made for cooling.

[OHBucknut]

I also wondering about the heat thing but thought if I had to maybe I could line the inside with polystyrene. I'm not sure what else I could do if the foam doesn't hold up to the heat. I'm going to test it as best I can by putting halogen light next to it and see if it breaks down or not (obviously outside in a safe location in case of a fire). 

These are all good things to consider. It's not out of the possibility I build the kiln as per the manual but i is was trying to use this cooler as it would be faster cheaper and probably more air tight 

[Southside]

I doubt it will be air tight.  I have two walk ins and quality is not something they can boast about.  I suspect you will have a significant moisture migration problem into the foam.  On mine they are definitely not made of waterproof foam.