Kiln arrived: Is this damage?

From the pictures, the hole doesn't look all that awful. You'll probably have similarly sized chunks missing after you've opened the lid while the kiln is hot a few times. My personal opinion is that it's nothing to worry about.

(And if you're still worried, just stuff some fiberfrax in there.)

My opinion, that is an air hole in the making of the brick, maybe the builder shouldn't have used it, but it doesn't do much, good or bad. IF you fill it with something, you risk that something falling in your project. Leave it alone, it will make no difference in the heating or cooling of the kiln, and nothing will fall in your "stuff".

The shelf, call the idiots up and remind them that the shippers are not as careful as the builders, or the artist, then call the shipper and make a damage claim. The shipper will go after the person that packed it in such a half way sturdy method.

Square shelf to fit octagon kiln? Ask the kiln supplier if they have some patching insulating cement (paste). You will have to spray the lid to wet it and then apply the patch like plastering mud. Maybe undercut the hole a bit although it looks undercut somewhat already. If they do flack and you have (or can get a small quantity) some, use the frax suggestion to partly fill the hole and then get Furnace Cement, used for repairing wood stoves, etc., thus at some hardware stores or wood stove stores if you have them. Ugly black stuff that turns white when fired. Read container for precausions and safe practices.

That's a pretty ugly looking hole but it should be OK. Just vacuum out any crumbs in the hole and rub any loose crumbs from the edges. What brand is this kiln? Definitely get the shipper or company to replace the broken kiln shelf.

Threaten to send it back, shipping on them, and they'll be thrilled to give you some money back for your troubles to cover any costs you may incurr in rectifying it.

I appreciate everyone's input and assurances. The vendor has been quite exceptional; they are sending me kiln cement (which I doubt I will use given the chance that it could fall into my projects), kiln gloves and infrared safety glasses. Oh yes, they are also sending a replacement shelf. Frankly, I was double-minded about the gloves and glasses...since a freebie isn't what I was looking for...just a kiln that was good to go. They also assured me that if any problems should arise or if I chose to use the cement, that the warranty for the kiln still stands. So, I am more than happy...and will most likely purchase other tools, materials and possibly my next kiln from these folks when I go to upgrade!

All your assurances have really helped this novice not totally freak out...I'll save that for what I am sure will be some interesting projects! lol

Lori

Lori, Given the temperatures you will operate at, that little indent doesn't amount to much, and I doubt you will even know it's there for operating the kiln, and it sure was nice of them to send stuff, to "make you happy". But I would think, and use the kiln while thinking, before I put anything "above" my projects that might fall in to something very important to me... I know I already said it, but it is worth saying again...can you tell I have been there? Done that, and won't do it again.

Now play!! Remember all those rules? there are NO rules.. push the limits of what you ere taught.