Abstract: A refractory assembly includes a refractory outer member having therein an opening defined by an inner surface and a refractory inner member having an outer surface. The dimension of the outer surface of the inner member is greater than the dimension of the inner surface of the outer member by an amount of from 0.05 to 0.15 mm. The outer member is heated to at least 1000.degree. C. to thereby increase the dimension of the inner surface. The inner member then is inserted into the opening in the outer member, and the outer member then is cooled to room temperature. As a result, the inner surface of the outer member shrinks against the outer surface of the inner member to thereby form an interference shrink fit joint between the members.