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Question re tending kiln while in use |
Originally Posted By: SAGE2009
Originally Posted On: 3/24/2009 4:44:51 PM
Last Updated On: 3/30/2009 2:16:00 PM |
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| SAGE2009 |
| 3/24/2009 4:44:51 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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Question re tending kiln while in use |
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| I am contemplating buying my first 'used' kiln. Problem is I will be keeping it at a relative's house, and was planning on setting it up when I'm ready to fire, and then returning how many hours later after the firing and cooling process is complete. I was told I need to be there to watch the kiln. Is this true? Thanks. |
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| GLAZE-RECIPE-GURU |
| 3/24/2009 10:25:25 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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Yup. You gotta be there. You should be there the whole time for the first few firings. You always need to be there near the end of the firings. Things can always go wrong.
I was sitting with a kiln and I could not see the cone. I new that the firing was taking to long, but the sitter did not go off. I let it go for several hours then pulled the plug. When it cooled and I looked in, the sitter cone had melted on the sitter. The glazes were all over and clay had actually melted. The whole inside of the kiln was ruined. I was lucky that the glaze / clay mixture did not go all the way through the kiln.
Be careful. |
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| GLAZE-RECIPE-GURU |
| 3/24/2009 10:28:58 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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Some tips for kiln safety |
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Just some tips off the top of my head
1- Make sure the kiln is on concrete floor.
2- Make sure nothing is around the kiln for at least 4 feet.
3- Make sure it is firing in a well ventalated area. Toxic fumes can be released.
4- Make sure you set up a standing cone at a peep hole that you can check on.
5- Make sure that you do not look in the peep hole without welder's glasses.
Anything else anyone want to add? |
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| KATIEDIDPOTTERY |
| 3/25/2009 12:04:01 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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Hello,
I would suggest staying with the kiln at the beginning of a firing and the end for sure.
You get your pot explosions at the beginning (I think at around 200 to 300 degrees). When a pot pops it can take out the kiln sitter or do other damage that will ruin the firing.
New kiln! So exciting!!! Good luck! |
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| STILLASTUDENT |
| 3/25/2009 3:23:25 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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Hi Sage,
I would suggest contacting the manufacturer of your new kiln to get the manual. Read the manual and follow the safety instructions inside.
Just a note for you and Glaze-Recipe-Guru:
Never "pull the plug" on a kiln while it is running. There is a lot of electricity running through that plug! Always turn off the kiln before removing the plug from the outlet. |
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| STILLASTUDENT |
| 3/25/2009 3:24:35 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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Hi Sage,
Your kiln is probably produced by Paragon, Aim or Cress. Here are the links to contact them. |
| Aim Kilns |
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| STILLASTUDENT |
| 3/25/2009 3:25:20 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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| STILLASTUDENT |
| 3/25/2009 3:25:50 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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| DESERTDAN |
| 3/30/2009 2:14:15 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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LOL!
Many potters have stories about melt downs in kilns. I ruined a $3,500 kiln!
Avoid this rite of passage by learning from our mistakes! Read those manuals. Follow the instructions. Stay with your kiln. |
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| DESERTDAN |
| 3/30/2009 2:16:00 PM |
| Topic: Kilns and Firing |
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RE:Question re tending kiln while in use |
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It is also a great idea to keep a notebook for your firings. Keep track of when you turn on the kiln, when you turn it up and how long each firing takes. Once you get this down, you can probably leave your kiln in the middle.
It is also useful when you get an interesting glaze effect. With your notes you will know how to reproduce it. |
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