Jump to content

Buying a new kiln


Recommended Posts

Hi.

 

I'm thinking of buying a "table top" kiln as :

 

1. I live in flat.

 

2. I don't have any place in my flat where I can safely operate a larger kiln - except a balcony which is partly sheltered.

 

3. I make small pieces mainly from porcelain and stoneware clay.

 

Paragon Caldera looks the business ( I knowww, it's only 0.25 cubic feet!).

 

Any drawbacks/plus points/comments on table top kilns?

 

Your advice will be much appreciated.

 

Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

First concern is proper ventilation to avoid gases in your living space.

Also kilns should be 18 inches from combustible wall, or other material.

ONe possibility is to install your kiln on wheels so it can be positioned in the middle of the room away from combustibles when firing.

a better solution is to find somewhere else to fire.

it really isn't a good idea to be that close to gaseous fumes from the kiln. An envirovent would help even for such a small kiln.

Marcia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you very much, Marcia.

 

Would an extractor fan (say, installed on a window) be OK? Or would I need something more specialist? Would the gasses be coming out all throughout the firing process or would there be a safe time to use the room where the kiln would be? I'm thinking of putting it in the kitchen.

 

Cheers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Or... I can I put it in the balcony, in good weather? It's four sides sheltered. I know, electricity and water don't mix, but on dry days? I will be home all the time the kiln is on, anyway.

 

I do have a studio space in a purpose built unit and they fire a few kilns all at once in a large area, but not much ventilation!!! Studio users use that space also for plaster work and glazing. How about the fumes there? I guess we all breathe them!!! The owners are people with lots of experience, so I always assumed that they know what they're doing. They use the space themselves, too, when the kilns are on...

 

They put the kilns at night and may be by the time we get there in the morning, most/all of the toxic fumes have gone??

 

Looking forward to your reply.

 

Cheers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

An envirovent, a downdraught system, that draws from the bottom of the kiln works very well. They were installed where I last taught and the kilns were in a huge 4500 sq ft class room. The kiln area was behind shelving and vented with envirovents.

 

The studio situation should have venting for those kilns firing while people are working.

 

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/firing-techniques/electric-kiln-firing/venting-electric-kilns/

 

Read this article and then decide.

 

Marcia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.