LeeU Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Is a simple hand vac sufficient for vac'ing an electric kiln? If not-what is needed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Eberhardt Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 I have a great little 2 gallon shop vac type of vacuum. The paper filters with the foam sleeve keeps most of the dust inside the vac, but I always have to door open when I'm cleaning the kiln. I like the fact that the long hose on mine means that I don't run the risk of banging into the sides of the fire brick and with the crevice tool, I can really get into harder to reach areas, like the element troughs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bciskepottery Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 If I recall, your kiln is located outside on the porch. Given that, you might be okay -- provided you wear your respirator as the hand vac does not have a HEPA filter to keep the silica dust from the kiln/kiln brick contained and you'll have to lean into the kiln to reach the bottom, etc. A shop vac with hose -- preferably one with HEPA filter -- would be better as you could reach the bottom without having to lean into the kiln. In your case, being outside you can use the outside air to disperse any silica dust raised by vacuuming. Just remember to wear the respirator. For an indoor kiln -- no way with a hand vac. You'll just be loading the inside air with silica dust (and your home furnace and air handler will move it throughout the house). You will remove any large chunks of stuff, but raise a dust storm doing so. Indoors, you need a HEPA-rated vacuum that is approved for ceramics to be really safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 I have an electric kiln outside and just wear a really good mask and use a shop vac with long hose when I vac it out with soft brush nozzle. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeU Posted March 14, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 thanks...shop vac it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Some shop vacs, like Rigid brand from Home Depot, have HEPA filters available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JBaymore Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 The paper filters with the foam sleeve keeps most of the dust inside the vac, but I always have to door open when I'm cleaning the kiln. Unless the unit has a HEPA filter, AND is really sealed well at the filter point (not all units labeled HEPA are), then the dust that is the health issue (sub-micron particles) is mostly going right thru any other filter. The particles that you can SEE are not the issue. They are too big. The problem particles are invisible to the eye when suspended in the air. A lot can be there and you'll never know it. The big particles that you CAN see are a good "marker" to tell you that the little particles are there too. Problem is if you catch the big stuff....... you are not aware that the little stuff is there. But it is. Once whipped into it, (great tool to do this... a non HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner) the sib-micron particles can stay suspended in the air for more than a day. best, .................john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted March 14, 2015 Report Share Posted March 14, 2015 Many shop vacs have hepa filters that you can by aftermarket. I bought one for my shop vac years ago. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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