River's Edge Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I just bought an electric raku kiln. So far, I haven't had much luck with my pots. The instructions with the kiln are not clear and I have even called Olympic. The technician said she only works with gas raku kilns and couldn't offer me much help. Everyone says to take the pot out when it looks wet. The problem is the holes are so small, I can't see my pot to determine if the glaze is wet looking or not. Has anyone had experience with an electric raku kiln and can offer me some advice. I am not using a regular electric kiln - I am using an electric RAKU kiln. Olympic makes electric raku kilns. The kiln is cranked up so you do not come into contact with the elements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcia Selsor Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 This was discussed several years ago. Contact with the elements can be dangerous. Also the thermal shock is tough on the elements. I know people do it. Personally, I wouldn't use an electric kiln for raku. Since you have the burner, why not build a raku kiln in a sawed off oil drum and line it with fiber, or buy a couple of boxes of soft brick and spare your electric kiln. If you insist on using the electric kiln, use a pyrometer to read the temperature. Make sure you shut off the electricity when you open the kiln to pull pots. this topic belongs in equipment and repair or studio Marcia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEP Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 (I moved this thread out of Events and into Equipment.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rakukuku Posted March 19, 2015 Report Share Posted March 19, 2015 I have not done raku with an electric kiln. We used to peep in our gas kiln to see if all pieces were glossy. Now we use a single cone 06 - the kind that is made to stand up on its own without a clay base - to determine when the load is done. all our glazes are made to fire at this temp. might help with your problem. large size orton cone. rakuku Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglas Posted March 20, 2015 Report Share Posted March 20, 2015 I second the comments about the difficulty using an electric kiln to raku with. You might find it easier to sagar fire inside the electric vs. trying to remove the pots while red hot. That said, if this is what you really want to do this may help: The link below is an example product that would let you know the temperature inside the kiln without having to raise the lid. I do not have experience using equipment from this manufacturer and am not endorsing this specific model, just providing it as an option. You should research and ask around before making a purchase. http://skutt.com/ceramic-kilns/kiln-accessories/controllers-and-pyrometers/pyrometer/ Dual Input Digital PyrometerThe Dual Input Digital Pyrometer offered by Skutt is of very high quality. It comes with 1 thermocouple but if you purchase an additional one, this pyrometer has the ability to read multiple zones at one time. The digital readout is easy to read and extremely accurate. It can be wall mounted or hand held. It also has a convenient flip out stand so you can set it upright on a flat surface. It comes with the following items:1 – 2350 F (1285 C) Pyrometer with mounting case1 – 6ft Type K thermocouple wire with 8″, 8gauge, Type K Thermocouple1 – Thermocouple mounting flange with mounting screws1 – 9 volt battery included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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