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Kiln repair now available in So. California area
We now offer full service kiln repair & service in the Southern California area:
To schedule kiln service, call Chuck's Kiln Service toll free 1-888-800-KILN
Leave a message if not in, the reply fast, do great work and at a great price!
Tell them you heard about them from www.ceramicartspace.com
Different types of kilns
Manual Ceramic Kilns are kilns that use a Dawson Kiln Sitter and switches to control the heating of the kiln. When firing ceramic pieces with glaze on them, for example, one would insert onto the two prongs of the kiln sitter a small clay cone that is meant to bend at a certain temperature. The switches would be set to low for an hour, medium for an hour, and then high. When the kiln gets up to the temperature that will bend the cone, the kiln will shut off. Many use the manual kilns exclusively for home use because they are less expensive, and people are always around when a kiln is firing for safety reasons, and because switches are much less expensive to replace than a computer module. Manual Kilns can be used for a variety of purposes including ceramics, glass and metal anealing.
Electronic Kilns are controlled by either a computerized controller or a ramping switch. The computerized models allow you to select precise temperature build up and hold times to closely control your firings. The non-cumputerized ramping switch models allow you to also control these factors, but not as accurately as the computerized modules. Computerized kilns usually cost at least $200 more than the manual models, whereas the ramping switch kilns typically cost only $50-$75 more. The computerized kilns are substantially more expensive to repair if the computer module goes bad (most manufacturers have a 2 year warranty on all electronics). Since most computerized kilns have their curcuitry right next to the kiln, they heat up and can have a shorter life than if the circuitry were away from the kiln in a cool environment. Ramping switches are made for the hot environment and usually do very well. As with the other kilns, automatic kilns can be used for a variety of purposes including ceramics, glass and metal anealing. With an electronic kiln, its like using a microwavwe oven. Computerized is another term for electronic kilns.
Electronic kilns are great for push the buttons and walk away type operations. Also they do not require the kiln sitter cones to operate.
Glass Kilns can be either Manual or Automatic. Manual Glass Kilns use a pyrometer and temperature meter to indicate the inside temperature of the kiln. It is up to the person firing the glass to monitor the temperature and time the piece being fired. Automatic Glass Kilns use a computer module to adjust and monitor the kiln temperature and to shut it off according to a program. Other than the above mentioned differences, Glass Kilns are normally smaller than ceramic kilns and have an extra heating element in their lids. Glass Kilns are not only used for glass but also ceramics and anealing metal. Automatic kilns are more expensive to own and maintain than manual kilns.
No matter the kiln you choose, never leave a kiln unattended when firing!
Q: How do I fire the kiln to prevent pieces from "exploding"?
A: Slowly. The cause of the legendary "exploding" pot is almost always steam, that right, steam from the leftover water in the pot. Water turns into steam at 212°F, so the key is to keep the kiln below that temperature until you are certain all the pieces are really dry. Potters call this technique "candling" or preheat. And of course let your greenware dry very well before firing.
Q: What is the best way to load a kiln?
A: The results you get from a kiln depend greatly on the methods you employ when you load the kiln. Since most of the heatwork is accomplished via infrared heat transfer it is very important to load each shelf with lower pieces on the edges and taller pieces in the center of the shelf. This will afford every piece on every shelf a good cross section of IR heat.
Q: Which type of clay would be good to get started with?
A: There are 2 main types of clay that are popular in school settings. Earthenware (lowfire) and Stoneware (highfire). Our recommendation would be to get started with nice white earthenware clay body. Now, you need to remember we aren't clay experts (but we can sure fire it). One key to your success is probably to find a full service distributor and purveyor of ceramic supplies. They are a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of firing ceramic products (we'll stick with making great kilns, OK?) You dont have to go far to find us!.
Q: What is a bisque firing?
A: The first firing which will take a raw & fragile piece of clay (greenware) to a durable ceramic object. This firing should not be confused with the 2nd firing which generally is referred to as the glaze firing.
Q: When can I glaze a clay piece?
A: After a piece has been through the initial bisque firing. Then glaze (sometimes called color) can be applied to the piece.
Q: Which firing speed should I use?
A: Slow. The mantra with hand built or wheel thrown pieces is: when in doubt fire slower.
Q: Does my kiln need to be ventilated?
A: Yes. In most school settings the building codes require kilns to be ventilated. Local codes vary, but there are very few exceptions.
Q: How often should I use pyrometric cone with my digital kiln?
A: Or better yet, what is a pyrometric cone? Well a cone is 2" tall piece of specially formulated clay that will tell you how much heat the objects on the kiln shelves received during the firing. They "indicate" this heatwork by bending from almost vertical at room temperature (no bend) to 90° (angular) a perfect firing.
Now, on with the main question. Over time the temperature probe in a digital kiln (called a thermocouple) will decalibrate. By using at least 1 cone every firing you will be able to keep and eye on the thermocouple. When the cone ceases to bend properly (range: 40<good firing<95 angular degrees) you should replace the thermocouple.
So as you can see utilizing pyrometric cones periodically will keep your kiln firing the way we both intend it to fire.
Q: OK, my Principal just told me I'm in charge of the clay program, now what?
A: If you are like a lot of Art Teachers you have had excellent training in many areas, but are perhaps lacking the confidence needed to get you feeling comfortable with clay, glazes and the kiln. Don't fret, you aren't alone. Call us and we can help in all areas of your project.
You're right to have a healthy respect for the temperatures that a kiln reaches. But we can help you understand how the kiln manages that extreme heat and how safe the units are.
Simple & Important safeguards for operating a kiln.
Please read and observe the following safety warnings before operating your kiln:
Install kiln 18" or more from any wall or combustibles.
Fire only on stand or legs furnished.
Never fire hotter than cone 10 or 2350 degrees.
Do not fire hotter than the manufacturer's recommendation for your clay, glazes, or decals, or permanent damage may result to your kiln or ware.
Do not open lid until kiln has cooled.
Before opening lid, turn off all switches, then carefully open lid and test that lid brace is securely engaged before allowing lid to stand freely.
Do not leave kiln unattended while firing.
Never use an extension cord.
Operate kiln only in a well-ventilated room.
Unplug kiln before servicing or cleaning.
Dangerous Voltage - Do not touch heating elements with anything.
Do not touch hot sides of kiln or hot lid. Burns may result.
Never store anything under kiln; never lean objects against kiln.
Do not store or use flammable liquids or sprays in the same room with your kiln.
Do not store or use your kiln outside; keep rain and moisture away from kiln.
Do not use kiln if cord is damaged.
Wall receptacle must not be corroded.
Use kiln only with adequate electrical supply and with the correct voltage, amperage and correct fuse size (not too large or small). Be sure the wire size is large enough (avoid aluminum wiring). Do not use a 208 VAC kiln on 220 VAC.
Kiln must be grounded properly.
Wear goggles when looking thorough peephole.
Wear protective gloves when handling hot peephole plugs.
When firing objects to be used with food and drink, use only supplies tested and labeled "safe" for such purposes.
Avoid breathing fumes from materials being fired.
It is imperative that you read all instructions and follow ALL of the manufacturers instructions and recommendations before operating the kiln.
These are very simple guidelines, there is so much more to know before you are ready to use your kiln.
Electric Requirements of Kiln (Volts & Amps)
Most small test kilns (1 cu./ft.) can be fired on a standard 110-volt outlet, and only draw 15 amps. However, larger kilns require more volts and amps. Ask your electrician what the available voltage is to your kiln room. The voltage supplied might be 208 or 240 volts. Note the voltage when ordering the kiln. If your voltage supply is 240 and your kiln requires 208 volts this situation will shorten the life of the kiln elements and switches. If you voltage is 208 and the kiln draws 240 volts the kiln might not reach its maximum temperature during the firing. The goal is to match the kiln to the power supply. When you have selected a kiln, ask the ceramic's supplier the voltage and amperage (amps) requirement of the kiln you are considering purchasing then relay this information to your electrician so he can determine the correct electrical connections when the kiln is in place.
A Reputable Ceramic Supplier (An Important Choice)
Before purchasing any ceramic supplies or equipment consider the company that stands behind their product or service. This will be the most important decision you will make when purchasing an electric kiln. Look for a local ceramics supplier who has a good business reputation and offers full service to its customers. It is best to buy from a "full service" dealer with a good reputation.
Click here for some places to kiln fire your ceramics in the US and Canada
Please check with the individual places for fees and times.
Happy & Safe Firings!
At Ceramic Art Space, we are dedicated to your 100% satisfaction. We want to be your one-stop-shop for ceramic supplies and tips. If you ever have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time: info@ceramicartspace.com.
Sincerely,
www.CeramicArtSpace.com
Est. 1990
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