PROJECT

DATE CLASSSEM. 2 CERAMICS 2

How to fire the kilnnot kilm...killem...stove...oven...or that big thing in the back

What is a Kiln?Kilns harden ceramic bodies, heat treat steel, melt glass into crucibles, fuse layers of stained glass, melt enameling powder onto copper jewelry, fire porcelain dolls, fuse clay silver—the applications are fascinating and endless.

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.PARAGONWEB.COM/WHAT_IS_A_KILN.CFM

How do Kilns Work?

Electric WOODPropane and Natural Gas

http://ceramicartsdaily.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/raku-kiln-d1.jpg

http://www.clay-king.com/images/rakukiln1.jpg

http://www.garagepotter.com/Images/electric_kiln01.jpg

This is our kiln...3 layeredElectric burningSkutt Kiln

SOURCE(S): http://www.skutt.com/images/

Identifying the Parts to the KilnWhere is it? And what does it do?

LID

PEEP HOLES

TEMPERATURE KNOBSCONTROL BOX

KILN FIRING ELEMENT

Typically, this is how the inside looks...Projects sit on ceramic legs that support shelving in various sizes depending on the size of the kiln

SHELF

CERAMIC LEG

source: http://www.skutt.com/glass/products/images/furniture-kit-3.jpg

Control Box has 3 working parts that all affect firingThe temperature knob controls temp.The timer controls the length of time that the electricity is on.The cone sitter measures heat inside the kiln.

SOURCE: http://www.skutt.com/images/

Old school cone (temperature

measuring) method...Used to use 3 different cones to measure where the temperature was... As the temperature rose, the cones

(depending on their melting point) would start to bend, indicating a specific temp. in the kiln

THE GOAL...DON’T LET THE GUARD CONE

MELT!!!

http://www.baileypottery.com/images/ortonconeillus.jpg

Our way...“Set it and Forget it”

SOURCE: http://www.skutt.com/images/

SOURCE: http://www.lakesidepottery.com/Media/JPG_Images/Kiln-pictures/cone-in-kiln-sitter-melted.jpg

Our way...

Put the desired temperature pyrometric cone in the Cone Sitter

SOURCE: http://www.skutt.com/images/

Our way...Turn the Timer to the specific firing time and flip the power switch on.

When the cone melts, the power switch drops, turning off all electricity to the kiln.

SOURCE: http://www.skutt.com/images/

The perfect set-upShelving for Greenware and Bisque projectsSpaceVentilation

INSIDE MHS CERAMICS STUDIO BACK ROOM

The perfect set-upShelving for Greenware Projects

Bisque projects

Space

Ventilation

PROJECTS THAT ARE PAST THE LEATHER HARD STAGE AND NEED TO BE FIRED

PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN FIRED ONCE AND ARE WAITING TO BE GLAZED

AREA TO MOVE AND NOT DISTURB PROJECTS BEING FIRED

VENTS HOOKED UP TO KILN TO TAKE EXCESS BURNING RESIDUE TO OUTSIDE

INSIDE MHS CERAMICS STUDIO BACK ROOM

Source Image(s) from:http://www.paragonweb.com/What_Is_A_Kiln.cfmhttp://www.skutt.com/images/http://www.baileypottery.com/images/ortonconeillus.jpghttp://www.lakesidepottery.com/Media/JPG_Images/Kiln-pictures/cone-in-kiln-sitter-melted.jpg