Lisa Rich on wed 20 aug 97
I've been firing my work in a gas kiln at the studio where I take classes. I've
outgrown that arrangement & want and need my own gas kiln. I've looked at
catalogs of ready made kilns. I considered purchasing one of those portable
raku kilns that can fire up to cone 10 reduction but have been told by other
potters that these kilns really aren't able to handle repeated ^10 R firings.
Price and shipping issues re: the larger capacity kilns have caused me to
consider the option of building a kiln. I've ordered Olsen's "The Kiln Book".
If you've had experiences (good/bad, etc) with kiln building and can help me by
sharing your advice, opinions etc, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!
Lisa Rich, Binghamton, New York--USA
Jonathan Blitz on wed 20 aug 97
I built the 60 cubic foot MFT out of Nils Lou's book "The art of firing"
last summer. I followed the plans, and used firebrick seconds in order to
save money. One thing I did not skimp on was the frame, a local machine
shop did all of the metalwork for $700.00. Total cost including propane
burners (purchased from Nils) was around $4000.00 not bad when you
consider that a 60 cubic foot car from Geil would be around $20K.
I have had great results from this kiln, and after a short steep learning
curve, have gotten consistently spectacular results from every firing. If
you are building indoors, I would reccomend putting a fiber roof on this
kiln. Other than that, no modifications.
Best of luck...
Jonathan Blitz
President
Applied Aluminosilicates, Ltd.
aal@inlink.com
http://www.iwc.com/krueger/aalhome.html
8153 Big Bend
St. Louis, MO 63119
314.963.0180
Dannon Rhudy on wed 20 aug 97
Lisa,
If you can build it, it will be significantly less money (and
significantly more time). If you can possibly get a copy of
Nils Lou's book "The Art of Firing", do that. It is really
helpful, no matter what kind of kiln you eventually build/buy.
The book is not currently available, I think, but someone may
have one you can borrow, or your school library may have it.
Dannon Rhudy
potter@koyote.com
----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
I've been firing my work in a gas kiln at the studio where I take
classes. I've
outgrown that arrangement & want and need my own gas kiln. ... the
larger capacity kilns have caused me to
consider the option of building a kiln. I've ordered Olsen's "The
Kiln Book"....
I
Mark Mondloch on thu 21 aug 97
Hi Jonathan
Just wondering why you recommend the fiber roof for indoors.
I'm planning on building the MFT from Nil's book next winter. We're
building the shed now. There will be lots of head room and I'm wondering
if anyone has built this kiln with walls and top out of fiber and as an
elevator kiln instead of as a car kiln. I would love some feed-back on
this--yes, maybe, dumb idea
Sylvia Mondloch
W6725 Hwy144
Random Lake, Wi
Leslie Ihde on thu 21 aug 97
Dhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering- would
you really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has never
fired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working gas kiln
from instructions? The process seems mysterious and even potentially
dangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make more
sense for a beginner.
Leslie
Vetal NY
Talbott on thu 21 aug 97
If you buy or build... a CAR KILN is the way to go.... Your back and knees
will be eternally grateful... If you build your own kiln then you will
save about 500% of the cost of having a kiln in comparison to having
purchase one already manufactured... Just the shipping cost on a large kiln
is a thousand dollars plus... You can also inquire and some potters will
help you construct a kiln for a fee... ...Marshall
1ST ANNUAL CLAYARTERS' GALLERY - NAPLES, MAINE (Summer 1997)
http://fmc.utm.edu/~dmcbeth/cag/naples.htm
2nd Annual Clayarters' Gallery details will be forth coming!!!
"An Outstanding Collection of Pottery Under One Roof"... A juried exhibit
Feel free to send comments or suggestions on how to make the second
exhibit a tremendous success
Celia & Marshall Talbott, Pottery By Celia, Route 114, P O Box 4116,
Naples, Maine 04055-4116,(207)693-6100 voice and fax,(call first)
WBS Live Chat Room, Sat Nites 10 PM EDT & Sun Afternoons at
1 PM EDT Private Room: Clayarters E-MAIL: clupus@ime.net
Richard Gralnik on fri 22 aug 97
Leslie,
Where's your sense of adventure? I've never fired or built a kiln before,
but "Ah've always relied on the kahndness of strayngers" and my own two
hands, so I read alot, asked a LOT of questions, broke ground and
forged ahead in the pioneer spirit that made this country great (Battle
Hymn of the Republic begins to play softly in the background). Mistakes?
I've made a few, but I did it my way. In the process, I've had a lot of
fun, and learned a lot more about kiln science, plumbing, concrete, masonry,
and welding than if I'd just plunked down my hard earned dollars for the
finished product. Instead I plunked down my hard earned dollars for welding
classes, spray paint, cement, gas pipe, books, shipping charges, long
distance
phone calls, tools, bricks, and I don't remember what else. And I haven't
blown up the house or asphyxiated the neighbor's cat - yet! (Of course
I haven't actually fired it yet either, but don't get hung up on details.)
Get your hands dirty. Buy a welding hood, a paint respirator, a dry wall saw
and a fire extinguisher, and go get 'em!
Richard
At 06:23 PM 8/21/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Dhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering- would
>you really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has never
>fired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working gas kiln
>from instructions? The process seems mysterious and even potentially
>dangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make more
>sense for a beginner.
>Leslie
>Vetal NY
>
>
Talbott on fri 22 aug 97
Fiber roof spells problems as far as shedding fiber into glaze during a
glaze fire and also fiber will not insulate as well as IFB's... elevator?..
go car!...
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi Jonathan
>
>Just wondering why you recommend the fiber roof for indoors.
>
>I'm planning on building the MFT from Nil's book next winter. We're
>building the shed now. There will be lots of head room and I'm wondering
>if anyone has built this kiln with walls and top out of fiber and as an
>elevator kiln instead of as a car kiln. I would love some feed-back on
>this--yes, maybe, dumb idea
>
>Sylvia Mondloch
>W6725 Hwy144
>Random Lake, Wi
1ST ANNUAL CLAYARTERS' GALLERY - NAPLES, MAINE (Summer 1997)
http://fmc.utm.edu/~dmcbeth/cag/naples.htm
2nd Annual Clayarters' Gallery details will be forth coming!!!
"An Outstanding Collection of Pottery Under One Roof"... A juried exhibit
Feel free to send comments or suggestions on how to make the second
exhibit a tremendous success
Celia & Marshall Talbott, Pottery By Celia, Route 114, P O Box 4116,
Naples, Maine 04055-4116,(207)693-6100 voice and fax,(call first)
WBS Live Chat Room, Sat Nites 10 PM EDT & Sun Afternoons at
1 PM EDT Private Room: Clayarters E-MAIL: clupus@ime.net
Jonathan Blitz on fri 22 aug 97
Dear Mark,
I reccomended the fiber roof as I have had some problems with the brick
roof during heavy firing schedules. I like the idea of using fiber
modules as I think they will retain their shape better, and of course
won't seperate the way the bricks have.
As for the elevator idea; Why? The car design in Nils' book is easy to
move in and out, and is very easy to load. It is also easier to judge the
fit of the stacking with the roof and door right in front of you.
An elevator kiln seems like the mountain coming to Moses to me.
Jonathan Blitz
President
Applied Aluminosilicates, Ltd.
aal@inlink.com
http://www.iwc.com/krueger/aalhome.html
8153 Big Bend
St. Louis, MO 63119
314.963.0180
On Thu, 21 Aug 1997, Mark Mondloch wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Hi Jonathan
>
> Just wondering why you recommend the fiber roof for indoors.
>
> I'm planning on building the MFT from Nil's book next winter. We're
> building the shed now. There will be lots of head room and I'm wondering
> if anyone has built this kiln with walls and top out of fiber and as an
> elevator kiln instead of as a car kiln. I would love some feed-back on
> this--yes, maybe, dumb idea
>
> Sylvia Mondloch
> W6725 Hwy144
> Random Lake, Wi
>
Dannon Rhudy on fri 22 aug 97
Leslie,
You know your own skills best. Some kilns are fairly simple to
construct, some are not. Start by reading what you can about
them, look for less-complicated plans, and think about it a bit.
If it seems beyond your capability or desire to build it yourself,
consider possible options. There may be an experienced kiln
builder who would advise you, or help you, or actually build it,
for a reasonable fee. But if you would be more comfortable buying
one and can afford it, then buy one. As I recall, one of the
issues here was cost - definitely less money to build than buy
ready-made.
Dannon Rhudy
potter@koyote.com
----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
Dhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering-
would
you really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has
never
fired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working
gas kiln
from instructions? The process seems mysterious and even
potentially
dangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make
more
sense for a beginner.
Leslie
Vetal NY
Jeff Lawrence on fri 22 aug 97
Sylvia Mondloch was
>Just wondering why <>
recommend the fiber roof for indoors.
>
and wondering
>if anyone has built this kiln with walls and top out of fiber ...
>
Hi Sylvia,
I'm making one with fiber walls and top in next couple of weeks and will
post grim details if you wish. Whoever said it was time consuming was right,
but fun.
Jeff
Jeff Lawrence
Sun Dagger Design
ph/fax 505-753-5913
A.D. on fri 22 aug 97
You will probly save a lot of money, but you will also go insane with
planning it. I have been planning mine for the past 2 months and now that I
am building it, it is just one suprise affter another. What I would do is
plan it out and then take a 3 or so day weekend and attempt to build it.
Wendy olivia on sun 24 aug 97
I just bought a copy of "The Art of Firing" from Axner. I think it was
$36.00 with shipping. 800-843-7057. I only needed a small kiln so we built
a 13 cubic ft. gas kiln using this book, and Daniel Rhodes' "Kilns" (we had
to buy that one used, it's out of print. Check out www.bibliofind.com if
you want a cheap used copy of just about any book), and a lot of
information from people in this newsgroup.
It cost us $750 with all new materials and a day and a half of labor. It
took a lot more effort to find local sources for materials. We've been very
happy with the results. Very glad we didn't buy one!
At 11:36 PM 8/20/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>
>Lisa,
>
>If you can build it, it will be significantly less money (and
>significantly more time). If you can possibly get a copy of
>Nils Lou's book "The Art of Firing", do that. It is really
>helpful, no matter what kind of kiln you eventually build/buy.
>
>The book is not currently available, I think, but someone may
>have one you can borrow, or your school library may have it.
>
>Dannon Rhudy
>potter@koyote.com
>
>----------------------------Original
>message----------------------------
>I've been firing my work in a gas kiln at the studio where I take
>classes. I've
>outgrown that arrangement & want and need my own gas kiln. ... the
>larger capacity kilns have caused me to
>consider the option of building a kiln. I've ordered Olsen's "The
>Kiln Book"....
>I
>
jules on tue 26 aug 97
------------------
My two cents worth - I had never even helped fire a gas kiln before, let =
alone
fired one by myself. I bought Fred Olsen's kiln kit (16 cu. ft.) and =
managed
to build it with only a 3 month old baby as my assistant (needless to say, =
she
slowed things down a bit=21) My husband is not mechanical, so he was a help=
in
the moral support department only. At that point in my life, I do not think=
I
could have built a kiln from scratch. I needed the kit or I would have been
even more overwhelmed than I was=21 I learned a great deal =26 could =
probably
design =26 build any kiln I wanted to now. Best (and hardest) learning =
experience
of my life. A word of caution - if you are not mechanically adept I would =
think
more about my choices. But if you like to tackle new things and can usually=
put
together those things you buy that say =22some assembly required,=22 GO FOR =
IT=21
Julie in Amarillo
----------
=3E ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
=3E Leslie,
=3E
=3E Where's your sense of adventure? I've never fired or built a kiln =
before,
=3E but =22Ah've always relied on the kahndness of strayngers=22 and my own =
two
=3E hands, so I read alot, asked a LOT of questions, broke ground and
=3E forged ahead in the pioneer spirit that made this country great (Battle
=3E Hymn of the Republic begins to play softly in the background). =
Mistakes?
=3E I've made a few, but I did it my way. In the process, I've had a lot of
=3E fun, and learned a lot more about kiln science, plumbing, concrete, =
masonry,
=3E and welding than if I'd just plunked down my hard earned dollars for the
=3E finished product. Instead I plunked down my hard earned dollars for =
welding
=3E classes, spray paint, cement, gas pipe, books, shipping charges, long
=3E distance
=3E phone calls, tools, bricks, and I don't remember what else. And I =
haven't
=3E blown up the house or asphyxiated the neighbor's cat - yet=21 (Of =
course
=3E I haven't actually fired it yet either, but don't get hung up on =
details.)
=3E
=3E Get your hands dirty. Buy a welding hood, a paint respirator, a dry =
wall saw
=3E and a fire extinguisher, and go get 'em=21
=3E
=3E Richard
=3E
=3E At 06:23 PM 8/21/97 EDT, you wrote:
=3E =3E----------------------------Original =
message----------------------------
=3E =3EDhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering- =
would
=3E =3Eyou really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has =
never
=3E =3Efired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working gas =
kiln
=3E =3Efrom instructions? The process seems mysterious and even potentially
=3E =3Edangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make =
more
=3E =3Esense for a beginner.
=3E =3ELeslie
=3E =3EVetal NY
=3E =3E
=3E =3E
cobbeldi on tue 26 aug 97
Julie--I never heard of Fred Olsen's kiln kits. Where do you purchase them?
Debra in Alabama
----------
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> ------------------
> My two cents worth - I had never even helped fire a gas kiln before, let
alone
> fired one by myself. I bought Fred Olsen's kiln kit (16 cu. ft.) and
managed
> to build it with only a 3 month old baby as my assistant (needless to
say, she
> slowed things down a bit!) My husband is not mechanical, so he was a
help in
> the moral support department only. At that point in my life, I do not
think I
> could have built a kiln from scratch. I needed the kit or I would have
been
> even more overwhelmed than I was! I learned a great deal & could probably
> design & build any kiln I wanted to now. Best (and hardest) learning
> experience
> of my life. A word of caution - if you are not mechanically adept I would
> think
> more about my choices. But if you like to tackle new things and can
usually
> put
> together those things you buy that say "some assembly required," GO FOR
IT!
> Julie in Amarillo
> ----------
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > Leslie,
> >
> > Where's your sense of adventure? I've never fired or built a kiln
before,
> > but "Ah've always relied on the kahndness of strayngers" and my own two
> > hands, so I read alot, asked a LOT of questions, broke ground and
> > forged ahead in the pioneer spirit that made this country great (Battle
> > Hymn of the Republic begins to play softly in the background).
Mistakes?
> > I've made a few, but I did it my way. In the process, I've had a lot of
> > fun, and learned a lot more about kiln science, plumbing, concrete,
masonry,
> > and welding than if I'd just plunked down my hard earned dollars for the
> > finished product. Instead I plunked down my hard earned dollars for
welding
> > classes, spray paint, cement, gas pipe, books, shipping charges, long
> > distance
> > phone calls, tools, bricks, and I don't remember what else. And I
haven't
> > blown up the house or asphyxiated the neighbor's cat - yet! (Of course
> > I haven't actually fired it yet either, but don't get hung up on
details.)
> >
> > Get your hands dirty. Buy a welding hood, a paint respirator, a dry
wall
> saw
> > and a fire extinguisher, and go get 'em!
> >
> > Richard
> >
> > At 06:23 PM 8/21/97 EDT, you wrote:
> > >----------------------------Original
message----------------------------
> > >Dhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering- would
> > >you really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has
never
> > >fired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working gas
kiln
> > >from instructions? The process seems mysterious and even potentially
> > >dangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make more
> > >sense for a beginner.
> > >Leslie
> > >Vetal NY
> > >
> > >
>
Rick Sherman on wed 27 aug 97
---------------original message---------------
Julie--I never heard of Fred Olsen's kiln kits. Where do you purchase
them?
Debra in Alabama
--------------------reply----------------------
Fred Olsen makes a good kiln kit, complete with instructions. Also,
good backup. A friend purchased a Olsen 24 and fires at least 6
bisques and three glazes a month. I have a used one which I put on a
flatbed with a forklift and drove across town to install. It survived
and has worked well for five years. Olsen is updraft. Might compare
to Geil which is downdraft. Geil does not make a kit. Their number is
1-800-887-4345. Fred Olsen can be contacted at Box 205 D.C. Mt.
Center, CA 92361 (619) 349-3291.
RS
Greg Lamont on wed 27 aug 97
Hi Debra,
It's me again. Iso happens that we have a 24cu.ft. Olsen kiln in the
ceramics studio at Iowa State. We built it from the kit as a class project
for the advanced level students. It has worked so well that we've purchased
another one--an 18 cu. ft.--which is now sitting unassembled in the kiln
room just waiting for things to settle down a bit (our semester just started
Monday) See the ads for them in most, if not all, issues of Ceramics
Monthly. They are purchased direct. The frame comes pre-assembled, the
brick in boxes. Theyre quite easy to put together. In short, I highly
recommend them.
Regards,
Greg
At 02:29 PM 8/26/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Julie--I never heard of Fred Olsen's kiln kits. Where do you purchase them?
>Debra in Alabama
>
>----------
>> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> ------------------
>> My two cents worth - I had never even helped fire a gas kiln before, let
>alone
>> fired one by myself. I bought Fred Olsen's kiln kit (16 cu. ft.) and
>managed
>> to build it with only a 3 month old baby as my assistant (needless to
>say, she
>> slowed things down a bit!) My husband is not mechanical, so he was a
>help in
>> the moral support department only. At that point in my life, I do not
>think I
>> could have built a kiln from scratch. I needed the kit or I would have
>been
>> even more overwhelmed than I was! I learned a great deal & could probably
>> design & build any kiln I wanted to now. Best (and hardest) learning
>> experience
>> of my life. A word of caution - if you are not mechanically adept I would
>> think
>> more about my choices. But if you like to tackle new things and can
>usually
>> put
>> together those things you buy that say "some assembly required," GO FOR
>IT!
>> Julie in Amarillo
>> ----------
>> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>> > Leslie,
>> >
>> > Where's your sense of adventure? I've never fired or built a kiln
>before,
>> > but "Ah've always relied on the kahndness of strayngers" and my own two
>> > hands, so I read alot, asked a LOT of questions, broke ground and
>> > forged ahead in the pioneer spirit that made this country great (Battle
>> > Hymn of the Republic begins to play softly in the background).
>Mistakes?
>> > I've made a few, but I did it my way. In the process, I've had a lot of
>> > fun, and learned a lot more about kiln science, plumbing, concrete,
>masonry,
>> > and welding than if I'd just plunked down my hard earned dollars for the
>> > finished product. Instead I plunked down my hard earned dollars for
>welding
>> > classes, spray paint, cement, gas pipe, books, shipping charges, long
>> > distance
>> > phone calls, tools, bricks, and I don't remember what else. And I
>haven't
>> > blown up the house or asphyxiated the neighbor's cat - yet! (Of course
>> > I haven't actually fired it yet either, but don't get hung up on
>details.)
>> >
>> > Get your hands dirty. Buy a welding hood, a paint respirator, a dry
>wall
>> saw
>> > and a fire extinguisher, and go get 'em!
>> >
>> > Richard
>> >
>> > At 06:23 PM 8/21/97 EDT, you wrote:
>> > >----------------------------Original
>message----------------------------
>> > >Dhannon- I saw your note to Lisa about the kiln. I am wondering- would
>> > >you really think a person (such as myself or perhaps Lisa) who has
>never
>> > >fired a gas kiln alone or made one could properly make a working gas
>kiln
>> > >from instructions? The process seems mysterious and even potentially
>> > >dangerous. I just wonder whether a purchased gas kiln would make more
>> > >sense for a beginner.
>> > >Leslie
>> > >Vetal NY
>> > >
>> > >
>>
>
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