Al Schlimm on mon 9 sep 96
A friend is planning a home studio and thinking about electric kiln placement.
She has a concrete patio just outside the studio door. Putting the kiln outside
would free up valuable interior space. Eight or nine feet above the patio floor
is a 2nd story wooden deck. The kiln would be protected from rain and wind, but
would be exposed to cold in winter and heat in summer. We are cursed with
abundent humidity and have far too many bad hair days.
Our questions are: Would placing the kiln permanently outside (in a small shed)
invite premature wear and tear? Would the pots be at risk when firing on cold
days? Would the kiln take substantially longer to reach temperature in winter?
Has anyone successfully placed an electric kiln outside in an alternately hot
and cold region? What are the primary considerations when doing so? Do you
have any suggestions about shed construction or materials? Would rising heat
(if the kiln were left unvented) threaten the deck? Would venting still be
necessary? Will I ever stop asking questions?
Thank you in advance for your sage advice.
Al Schlimm (Baltimore, MD) C'mon autumn!
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"Resist much, obey little." -- Walt Whitman ;-)
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Sandra Dwiggins on tue 10 sep 96
I notice that you are in Baltimore. A potter in Bethesda has her electric
kilns out in a shed (metal--Sears/Hechinger type) out in the yard next to
her studio. She has had problems with condensation and had to develop
a system to deal with that. Contact me with a personal e-mail for more
info. sandra@icic.nci.nih.gov
Sam Cuttell on tue 10 sep 96
>
>Our questions are: Would placing the kiln permanently outside (in a small
shed)
>invite premature wear and tear? Would the pots be at risk when firing on cold
>days? Would the kiln take substantially longer to reach temperature in winter?
>Has anyone successfully placed an electric kiln outside in an alternately hot
>and cold region? What are the primary considerations when doing so? Do you
>have any suggestions about shed construction or materials? Would rising heat
>(if the kiln were left unvented) threaten the deck? Would venting still be
>necessary? Will I ever stop asking questions?
My kiln was bought new in 1988 (or was is 87??) It has always been
"outdoors" in an unheated garage. (cause I'm cheap and don't won't to
purchase noisy, expensive venting - that and I'm terrified of having a kiln
in my home).
The kiln is over 2' from nearest wall. The garage is quite high as it was
built for trucks. It has dryway and exposed beams.
We have not noticed any problems resulting from leaving the kiln open to
heat and cold and humidity changes (we would have mold growing all summer if
not for a busy de-humidifier).
I have fired in weather as low as -20F. The major problem? Loading the
kiln with frozen fingers.
My best advise is....as long as the kiln will not get wet/dry/wet/dry it
should be fine.
sam - alias the cat lady
Home of Manx cats, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the odd horse
Melbourne, Ontario, CANADA
(SW Ontario)
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