Pamela Jo Stamper on mon 14 oct 96
Hello all,
I know we covered the subject of pug mills recently, but I'm aftaid
I didn't pay enough attention because I didn't think I could buy one. I
have unexpectedly been hired for an afternoon art teaching job in a local
middle school. Some days I think I would rather wrestle aligators than
teach that rowdy eighth grade class, but I then I remember the pug mill
that I can now afford.
Venco and Bluebird are the two brands I remember being discussed.
It would be nice to have a machine that also mixes clay. Deairing is a
must. I just can't wrestle the air bubbles out any longer.
I have natural gas available. I would like a kiln that fires
easily (automatic or electronic firing a plus) and evenly. It should be at
least 40 inches interior height to accomodate the earth goddess sculptures
I have been making in large secetions lately. I would appreciate any
advice about brands and performance. What are your experiences with
various types of kilns? I know someone is going to tell me to get a kiln
book and build one, but right now with two other jobs --I find myself in
the position of actually having more money than time.
Second Kiln question is: Should I put the kiln in an existing
double garage attached to my home or build a special kiln shed? The
advantage of having it in the garage is that my studio is in the house.
The garage is also much dryer than any shed is likely to be in this
climate. I could either vent or open garage door during firing. This
decision has to be right the first time because I don't expect that a kiln
the size I need is movable once installed.
I really need all your advice on these questions. If you feel that
this information doesn't need to be on the list(again), please E-mail me
privately.
Thanks, Pamela
On the misty, damp, moist, mossy---Yeah, It's raining
North Oregon Coast E-main stamps@seasurf.com
BobWicks@aol.com on wed 16 oct 96
In a message dated 96-10-14 09:06:03 EDT, you write:
<< I know we covered the subject of pug mills recently, but I'm aftaid
I didn't pay enough attention because I didn't think I could buy one. >>
Hi Pam:
I read your plea on the list and perhaps my commentrs might help you.
1. Both the Venco and Bluebird pug mills have excellent reputations and you
couldn't go wrong with either of them. I think you have to decide what your
objective s are with these eight graders. Remember they have more energy
than you do right now and it needs to be challenged. Pug mills are great
for production workers or where more emphasis is placed on producing rather
than learning. Students must know the hard work that it takes to wedge clay
properly and produce good results. Make a game out of it and see who can
wedge their clay in so many minutes without air bubbles etc. Wedging is
great for working off excess energy that many students have and could
possibly improve the class discipline. You might solicite the shop teacher
to help you build some 20" X 20" wedge boxes with plaster tops and with a
cutting wire. The shop teacher could use this for a student project in his
class.
2. Fuel: Propane is a hotter fuel but a little more costly than natural
gas. Propane is cleaner and it is easier to move the burners around, whereas
most natural gas facilities are in a fixed position. My choice is propane
3. Temperature control: Automatic electronic controls are popular now and
when they work, they are great as they free up the pottery teacher from
"baby-sitting" the kiln. The down side of this is according to "Murphy's
Law" they sometimes break down when you are counting on them the most.
Always have a back-up system as repairs for these electronic controls
usually take several weeks before they are put back in workable condition and
they are also very subject to power surges frequently caused by electrical
storms, lightning and intermittent power outages.
4. Kiln placement: The kiln should be placed where you have good
ventilation and where inflamable building material is not a concern. Gases
produced in a kiln do not improve your breathing atmosphere, and as a mater
of fact it can be dangerous.
5. There are a number of good gas kilns on the market and I would choose one
with a stainless steel jacket. Alpine produces a good one that I have used
for years and have been verym pleased with. If you still need more info on
gas kilns you may contact Jos Burns at the American Ceramic Equipment Co. at
412 662 5871. He can answer any questions you might have. You will have to
decide if you want a up draft design or one with a down draft. The down
draft is the most effecient of the two. Most of them now have options for
the temperature controls that you prefer. I think it would be wise to buy
your first gas kiln until you have enough experience to build your own.
Building your own kiln is a fastastic experience, but you must be well aware
of the dangers should you make an error. I would suggest that you work with
someone experienced who has already done this successfully. You might check
with a local community college for assistance.
Since I have put some time into your request, I would like to hear from you
so I can follow your progress. Good luck.
Bob
| |
|
