Rudd and/or Jill on sat 18 jan 97
I've been thinking a lot lately about how handy it would be to have a
small electric test kiln. Does anyone have one that they would like to
sell at a reasonable price? I'm thinking of something like the Aim
model 88, which has an 8" x 8" x 9" firing chamber and kiln sitter.
Thanks.
Jill Lorenz
rudjil@win.bright.net
YiLi Lin on sun 19 jan 97
there is a "going out of business sale" starting tomorrow, monday jan 20
at Baldwin's Ceramic Supply, the LaGuardia Place store in New York City-
sorry don't have telephone number handy in 212 area code. I have had
materials delivered from the NJ store, so I suspect the NY store can also
deliver (also I have placed telephone orders). I have seen kilns and
wheels in store including some small AIM and Skutt.
YiLi Lin
On Sat, 18 Jan 1997, Rudd and/or Jill wrote:
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> I've been thinking a lot lately about how handy it would be to have a
> small electric test kiln. Does anyone have one that they would like to
> sell at a reasonable price? I'm thinking of something like the Aim
> model 88, which has an 8" x 8" x 9" firing chamber and kiln sitter.
> Thanks.
>
> Jill Lorenz
> rudjil@win.bright.net
>
Alex S.E. Schofield on thu 6 nov 97
I wonder if anyone can help me. After firing up a large kiln for a teeny
weeny test tile more than once, I have asked both an ex-technician and
the current technician at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design to
borrow their plans for these neat little test kilns for quick glaze
testing (not the most accurate, I know, but handy in a crunch). The kiln
is about a foot square, and can be made fairly easily. Both people have
misplaced the diagrams, but thought they could be found in an old issue
of Ceramics Monthly Magazine. Would anyone know of either the issue
needed or another source for these plans? Many thanks in advance.
Alex Schofield
paradigm@ns.sympatico.ca
Chester Basin, N.S. Canada
jdeck@interaccess.com on sun 9 aug 98
I am brand new to this group as well as ceramics. I have limited access to a
decent size kiln, not at my studio site, and will also be taking a ceramics
class at community college in the fall. I would like to buy a small kiln to
have in my home studio for snall items and to try out my ideas. Any
recommendations from the experienced? I'm learning much from all of you
already, thanks.
JoAnn Deck
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MERKLEYS on sun 25 jul 99
Some time ago I saw a designe for a small electric test kiln in, I
think Ceramics Monthly.
would anyone know what issue that was?
Anyone have any ideas or plans they would like to share with the group?
Thanks in advance.
G DAVIS on wed 19 apr 00
A number of potters said that they like the Aim Model 88 test kiln.
Approximately how much does it cost you to fire? How long does it take to
fire? Did you need to install a special plug? Thanks for your help !!
gill@reallifeart.com
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Gavin Stairs on tue 25 apr 00
Hello everybody,
I said on this list last fall that I was going to make a test kiln design
for publication. All winter this has been on my mind, but I've been
preoccupied with other things. Now those other things are fading into the
background *, and I am hoping to be able to get to the kiln project real
soon now.
So I am coming back to you for help. What I would like to know is this:
What do you want in a small, test kiln?
My initial idea is to use very basic materials (i.e., about 1 box of IFB,
FeNiAl elements and switch for 115VAC@15A maximum **). This would permit
anyone to put it together in about an evening, but would somewhat limit its
utility. Using the very best materials and techniques, one could make a
1.5kW kiln for cone 10 with a volume of several cu.ft. This would even
permit hobby firing, so called, but the price begins to mount, and one
would need to use fibre, and much cutting of bricks. Another alternative
would be to make a moderate sized electric kiln, still 1.5kW, with a small
burner for reduction firing. Another emphasis would be to make it
portable, for use by instructors and booth operators.
So I appeal to you for your ideas about what sort of unit would be most
useful to you. When I have digested your response, I will design a
suitable unit, test it, and publish the results, if not in a suitable
journal, then here on Clayart. I will also make available the plans, and I
hope a kit.
You may reply to me directly at , or via the list if
you feel that your views deserve a general airing. Either way, I hope to
hear from you soon.
Gavin
* The fading part is that I am resigning from my day job. I hope that I
will have more time to spend on such things as technical ceramics and
potting. Until the end of the month, I am a design engineer for the High
Energy Physics Group at the Physics Department of the University of Toronto
in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
** The power limit of about 1.5kW is imposed by North American household
power circuits. A 115VAC@15A circuit such as is commonly available in
kitchens and workshops can provide this power. A standard lighting circuit
is NOT RECOMMENDED, because such circuits are commonly derated and may
overheat. I will have to include this disclaimer in BOLD TYPE when the
plans are published, but you should bear this in mind when thinking of how
you would use such a device. And by the way, it is not a great advantage
to use 220VAC, as this means that the element wire must be about half the
diameter for the same power. This makes it somewhat cheaper, and a lot
more fragile, unless one is designing a larger kiln, of course.
a3 on sun 23 feb 03
There has been some discussion of test kils. I,ve been reading Bernarb =
Leach's "APotter's Book". He describes a tiny test kiln fired with a =
Primus blowlamp. Is anyone familiar with this type of equipment? Would =
a blow torch work? He says he can reach cone 8 in fortyfive =
minutes.There are diagrams for building it. Very simple[p.245]. Alice =
[from the glorious Rocky Mountain region of Canada]
Ellie Blair on wed 2 jul 03
I am in desperate need of a small test kiln. I need a electric 1 cu. ft.=
cone 10 kiln to do crystalline glaze tests. I have been looking for qui=
te a while and haven't had any luck. I would love to get a used one but =
if I have to I will look into a new one. Does anyone out there have any =
suggestions such as manufactures. I have a Skutt 1027 but didn't find a =
small kiln by Skutt. Would appreciate any info.
Thanks
Ellie Blair
Blair Pottery
Lawrence, Kansas
gordon jones on thu 3 jul 03
your in luck,i just checked on a site i have bought from in the past and
they have what you are looking for i think,cone 10 but it is 110 volt
problem or no.? site is www.kilndr.com and what you need to look for is the
page for used kilns,this is actually a "factory second" had mine for 2 years
it was new and had full waranty when i got it,great guy to do bus. with.
good luck
gordon earthbound arts
winston salem n.c.
>From: Ellie Blair
>Reply-To: Clayart
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: test kiln
>Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 14:43:23 -0500
>
>I am in desperate need of a small test kiln. I need a electric 1 cu. ft.
>cone 10 kiln to do crystalline glaze tests. I have been looking for quite
>a while and haven't had any luck. I would love to get a used one but if I
>have to I will look into a new one. Does anyone out there have any
>suggestions such as manufactures. I have a Skutt 1027 but didn't find a
>small kiln by Skutt. Would appreciate any info.
>Thanks
>Ellie Blair
>Blair Pottery
>Lawrence, Kansas
>
>______________________________________________________________________________
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
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william schran on thu 3 jul 03
Ellie wrote: electric 1 cu. ft. cone 10 kiln to do crystalline glaze tests.>
Couple of years ago I was looking for the same thing. Researched as
many brands as I could find. Ended up getting the Olympic test kiln.
It's like a mini oval kiln, rated for cone 10 and draws 15 amps, good
for most household circuits.
Bill
Ellie Blair on thu 3 jul 03
Thanks, I checked out the site and it looks like what I need.
Ellie
----- Original Message -----
From: gordon jones
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2003 2:40 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: test kiln
your in luck,i just checked on a site i have bought from in the past and
they have what you are looking for i think,cone 10 but it is 110 volt
problem or no.? site is www.kilndr.com and what you need to look for is =
the
page for used kilns,this is actually a "factory second" had mine for 2 ye=
ars
it was new and had full waranty when i got it,great guy to do bus. with.
good luck
gordon earthbound arts
winston salem n.c.
>From: Ellie Blair
>Reply-To: Clayart
>To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
>Subject: test kiln
>Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2003 14:43:23 -0500
>
>I am in desperate need of a small test kiln. I need a electric 1 cu. ft=
.
>cone 10 kiln to do crystalline glaze tests. I have been looking for qui=
te
>a while and haven't had any luck. I would love to get a used one but if=
I
>have to I will look into a new one. Does anyone out there have any
>suggestions such as manufactures. I have a Skutt 1027 but didn't find a
>small kiln by Skutt. Would appreciate any info.
>Thanks
>Ellie Blair
>Blair Pottery
>Lawrence, Kansas
>
>________________________________________________________________________=
______
>Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
>You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
>settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
>Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
>melpots@pclink.com.
_________________________________________________________________
Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
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_________________________________________________________________________=
_____
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclin=
k.com.
Hannah on mon 23 aug 04
I am planning to buy a cone 10 test kiln for glaze testing, and wondered if
anyone has tips about good/bad models, and where to find one cheap--or used?
thanks!
John Hesselberth on tue 24 aug 04
Hi Hannah,
If you get a test kiln, the most important feature is a computer
controller. They are so small and poorly insulated that they will cool
extremely fast if you don't fire down. If it cools too fast you will
not be able to duplicate your results on a larger kiln. Firing down is
possible without a controller, but it is a royal pain. With a
controller you can set the cooling rates to match your bigger kiln very
easily. So, in other words, don't focus on cheap. If you get one, get
one that will do the job and those cheap $100 and $200 ones will not.
Regards,
John
On Monday, August 23, 2004, at 10:35 PM, Hannah wrote:
> I am planning to buy a cone 10 test kiln for glaze testing, and
> wondered if
> anyone has tips about good/bad models, and where to find one cheap--or
> used?
> thanks!
>
John Hesselberth
http://www.frogpondpottery.com
http://www.masteringglazes.com
flatrockclay on tue 24 aug 04
Olympic makes a test kiln with the computer controller for about $725, which
is great considering other controllers added to kilns can run over $1000.
It is 9" deep inside by 8x8 wide with 2-1/2" bricks and goes to ^10. I have
one in stock or you may find a local dealer that can get one for you. Feel
free to call with any further questions.
Kelley
http://www.flatrockclay.com
Flat Rock Studio
Clay Supplies & Gallery
479.521.3181
2002 S School, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Thirty spokes are made one by holes in a hub
By vacancies joining them for a wheel's use;
The use of clay in molding pitchers
Comes from the hollow of its absence;
Doors, windows, in a house
Are used for their emptiness;
Thus we are helped by what is not
To use what is.
11 - Lao Tzu
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG]On Behalf Of Hannah
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2004 9:35 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: test kiln
I am planning to buy a cone 10 test kiln for glaze testing, and wondered if
anyone has tips about good/bad models, and where to find one cheap--or used?
thanks!
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Ivor and Olive Lewis on wed 25 aug 04
Dear Hannah,
Though I do have a small 1 cu ft gas kiln which will go to cone 10, I
have always thought it prudent to test all experimental glazes and
clays in the conditions in which they will be fired. So tests always
go into my production kilns. Yes, there are drawbacks to this way but
they are worth accepting to get consistent results at a later date.
John Hesselberth tells you how.
Best regards,
Ivor Lewis.
Redhill,
S. Australia.
.
Linda - Pacifica on mon 10 jul 06
For various reasons, I am not buying my ultimate kiln just now, but I have seen an L&L Liberty Belle kiln advertised which states that it can be plugged into a dryer outlet, perhaps with plug modification. I need this kiln for small bonsai pots and test tiles, so it would be large enough for the time being and would still be useful later on.
Since I switched to more economical gas drying when I bought my current house, I have a dryer plug begging to be used. It could be moved around to be located on the garage side of the same wall.
Questions:
Does anyone have any experience with this kiln? For a test kiln, it's rather expensive, but I'll pay if it's worth it. This one has an electronic controller, which is important for testing glazes.
It's advertised as cone 10. How can I tell if it will really do that and if it does, for how many firings?
I can't put their vent system on it apparently, so I'll have to get those fumes out of the garage some other way, right? I'm remembering a squirrel cage type fan has been recommended.
One last thing, this 1970s-built house has blankety-blank aluminum wiring! Will the kiln stress that dedicated 220 circuit? Don't need a melt down.
Thanks all, Linda
Pacifica
Richard White on mon 10 jul 06
Linda, a couple of thoughts... If it is an L&L, it's a good brand of kiln,
no need to question whether it really can reach the advertised cone. (There
are other good brands of kiln too, but you asked about an L&L... and there
are some lousy brands out there too, so your question isn't totally
stupid...) How many cone 10 firings is dependent on a lot of different
things, including what you fire in it. As with any electric kiln, you keep
logs and monitor the length of time it takes to reach the target
temperature; when the time begins to lengthen significantly, you are
probably ready for new elements. Where did you get the idea that you
couldn't put a vent kit on it? The product description on their webpage
specifically says you can.
And yes, I would worry about that aluminum wiring. A consideration with
kilns vs. other seemingly similar high demand appliances like a dryer is
that the kiln will be on for several continous hours, maybe even 5 or 6
hours, while a dryer might be on for only 30 minutes or an hour. That means
the wiring needs to be sturdy enough to handle it. Technically, a 30 amp
circuit will do for this 24 amp kiln (a 125% over-capacity circuit is
required by the electric code). However, the issue with aluminum wiring is
that the wire itself has a higher coefficient of expansion than copper, so
where it is attached at the ends, it expands and contracts more when it
heats up as current passes through it, to the point where it slowly forces
the screws loose in the plug. When that happens, the connection point
overheats and causes a fire. The demands of the kiln would probably make it
worse, IMO. Also, the actual configuration of the plug for a dryer has
changed since 1970, so there is some minor possibility that the standard
new-style 30 amp dryer plug on the end of the factory kiln wire won't fit
your older outlet. Or maybe the plug was upgraded since 1970 and it will
fit... something to look at. I suppose if it were me, I'd get an
electrician in to replace that whole run with new copper, and then just put
the new plug where it needs to be for the proper location of the kiln,
including an appropriate cut-off switch. And then use a heavy-enough gauge
wire (6 ga. rather than 10) so that later you could just swap the breaker
in the panel from 30 to 60 amps and set a new outlet in the garage when you
get your dream kiln.
dw
Lili Krakowski on wed 17 jun 09
I got a test kiln because the kilns I have are large, and I do
not produce that much anymore. Of course every time I fire a
glaze kiln tests go in...but some years ago I bought a small
Paragon--one without computer, plain and simple. It does what I
need it to do, and does it just fine.
I gather you have "lost" your glaze pantry when you moved. So I
suggest you read "Glaze Without Fear" by Ihada Vishun on the
Internet. It will help you figure out what you need and what
your costs will be.
As i do not know what sort of stuff you make, think about a
medium sized kiln. It would permit you to fire a few unglazed
pots--along with your tests. Either unglazed--like planters,
sculpture--or glazed with commercial glaze till you have
developed what you really like...
If I can help, holler.
Lili Krakowski
Lili Krakowski
Be of good courage
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