Subscribe Clayart Anonymous on fri 21 sep 07
Hi,
Is there someone out there who can help me figure out what I can or can't do with this kiln? I just
got a 4 ringed gas kiln, and the lid has a hole in it. There are 3 gas jets at the bottom. There is, as
of now, no pyrometer.
What I need to know is:
1) Is there any way to reduce w/ this kiln?
2) What size of flexpipe can I use to hook up to my gas source?
3) Is thee any kiln sitter out there that I can get?
4) There is only one peep hole open, will that be adequate?
5) What possible cone can this be fired to?
6) Is it possible to put this on wheels so that I can move it when needed?
If anyone has any ideas/information, it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Dina Barnese on sat 22 sep 07
In response to your questions about the gas kiln you've come across -
others will probably have better answers but here are some to start:
1) Is there any way to reduce w/ this kiln?
Yes, you can reduce with it by covering the damper partway during the last part of firing.
2) What size of flexpipe can I use to hook up to my gas source?
Call your local gas company to come out and check the orifices on the burners to determine whether this kiln is for natural gas or propane. They can also advise you on what size pipe you need and any safety features you might need to consider.
3) Is thee any kiln sitter out there that I can get?
Yes, you can get a kiln sitter for this kiln, IF you have an automatic shut-off valve in your gas pipe system. I have a kiln sitter on my gas kiln and stopped using it because I didn't feel it was as accurate as a cone pack. Besides, I never leave the kiln unattended so don't see the need for it. Do you know the manufacturer of your kiln? Is there a plate on it anywhere? I would contact them and ask for a user manual and information about your specific kiln.
4) There is only one peep hole open, will that be adequate? -mmmm, not sure.
5) What possible cone can this be fired to?
You will have to do some cone tests to determine how hot your kiln will get.
6) Is it possible to put this on wheels so that I can move it when needed?
Not sure about that either, but I'd imagine so... although you'd have to unhook it from the gas source and that might be a pain?
Good luck,
Dina
Flagstaff, AZ
William & Susan Schran User on sat 22 sep 07
On 9/21/07 9:18 PM, "Subscribe Clayart Anonymous"
wrote:
> Is there someone out there who can help me figure out what I can or can't do
> with this kiln? I just
> got a 4 ringed gas kiln, and the lid has a hole in it. There are 3 gas jets
> at the bottom. There is, as
> of now, no pyrometer.
> What I need to know is:
> 1) Is there any way to reduce w/ this kiln?
> 2) What size of flexpipe can I use to hook up to my gas source?
> 3) Is thee any kiln sitter out there that I can get?
> 4) There is only one peep hole open, will that be adequate?
> 5) What possible cone can this be fired to?
> 6) Is it possible to put this on wheels so that I can move it when needed?
> If anyone has any ideas/information, it would be greatly appreciated!
I am going to assume this is an Olympic, Aim or possibly even a Summit
conversion brand updraft kiln.
When you acquired the kiln was there an instruction manual? If not, if you
know the brand of kiln, you may be able to obtain an instruction manual from
the manufacturer. If it's an Olympic, write me off the forum and I'll mail
you a copy.
Do you know if the individual fired with propane or natural gas? Different
size orifices (the little hole that sprays the gas) are used for the
different fuels.
Answers to your questions:
1) Yes, you can reduce, but it's difficult to achieve even reduction.
2) I use 1/2" solid copper line. Don't know if code allows flex line or not.
3) You can get a Kilnsitter as a retrofit, it would be installed along with
an electric solenoid in the gas line.
4) I think you'll need spy holes top & bottom to be able to help achieve
even temperature by seeing cones top & bottom. I also find it very helpful
to have a digital pyrometer with thermocouples top & bottom of kiln.
5) Probably to ^10.
6) You could put on wheels, but the issue of the gas line may make that an
issue.
Please take a look at my web site. I have a page on what I did to get my
updraft kiln to perform. Here's a direct link:
Good Luck, Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
WJ Seidl on sat 22 sep 07
Dear Anonymous
See responses below, amid your post
Subscribe Clayart Anonymous wrote:
> Hi,
> Is there someone out there who can help me figure out what I can or can't do with this kiln? I just
> got a 4 ringed gas kiln, and the lid has a hole in it. There are 3 gas jets at the bottom. There is, as
> of now, no pyrometer.
> What I need to know is:
> 1) Is there any way to reduce w/ this kiln?
>
Reduction is a result of an oxygen reduced atmosphere. Blocking the top
hole in the lid will help.
> 2) What size of flexpipe can I use to hook up to my gas source?
>
Call your gas company. They will know what is appropriate for your
town/city/county code and can advise you better.
> 3) Is thee any kiln sitter out there that I can get
>
Are you asking for a controller or a kiln sitter? Kiln sitters are
usually found on ELECTRIC kilns, not gas kilns.
With some tinkering, you might be able to modify one to shut off the gas
supply, but I have the feeling you're not skilled
enough to attempt this.
> 4) There is only one peep hole open, will that be adequate?
>
Can you see through only one hole?
> 5) What possible cone can this be fired to?
>
What cone do you wish to fire to?
> 6) Is it possible to put this on wheels so that I can move it when needed?
>
Sure. Weld a metal stand to support the kiln, make sure it's strong
enough, then put wheels on it.
> If anyone has any ideas/information, it would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>
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