mel jacobson on tue 14 dec 10
one of the most important aspects of kiln building is:
have enough fuel. have a perfect long term source of fuel
that you know will not run out. (esp during a firing.)
that is true of wood, gas, propane and oil etc.
it is your first consideration when and before building any
kiln.
organizing your fuel source and understanding it is
very critical.
YOU DO THAT FIRST
kilns have less to do with building plans and more to do with fuel.
the old books are full of plans, but few mention gas burners,
gas lines, propane, regulators etc. foolishness.
if you want propane, get a couple 100 lb tanks at least.
you can pipe them together (manifold) so they make
one source. in most cases your propane dealer will lease you
a 250 gallon tank. it does not cost much, and they will
fill it for you from a truck.
safe, easy and hassle free.
in many parts of the country running a natural gas line
to your kiln is rather easy.
i have dealt with dozens of people that have dug their own
trench from the house, laid piping, and hooozah...a gas
kiln in the back yard. if you are frightened, ask a plumber
to check the pipe, or lay the pipe after you dig the trench.
my brother and i did that at his place years back...in fact
we did a double wide trench and laid electric wire cable on one side
and the gas line on the other. (and a phone line.) three for
one. right to his workshop.
i did the same thing to my studio in 1965. (however, i had a
commercial line from our power pole to the studio...plenty
of electric power.)
it is often the case that the best system is the easiest.
a pick and shovel can do the job much faster than one can
believe.
unlike water, gas can be laid 20 inches deep. water is always
below the frost line...and that can be 40 inches in some places.
(it was -10 this morning.)
maconald's now sells used cooking oil back to the source. no free oil
any longer. in most cities across america trucks pull into restaurants
and suck out all the used oil. it is a booming business.
with biomass fuel coming online, it is more difficult to get scrap wood. (f=
ree)
and, that problem will only grow. industry does not waste money..if they
can find a cheaper way..they do it. many saw mills are now burning all
their scrap wood to dry lumber. free.
in my opinion, a natural gas kiln is the best, wisest direction if you want
fuel. in many cases you will have enough pressure and gas coming
right from your house source. many have done it with great success.
mel
( i have had about a dozen gas questions from clayart friends..this is
one letter, at one time...and a good lesson for many.)
from: minnetonka, mn
website: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/
clayart link: http://www.visi.com/~melpots/clayart.html
new book: http://www.21stcenturykilns.com
alternate: melpots7575@gmail.com
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