DeltaK9@aol.com on sun 14 jun 98
I am seeking some feedback re: moving my electric kiln, a move I have been
contemplating for some time. My elec. kiln is in my basement studio
currently and is directwired and vented and all that. I currently fire to 03
but want to accomplish three seperate goals 1.) I want to gain more studio
space. 2.) I want to increase firing temp to cone 5/6 to improve
function/durability and decrease absorption of the body(change clay bodies),
and 3.) I want to be as sure as I can that the kiln is going to be as safe as
possible. I really don't want a fire hazard!
I have a space available under the back porch of my house which is large
enough to house the kiln with 24" clearence on all sides and 7 foot ceiling
which can be covered with fireproof sheetrock. However, the space is below
grade and unheated; its a brick/stone foundation and above grade is typical
wood construction.. It can , therefore, be damp, especially during rainy
periods but I have never had seepage/flooding in the 16 years I have lived
here.
First question: Would these damp conditions be okay for an electric kiln?
Any damage likely to elements/ brick/ wiring/shelves/etc.?
Next question: I have long been uneasy about a kiln in the house and have
taken precautions, like having an electritian wire the thing and covering
ceiling joists above the kiln with fireproof sheetrock. It is also part of
the reason that I have choosen to fire in the low fire range verses mid/high
fire. I am always present during a firing and monitor frequently as I don't
wholely trust kiln sitters etc. If nothing else , I want to be there to call
911. I know its only a few hundred degrees difference between 03 and 5 but
it has seemed a tad more in control at lower temps. In point of fact, I am
not sure if this is really any safer or if it just feels that way to me. I
guess this is the next question, is cone 03 any safer than cone five? Or is
this meerly a figment of my imagination and personal neurosis?
Last question: I have been firing electric kilns for alot of years and am
careful to do regular maintence/ safty checks; I have never really had a
problem but I have always wondered but never asked: How safe are these damn
things , anyway?
So I am seeking some opinions and feedback. TIA Phil Schroeder in Chicago
BBC on fri 19 jun 98
What kind of venelation system do you have???
Gloria
-----Original Message-----
From: DeltaK9@aol.com
To: Multiple recipients of list CLAYART
Date: Sunday, June 14, 1998 10:53 AM
Subject: Concerns re: Kiln Placement/Safety
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I am seeking some feedback re: moving my electric kiln, a move I have been
>contemplating for some time. My elec. kiln is in my basement studio
>currently and is directwired and vented and all that. I currently fire to
03
>but want to accomplish three seperate goals 1.) I want to gain more studio
>space. 2.) I want to increase firing temp to cone 5/6 to improve
>function/durability and decrease absorption of the body(change clay
bodies),
>and 3.) I want to be as sure as I can that the kiln is going to be as safe
as
>possible. I really don't want a fire hazard!
>I have a space available under the back porch of my house which is large
>enough to house the kiln with 24" clearence on all sides and 7 foot ceiling
>which can be covered with fireproof sheetrock. However, the space is below
>grade and unheated; its a brick/stone foundation and above grade is typical
>wood construction.. It can , therefore, be damp, especially during rainy
>periods but I have never had seepage/flooding in the 16 years I have lived
>here.
>First question: Would these damp conditions be okay for an electric kiln?
>Any damage likely to elements/ brick/ wiring/shelves/etc.?
>Next question: I have long been uneasy about a kiln in the house and have
>taken precautions, like having an electritian wire the thing and covering
>ceiling joists above the kiln with fireproof sheetrock. It is also part of
>the reason that I have choosen to fire in the low fire range verses
mid/high
>fire. I am always present during a firing and monitor frequently as I
don't
>wholely trust kiln sitters etc. If nothing else , I want to be there to
call
>911. I know its only a few hundred degrees difference between 03 and 5
but
>it has seemed a tad more in control at lower temps. In point of fact, I am
>not sure if this is really any safer or if it just feels that way to me. I
>guess this is the next question, is cone 03 any safer than cone five? Or
is
>this meerly a figment of my imagination and personal neurosis?
>Last question: I have been firing electric kilns for alot of years and am
>careful to do regular maintence/ safty checks; I have never really had a
>problem but I have always wondered but never asked: How safe are these
damn
>things , anyway?
>So I am seeking some opinions and feedback. TIA Phil Schroeder in Chicago
>
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