John Baymore on sun 20 sep 98
------------------
=3Csnip=3E
I have purchased a 10 cf. used electric kiln which I am refurbishing.
................ Does anybody have any ideas how to start the testing
process? Any ideas appreciated.
=3Cclip=3E
Bob,
This is a little off the clay and glaze test thought..... but still
pertinent, I think.
One test to perform ON used electric kilns (usually before buying them) is
to apply one of the surface lead test kits from the hardware store to them.
If they have been used to fire lead glazes, the lead vaporizes and
impregnates the brickwork. This doesen't go away easily. The kiln will
usually test positive in this case.
If it tests positive..... I wouldn't buy the kiln to start with. If you
already have it and it tests positive for lead, I'd do some soul searching
before just using it. Could be a source of some risk to both you and your
customers.
If it tests positive, I'd fire a test load of stuff and, without washing it
off or dusiting it off, select a couple of pieces to have tested for lead
release (even if your glazes don't contain lead compounds). Seal them in
ziplock plastic bags (to keep surface dust intact), and then wrap for
shipping. The lead fumes can become incorporated into the glaze surface,
or settle as fine dust on the surface during the later cooling phase.
One not too commonly thought of =22test=22. A lot of old used electrics =
come
from the era of high lead glazes....... particularly the ones from the
=22home hobby-ist=22 who did greenware painting. At 10 cubic feet this was
probably a more recent kiln.... but you don't usually know the exact
history of used units. Lead containing glazes are still sold and used.
Oh no........ now we're looking at practicing =22safe firing=22. =3Cg=3E
But you really ought to know, not just assume.
Best,
.....................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086 USA
603-654-2752
JBaymore=40Compuserve.com
| |
|
