Polly Goldman on sat 27 nov 99
Okay, I was really hoping I would find an answer to this in the archives,
because it's an embarrassing question, but I didn't.
So here goes: I left some kiln sheves outside in the rain (well, they were
under an awning, but they got pretty wet). They've been slowly drying for
the past week, and they feel dry on the surface, but I'm not sure if
they're dry all the way through or not. I'd like to do a firing with them
soon, if possible. Is there any way to dry them out safely? I was
thinking of stacking them up in the kiln, lighting up a couple of the
burners with the door partly open, and waiting until no more steam comes
off. I'm assuming I'll see steam at first. Does that sound like a good
idea? Any other suggestions? (besides Take better care of your equipment)
Thanks
Polly Goldman
Cindy Strnad on sun 28 nov 99
Polly,
In case no one else answers, I'll put in my little bit. I would fire them
just as if they were pots of questionable dryness--that is, very large pots
or pots with thicker areas than usual. Just candle them overnight. They
should be all right then. Actually, I'm not certain you even need to do
that, but if you're worried about them, it should take care of the problem.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
Custer, SD
Mike Gordon on sun 28 nov 99
Polly,
Be sure that there is at least 2" space between each shelf for air to
circulate. Maybe just the pilot over nite? Mine reaches 350 to 500 F and
12 hrs ought to do it. Mike
Laura Freedman on sun 28 nov 99
I would put them in the kiln with all buttons on low for a while. I don't
think I would stack them but stilt them so you get more warm air
circulating in and around them. Or put your kitchen oven on low and put one
on each rack. Overnight should do it. I have no experience as to timing.
Laura in PA
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Okay, I was really hoping I would find an answer to this in the archives,
>because it's an embarrassing question, but I didn't.
>So here goes: I left some kiln sheves outside in the rain (well, they were
>under an awning, but they got pretty wet). They've been slowly drying for
>the past week, and they feel dry on the surface, but I'm not sure if
>they're dry all the way through or not. I'd like to do a firing with them
>soon, if possible. Is there any way to dry them out safely? I was
>thinking of stacking them up in the kiln, lighting up a couple of the
>burners with the door partly open, and waiting until no more steam comes
>off. I'm assuming I'll see steam at first. Does that sound like a good
>idea? Any other suggestions? (besides Take better care of your equipment)
>Thanks
>Polly Goldman
>
>
David Hendley on sun 28 nov 99
I think wet kiln shelves are no big deal.
Kiln shelves are not very porous. they are probably
already dry. If you load your kiln with pots that have
been glazed the same day they are much wetter
than your kiln shelves will be.
If you are really worried, just load the kiln as usual
and candle a couple of burners for an hour or two.
Or, fire a bisque firing first. If you start out slow
enough for a bisque, that will be plenty slow enough
to make sure the kiln shelves are dry.
--
David Hendley
Maydelle, Texas
hendley@tyler.net
http://www.farmpots.com/
----- Original Message -----
From: Polly Goldman
To:
Sent: Saturday, November 27, 1999 9:40 AM
Subject: wet kiln shelves
| ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
| Okay, I was really hoping I would find an answer to this in the archives,
| because it's an embarrassing question, but I didn't.
| So here goes: I left some kiln sheves outside in the rain (well, they
were
| under an awning, but they got pretty wet). They've been slowly drying for
| the past week, and they feel dry on the surface, but I'm not sure if
| they're dry all the way through or not. I'd like to do a firing with them
| soon, if possible. Is there any way to dry them out safely? I was
| thinking of stacking them up in the kiln, lighting up a couple of the
| burners with the door partly open, and waiting until no more steam comes
| off. I'm assuming I'll see steam at first. Does that sound like a good
| idea? Any other suggestions? (besides Take better care of your equipment)
| Thanks
| Polly Goldman
|
Polly Goldman on mon 29 nov 99
Thanks for all the responses to my wet kiln shelf question. I candled the
shelves (with posts, which had also gotten wet) for 2 hrs., then loaded up
and fired with no problems. My husband said "I told you there was nothing
to worry about," but he's not a potter, and doesn't realize that I NEED
something to worry about for each firing. It makes opening the kiln more
fun.
This is one great list.
Polly Goldman
| |
|
