Joyce Lee on wed 31 jan 01
I'm answering Ken on the list because I get such posts often from
Clayarters. I am undoubtedly the least ept and by far the least
accomplished kiln operator on this list. I need help with firing ALL the
time with each load. However, there are certain requests for information
that seem to apply only to my situation ...... so......
> I am wondering how you are housing
> the kilns? Do they have their own separate sheds? Are they in the studio with you?
> Did you need to purchase additional stacks?
I live in the desert so my kilns are placed on a concrete patio attached
to my garage/studio/glazeroometc. It is roofed, is open on two sides,
has a wooden half wall on hinges (in style of a wide gate) on one side,
plus a wall with that lattice stuff as the top quarter. This wall has a
three inch open space on the bottom, hoping to defeat the venturi effect
of our high winds. That didn't work. The wind whirled and swirled around
all our temporary barriers and continually extinguished the flame while
firing. We had to close up that space and now all the desert yuck does
its dance into the only corner out there, piling up behind my kiln; I
hose it out/a broom won't get it. My kilns are small. The first Geil is
8 cubic ft stacking space.... their smallest, I think ... I now use it
primarily for test tiles and for rakuing (works like a charm as long as
I keep Steve Branfman's book by my side). We had a small metal stack and
some sort of metal ceiling hung on chains built by a local metalworker.
(I know this is not correct labeling but #1 Support Person is not
available to help me sound technically aware.... and Sylvia's long gone
back to Kansas!) The second kiln is larger .... 12 cu ft. stacking
space, I think. We purchased a big stack arrangement from Geil with this
kiln. It was pretty expensive but worth it....
> hen the delivery truck arrived, did you have a forklift handy? or does the
> delivery truck driver place the kilns for you? Are they natural or propane gas? If
> propane, is it piped in or do you use bottles? Is electrical hookup mandatory?
>
No forklift. The 8 cu ft is on wheels (fiber... light weight) and the
delivery guy helped place it; the larger one was delivered by Paul Geil,
THE MAN, who set it up for us (not the stack; that came later and
required hole in the roof etc). We use natural gas, not propane.
Propane kilns are available from Geil, however, I think. Yes, electrical
hookup is necessary. I'll be happy to send you a digital picture of the
setup if you'd like.
> I promise I won't be a pest. Ken
>
You are not a pest. And this comes from one who works out daily as a
pest/whiner/nervy person and has now achieved singular Champion status
......a Maven of Whiners.... so I know. I just wish I knew more. There
are others here though who own Geils and may pick up where I'm weak
unless I've exhausted their patience completely. They always have so
far.
Good luck.
Joyce
In the Mojave.....
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