Antoinette Badenhorst on thu 23 sep 04
Dear Clayarters, I need a bigger kiln and I am considering to go ahead
and buy a commercial gas kiln instead of build one. I have 2 reasons: I
have to see how my community is going to respond to my pottery studio.
If responses are not good, I will have to consider moving to a place
where I can work freely. We are living in a neighborhood. This far I
even got away with doing pit fire in my back yard.
Secondly reduction firing is a totally newbie to me. My experience goes
as far as pit firing and raku firing. I hope that a smaller commercial
gas kiln will give me the experience and knowledge that I need to
continue with gas firings. I ordered Nils Lou's book on "the art of
firing" and I am looking forward to learn from that. Maybe you know of
more good books to lay my eyes on.
What I need from you guys right now is direction on which kiln to buy.
Here are some of the things that I have considered:
At the moment I have $4000 to spend. (If it is better to wait till I
saved more money, I will do so)
I have natural gas at my house, but need advice on propane as an option.
I want the kiln to be big enough to fire 25"-30" items in all directions
in it.
This kiln will have to sit outside( please advice me on safety issues
for myself and the kiln)
Evenly spread heat is always a must in my opinion. (o goodness, I'm back
at square one with glazes after just developing a dozen for electric
firing!) We live in the Southeast region of America, so maybe it will be
better to consider a kiln from a supplier closer to home first. My
electric equipment is all Bailey, but I know nothing about their gas
kilns. Please advice me on what else I have to look out for and if I am
thinking right as far as "commercial kiln" buying is concerned. I am
looking so forward to this experience...since about 15-20 years ago in
South Africa, where gas was a way too expensive option.
Thank you so much for all your support advice and friendliness in the
past, recent and future.
Antoinette Badenhorst
105 Westwood Circle
Saltillo, MS 38866
(662) 869-1651
www.clayandcanvas.com
Larry Nakanishi on thu 23 sep 04
Antoinette,
I couldn't find the thread in Clayart but I recently purchased a kiln and
may have wasted $3K. Email me directly and I'll attach a Word doc that has
the responses I received. With the suggestion from these knowledgeable
people, I hopefully will be able to legally fire.
Larry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Antoinette Badenhorst"
To:
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 9:07 AM
Subject: Gas kiln, I have $4000 to spend.
> Dear Clayarters, I need a bigger kiln and I am considering to go ahead
> and buy a commercial gas kiln instead of build one. I have 2 reasons: I
> have to see how my community is going to respond to my pottery studio.
> If responses are not good, I will have to consider moving to a place
> where I can work freely. We are living in a neighborhood. This far I
> even got away with doing pit fire in my back yard.
> Secondly reduction firing is a totally newbie to me. My experience goes
> as far as pit firing and raku firing. I hope that a smaller commercial
> gas kiln will give me the experience and knowledge that I need to
> continue with gas firings. I ordered Nils Lou's book on "the art of
> firing" and I am looking forward to learn from that. Maybe you know of
> more good books to lay my eyes on.
> What I need from you guys right now is direction on which kiln to buy.
> Here are some of the things that I have considered:
> At the moment I have $4000 to spend. (If it is better to wait till I
> saved more money, I will do so)
> I have natural gas at my house, but need advice on propane as an option.
> I want the kiln to be big enough to fire 25"-30" items in all directions
> in it.
> This kiln will have to sit outside( please advice me on safety issues
> for myself and the kiln)
> Evenly spread heat is always a must in my opinion. (o goodness, I'm back
> at square one with glazes after just developing a dozen for electric
> firing!) We live in the Southeast region of America, so maybe it will be
> better to consider a kiln from a supplier closer to home first. My
> electric equipment is all Bailey, but I know nothing about their gas
> kilns. Please advice me on what else I have to look out for and if I am
> thinking right as far as "commercial kiln" buying is concerned. I am
> looking so forward to this experience...since about 15-20 years ago in
> South Africa, where gas was a way too expensive option.
> Thank you so much for all your support advice and friendliness in the
> past, recent and future.
> Antoinette Badenhorst
> 105 Westwood Circle
> Saltillo, MS 38866
> (662) 869-1651
> www.clayandcanvas.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Larry Nakanishi on thu 23 sep 04
Sorry Antoinette,
Found the thread: http://www.potters.org/subject78492.htm
Scroll down to see all the responses.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Antoinette Badenhorst"
To:
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2004 9:07 AM
Subject: Gas kiln, I have $4000 to spend.
> Dear Clayarters, I need a bigger kiln and I am considering to go ahead
> and buy a commercial gas kiln instead of build one. I have 2 reasons: I
> have to see how my community is going to respond to my pottery studio.
> If responses are not good, I will have to consider moving to a place
> where I can work freely. We are living in a neighborhood. This far I
> even got away with doing pit fire in my back yard.
> Secondly reduction firing is a totally newbie to me. My experience goes
> as far as pit firing and raku firing. I hope that a smaller commercial
> gas kiln will give me the experience and knowledge that I need to
> continue with gas firings. I ordered Nils Lou's book on "the art of
> firing" and I am looking forward to learn from that. Maybe you know of
> more good books to lay my eyes on.
> What I need from you guys right now is direction on which kiln to buy.
> Here are some of the things that I have considered:
> At the moment I have $4000 to spend. (If it is better to wait till I
> saved more money, I will do so)
> I have natural gas at my house, but need advice on propane as an option.
> I want the kiln to be big enough to fire 25"-30" items in all directions
> in it.
> This kiln will have to sit outside( please advice me on safety issues
> for myself and the kiln)
> Evenly spread heat is always a must in my opinion. (o goodness, I'm back
> at square one with glazes after just developing a dozen for electric
> firing!) We live in the Southeast region of America, so maybe it will be
> better to consider a kiln from a supplier closer to home first. My
> electric equipment is all Bailey, but I know nothing about their gas
> kilns. Please advice me on what else I have to look out for and if I am
> thinking right as far as "commercial kiln" buying is concerned. I am
> looking so forward to this experience...since about 15-20 years ago in
> South Africa, where gas was a way too expensive option.
> Thank you so much for all your support advice and friendliness in the
> past, recent and future.
> Antoinette Badenhorst
> 105 Westwood Circle
> Saltillo, MS 38866
> (662) 869-1651
> www.clayandcanvas.com
>
>
____________________________________________________________________________
__
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Laurie Kneppel on fri 24 sep 04
Hi Antoinette,
I have the Geil model 802, medium duty gas kiln. It is easy to fire and
reliable. Plus it is on wheels so it can be moved, if necessary.
It has 8 cu. ft stackable space. So if you are not looking for a very
large gas kiln I would say this is a good one. It is fiber lined and I
think only weighs about 400 pounds.
Hope that helps.
Laurie
Sacramento, CA
http://rockyraku.com
Potters Council, charter member
Sacramento Potters Group, member
J.J. Baum on sat 25 sep 04
Dear Antoinette,
I was in your position a couple of months ago. I also live in a
residential area and was concerned that building the kiln would encumber
my ability to get the proper permitting. Additionally, I also wanted to
have the ability to fire somewhat larger forms. Before I began looking for
a kiln I contacted the permitting agency for my area to see if it was
possible to have a gas kiln. After getting a positive response from the
city I familiarized myself with the various gas kilns that are
manufactured, learned the drawbacks of each, and chose what I wanted.
The main types of manufactured gas kilns I looked at were top loaders,
updraft kiln kits, and fully built down drafts. The top loading updraft
gas kilns were cheaper due to how they are constructed and they are
relatively mobile, but much of their internal space is taken up by
shelving and there is often a need for a baffle shelf at the top of the
kiln. There are some top loading gas kilns that would meet your size
requirements. Kiln Kits are a nice option for those that want a
predesigned new kiln, but most kits are updraft in construction and
difficult to move when completed. Finally I looked at the preconstructed
downdraft kilns and knew that was the direction I wanted to go, but what
could be purchased for ~$4000.00? So I made myself familiar with the
manufacturers/costs/features and initially figured that I would save more
money before purchasing a kiln.
Due to the initial cost for a new kiln, I began periodically searching for
a used kiln on various websites (clayart, ebay, laguna, etc.). My earlier
research had given me the ability to move quickly if I found a used kiln
that met my requirements. Amazingly I found an Olympic DD14 on ebay that
had been ordered by a company for a customer and never picked it up. I
checked on the company to make sure that they were legitimate and
purchased it. It took a while for them to send it, but I ended up getting
a new kiln shipped across country to me for ~$3000. Then I contacted
Olympic kilns and ordered shelving and additional features that I wanted
for ~$1000. Right now I have the kiln and the shelves are to be delivered
next Tuesday/Wednesday.
I also wanted to mention that I will be firing the kiln on propane. After
speaking with several local propane distributors I have learned the
restrictions on the size and location of tanks. I wanted to fire off of a
larger tank, but getting the proper permits could be lengthy and
problematic. After discussing the kiln requirements and the zoning issues
with propane company reps, it appears I will be firing the kiln using two
100lb tanks at once. I anticipate hooking up the gas this next week and
scheduling a time for the city to come out for an inspection of my set up.
So with some patience, homework, and a little luck it is possible to find
decent sized gas kiln for ~$4000. Often times I would see a kiln for a
great price but shipping would dramatically alter the cost. Good luck on
your search.
Take Care,
J.J. Baum
California
Antoinette Badenhorst on sun 26 sep 04
Seems like I have to do some more homework on this subject. I'm reading
Nils Lou's book right now.
Antoinette Badenhorst
105 Westwood Circle
Saltillo, MS 38866
(662) 869-1651
www.clayandcanvas.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of J.J. Baum
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2004 7:14 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: Gas kiln, I have $4000 to spend.
Dear Antoinette,
I was in your position a couple of months ago. I also live in a
residential area and was concerned that building the kiln would encumber
my ability to get the proper permitting. Additionally, I also wanted to
have the ability to fire somewhat larger forms. Before I began looking
for
a kiln I contacted the permitting agency for my area to see if it was
possible to have a gas kiln. After getting a positive response from the
city I familiarized myself with the various gas kilns that are
manufactured, learned the drawbacks of each, and chose what I wanted.
The main types of manufactured gas kilns I looked at were top loaders,
updraft kiln kits, and fully built down drafts. The top loading updraft
gas kilns were cheaper due to how they are constructed and they are
relatively mobile, but much of their internal space is taken up by
shelving and there is often a need for a baffle shelf at the top of the
kiln. There are some top loading gas kilns that would meet your size
requirements. Kiln Kits are a nice option for those that want a
predesigned new kiln, but most kits are updraft in construction and
difficult to move when completed. Finally I looked at the preconstructed
downdraft kilns and knew that was the direction I wanted to go, but what
could be purchased for ~$4000.00? So I made myself familiar with the
manufacturers/costs/features and initially figured that I would save
more
money before purchasing a kiln.
Due to the initial cost for a new kiln, I began periodically searching
for
a used kiln on various websites (clayart, ebay, laguna, etc.). My
earlier
research had given me the ability to move quickly if I found a used kiln
that met my requirements. Amazingly I found an Olympic DD14 on ebay
that
had been ordered by a company for a customer and never picked it up. I
checked on the company to make sure that they were legitimate and
purchased it. It took a while for them to send it, but I ended up
getting
a new kiln shipped across country to me for ~$3000. Then I contacted
Olympic kilns and ordered shelving and additional features that I wanted
for ~$1000. Right now I have the kiln and the shelves are to be
delivered
next Tuesday/Wednesday.
I also wanted to mention that I will be firing the kiln on propane.
After
speaking with several local propane distributors I have learned the
restrictions on the size and location of tanks. I wanted to fire off of
a
larger tank, but getting the proper permits could be lengthy and
problematic. After discussing the kiln requirements and the zoning
issues
with propane company reps, it appears I will be firing the kiln using
two
100lb tanks at once. I anticipate hooking up the gas this next week and
scheduling a time for the city to come out for an inspection of my set
up.
So with some patience, homework, and a little luck it is possible to
find
decent sized gas kiln for ~$4000. Often times I would see a kiln for a
great price but shipping would dramatically alter the cost. Good luck on
your search.
Take Care,
J.J. Baum
California
________________________________________________________________________
______
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
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