Arnold Howard on mon 2 may 05
glaze)
Phil, you didn't tell us what type of kiln vent or kiln control system you
are using, so I am sending general information on the top peephole:
Most people leave the top peephole plug out throughout the firing. But if
you are getting a glaze defect near the peephole, then you would want to
keep the peephole plug inserted. Sometimes air exposure crazes the glaze on
ware placed near the peephole.
If you leave the top peephole out throughout the firing, the Kiln Sitter
tube will last longer. This is because fumes exit through the peephole
rather than through the porcelain tube. The fumes cause a build-up of glaze
inside the tube.
If you use a fan to lower room temperature during the summer, do not let the
fan blow air into the peepholes. Position the fan to blow air across the
non-peephole side of the kiln.
If you use a downdraft kiln vent, leave the plugs inserted throughout the
firing, including the top plug. This is because the vent draws air from the
bottom of the kiln. The plugs must be inserted to form adequate negative air
pressure inside the kiln. Hold a lighted match above and level with a lid
vent hole. The flame should be sucked toward the hole.
If you are using a hooded vent, it is okay to leave the top peephole out.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
arnoldhoward@att.net / www.paragonweb.com
>> 4) Our shop/studio is small (about 1400 square feet), so we have our
>> kilns
>> in a back room that is adjacent to the checkout desk and our lunch
>> room. We
>> do have the kilns vented with kiln fans (to the outside), but we always
>> leave one of the peep holes open during firing (we were instructed to
>> do
>> this by the manufacturer). Should we be concerned about any outgasing
>> - even
>> if it's non-leaded?
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