Question:
How do I care for my kiln?
Expansion and contraction
Expansion and contraction of the kiln during firing will eventually cause the case of the kiln to loosen. To prevent this, the clamps on the jacket, lid and bottom of the kiln should be tightened occasionally when the kiln is warm.
lid of your kiln does gap
If the lid of your kiln does gap in front, loosen the hinge screws a half turn when the kiln is hott. This allows the lid to reposition itself thus compensating for heat expansion. After repositioning, retighten the hinge screws.
Kiln problems
If you have problems with your kiln, be sure to go back to the place you bought it. Normally they are happy to help you.
Electric Kiln troubleshooting
If it takes longer now for your kiln to fire, It could be caused by a defective switch or element, or may even be the wall receptacle. If your kiln will not heat, the power cord may not be plugged in, fuses or breakers blown, kiln sitter not activated or power cord blown. If when firing, your wall receptacle or plug heats up, check to see if there is a loose connection in the receptacle. If a kiln makes popping noises when firing, it is normal. This is due to the contraction of kiln parts which are enlarged from thermal expansion.
Repairs
Many repairs on your kiln can be done by removing and old or damaged part and inserting a new one.
Firebrick behaviour
The insulating firebrick expands and contracts with each firing. The expansion and contraction is necessary for the long life of your kiln, but some hair line cracks will appear in the brick while the kiln is cold. Do not be concerned about them, as they close tightly when the bricks expand when heated.
Kiln Jacket
The jackets on most kilns are made of stainless steel and should be kept clean. You can polish them with normal stainless steel cleaner.
Description 1
Common in pottery is the term ‘oxidation', which is the method of firing a kiln in a manner that mixes oxygen with the fuel to produce a clean flame with no soot or smoke and complete combustion. The atmosphere within the kiln contains sufficient oxygen to allow the elements in the clay and glaze to be completely oxidized. This method is primarily attempted using gas kilns.
Kiln placement
One of the first things to consider in locating your kiln is that it should be convenient to an electrical outlet and is in a well-ventilated area. When setting up your kiln, avoid placing it on rubber tiles, linoleum, or on any surface that might tend to mar if heated. When locating your kiln it is best to place it on an asbestos tile or a cement floor. If you need to place it on a floor that may be heat marred, lay down a few squares of asbestos for it to rest on.
Kiln care/outside
It is important to keep the outside of kiln clean too. The elimination of dust is of particular importance as it can settle on ware and cause defects.
Firebrick behaviour
The insulating firebrick expands and contracts with each firing. The expansion and contraction is necessary for the long life of your kiln, but some hair line cracks will appear in the brick while the kiln is cold. Do not be concerned about them, as they close tightly when the bricks expand when heated.
Caring for kiln elements
The elements in your kiln are designed for a long life and are capable of many firings. The life span can be shortened by contact with materials such as bits of bisque, glaze, cones, metal or kiln wash, keep elements clean.
the top of the kiln
The top of almost every kiln is coated with a thin, high-temperature coating. This makes the lid more durable and prevents dusting of the brick particles on the pieces in the firing chamber
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| Guru Spotlight |
| Jolyn Wells-Moran |
