Kilns

Kelly Thorson · Post by **Kelly Thorson** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 4:04 pm

We are in the beginning stages of putting together a pottery studio for our daughter. We were thinking of building (or buying) a kiln for it, but have no idea what to look at in terms of materials, size, firing source etc.
There seems to be a LOT of different information out there. I think I'd like to plan so that if I wanted to try some glass fusing or slumping down the road that it would be suitable. I have no idea whatsoever as to those methods or what is required. Are the firing temperatures for clay and glass close? Would one kiln easily serve both purposes? Is there anyone who can explain the basics and point me in the right direction to get started. Any concerns or pitfalls I should be aware of? Dave or Pat perhaps?
Thanks.

Patrick Mackle · Post by **Patrick Mackle** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:42 pm

Kelly,
Trying to build a kiln for both glass and pottery will basically result in a mutant kiln that will present weaknesses for either interest.
Kiln technology is higher now than ever. Pottery kilns are constructed of bricks whereas most warm glass kilns are incorporating fiber board,
vermiculite and fiber blanket. Designing the proper kiln for a specific use will save energy costs and lengthen the life of the kiln.
There is much to learn grasshopper. Below is a major warm glass board.
http://www.warmglass.com/phpBB/index.php

Pat

DAVE SMITH · Post by **DAVE SMITH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:16 am

Pat you took the words out of my mouth. When I was looking for kilns I asked the same question to the manufactures and they suggeseted keeping these mediums seperate. One thing I will say is to start with a small kiln espaecially for making glass plates or jewellery, learm and experiment the slumping times and the many different possibilities that you can do with a kiln then move up to a big one for flat glass.
It's a lot to get your head round especially with the different glass types like Bullseye etc...which is the best glass to use for art pieces. Same I guess goes for Pottery work.
I use Kilncare kilns they are made over here. Noel Webber visited here about a year back and was interested in my glass kiln .Classic Signs in Boise have alott of experience with kilns may be worth you giving them a call Kelly.I know Noel went and bought a kiln from somewhere in Portland,Oregan he also did a 3 day course on fusing.
Good luck!

Dave

Kelly Thorson · Post by **Kelly Thorson** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:51 am

I knew I could count on the two of you to set me straight.

Seeing as how the pottery is the priority here I'll pursue that direction. I just noticed there were a few kilns listed as pottery/ceramic/glass kilns and it sparked my interest. Thanks for the link Pat - looks like an interesting place to explore.

DAVE SMITH · Post by **DAVE SMITH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 11:46 am

There is some good info on the warm glass site Kelly.I made this plate for my mum for a Christmas Present.It shows the springled frit which I placed in a random pattern over the glass and then I layed another piece of glass 4ml on top,both with the tin side down. I Melted the two together and once cooled I placed it on top of a ceramic plate mould to do the slumping part. Never took the last pic as it came out the kiln and straight into the Christmas paper,turned out real nice and modern my mum loved it. so much you can do with these kilns especially for wall art, it's endless! not enough hours.......

Dave

Kelly Thorson · Post by **Kelly Thorson** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 12:21 pm

Nice, I love the colours in that Dave.

The trouble is I really don't need to get interested in a new direction.

I skimmed through the "Photos and Stuff" forum on the link you posted Pat. Intriguing enough to be very dangerous.

I used my self discipline and ran!

For the time being I'll focus on the pottery kiln...the truth is that I am really intrigued with pottery as an art form too and I'd like to help my daughter get going a little more seriously. She's got tons of creative talent, but isn't big on researching the technical side of things.

Patrick Mackle · Post by **Patrick Mackle** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:43 pm

Kelly,
I would like to pass this thought along. Many notable glass artists began as ceramics people and eventually migrated to glass. Some say they wished they had found glass art sooner in their life. Glass is really hot right now especially in building and furnishings. Glass is worked at lower temps than ceramic. Something to think about in our current energy starved-pregreen world.
Pat