Electric Kiln Construction for Potters

by Robert Fournier

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Gentle Breeze Publishing (2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1-889250-43-0
Dimensions: 9.5" x 8.0" x 0.4"
Shipping Weight: 0.69 lbs.

If you are discouraged by the expense of commercial kilns or have felt the need for a personalized model made to your particular requirements and specifications but thought that the job of designing and building for yourself was too difficult, then you will appreciate these clear, concise directions for building electric kilns, kilns that can be altered and balanced to a high state of efficiency. All aspects of electricity and phases of kiln building are discussed in terms the layman can understand: no specialist or advanced mathematic skills are required. If you do not intend to build a kiln, this book will be of invaluable help to you in understanding and appraising any electric kiln that you may use.

An explanation of the types of electric kilns and elements used in them is followed by an elementary discussion of electricity including principles and unit of electricity and the basic electrical factors the kiln builder needs to know. Circuits, wiring, cost of electricity, and types of electrical service available are also covered. A table of relationships for units of electricity is provided so you can work out the mathematics required by simple arithmetic. In addition, the following topics are discussed in detail:

• Components of a kiln-box, frame, casing, insulation brick, hot-face, roof, door, element housing, tail holes, spyholes and ventilation and silicon-carbide rods.
• Heat and Insulation—two factors important in any kiln—and the best materials to use for heat retention.
• General considerations for kiln design and construction.
• Calculation of elements, both resistance wire and silicon-carbide rods—perhaps the most daunting aspect of electric kiln building.
• Installation, temperature indicators and controls including energy regulators, multiheat switching, shut-off mechanisms, and time-switch and fail-safe fuse.
• Drying, packing and firing an electric kiln including biscuit fire/glaze fire.

Specifications for five kiln designs including materials needed and method of construction are provided but the emphasis throughout is on general principles so that you can design and construct a kiln that meets your specific requirements. A wealth of charts, graphs and tables facilitate quick reference on any detail. Also provided are a list of suppliers, bibliography and index.