search  current discussion  categories  kilns & firing - gas 

gas or electric

updated mon 10 mar 08

 

Brad Sondahl on sun 2 nov 97

Electric kilns offer dependable results. Oxidation firing yields the
same colors from the same glazes consistently. For production potters,
making a line of pots, this is very nice. Electric kilns also do not
have the risk of explosion, as can occur to gas kilns before they reach
red heat if they do not have a gadget to keep the flame lit on the
burner. Ease of use, relative silence in use, no need for chimney makes
for varied location for use-- all of these favor the electric. No need
to store a large reservoir of propane... No need for constant
monitoring of firings... These are all good reasons to favor the
electric kiln, especially for beginners.
--
Brad Sondahl
http://www.camasnet.com/~asondahl
"I cook by dead reckoning--I reckon if it's dead I can cook it..."

shane mickey on thu 6 mar 08


jodi,
firing a gas kiln can be learned, that said, if you do go that way i =
would have one built by a kiln builder that=20
knows what they are doing, master kiln builders in min. or me or tracey =
dotson etc etc. commercial gas
kilns are very expensive. i can usually build a small gas kiln for just =
under ten grand that same kiln would run more
from a manufacturer. i also agree with lois thoughts and bens both good =
advice
shane mickey
kiln building and design services

Lee on sun 9 mar 08


On Fri, Mar 7, 2008 at 9:01 AM, shane mickey w=
rote:
> jodi,
> firing a gas kiln can be learned, that said, if you do go that way i woul=
d have one built by a kiln builder that
>

It isn't rocket science. I'd say, you probably know if you can
build it yourself or not. The main issue is to use a good design and
stick with it. You could also get some help from an experienced
friend.

Also, you can keep your eyes open for a used factory kiln.

I can't remember if your original choice was between an electric
and a gas kiln, but if it is, I would recommend the electric kiln
first. It's learning curve is not so steep. After you have learned to
dance with that.and think you want to fire in gas, your electric can
become your bisque kiln.

The most important thing to learn in the beginning is form.
With the smaller electric kiln, you have a faster turn around so you
can learn more quickly from your mistakes.

--=20
Lee, a Mashiko potter in Minneapolis
http://mashikopots.blogspot.com/

"Ta tIr na n-=F3g ar chul an tI=97tIr dlainn trina ch=E9ile"=97that is, "T=
he
land of eternal youth is behind the house, a beautiful land fluent
within itself." -- John O'Donohue