Things to Know Before Buying a Pottery Kiln
There are several different types of kilns for both novice and professionals for at-home or business settings. Clay type, size, cone, and power considerations should be understood before purchasing your pottery kiln. Find the right pottery kiln on eBay.
What types of affordable kilns are there?There are electric, gas, and wood-burning kilns. Electric kilns are used by both amateurs and professionals alike, lending to ease of use and installation. Periodic kilns, which closely resemble an oven’s functionality, are most often used. Gas kilns require gas lines to be located where the kiln is. Wood-burning kilns require the user to frequently feed the kiln wood in order to maintain the correct temperature. Consider the availability of the utilities and the level of effort you’d be willing to put forth when purchasing a new or used pottery kiln.
Size considerationsThe pottery kiln’s size is driven by the expected type of work. The interior size of the ceramic kiln and the room’s size should be considered. A smaller-sized ceramic kiln is ideal for smaller-sized pieces such as beads or small doll parts and is typically less than a cubed foot of space. A ceramic kiln with greater than 10 cubic feet interior space is better suited for higher throughput of larger pieces.
Temperature considerationsA temperature controller will increase the ease at which a pottery kiln is used, as this can programmatically raise and lower the temperature of the kiln, further increasing efficiency. A new or used pottery kiln with more insulation will better retain the heat and therefore be more efficient. Temperature or cones need to be considered and are dependent on the type of material that is being fired and the type of glaze that will be used.
- Earthenware: Earthenware requires a lower temperature and therefore a smaller cone to fire it correctly.
- Stoneware: Stoneware requires a higher temperature and therefore a larger cone to fire it correctly.
The way to load a ceramic kiln should be considered as well. The kiln should be full when firing. Doing so will ensure that the heat is better regulated and not wasted. Additionally, there are two types of periodic kilns for sale.
- Top-loading: Top-loading pottery kilns load from the top. This requires the user to reach in to place the piece that will be fired and shelves need to be consecutively stacked.
- Front-loading: Front-loading pottery kilns load from a door on the front of the kiln. Shelves can be added before the pieces added within the pottery kiln and can aid in the visual inspection before beginning the firing processes.