SIMON LEACH -How to convert an electric kiln to gas -2 !!

[kantb777]

Simon,

Why not just simply build a similar shape and size kiln composed of fire bricks, rather than using the shell of an existing electric kiln - wouldn't that work just as well?

[sleachpots]

@kantb777 you could do that as well of course but would have to cover the bricks with some kind of mortar to stop draughts getting into the kiln from between the bricks. The electric kiln bricks and shell provide a convenient way of recycling an old unwanted kiln and works well into the bargain ! SL

[kantb777]

I may be that person (don't want to use the word you did) who will attempt at that calculation. I'll try to do one for bisque and one for cone 9. Will post the results, if I do.

Really appreciate your mammoth contribution and sharing of your expertise. And welcome to America!

[sleachpots]

@kantb777 oh ! :) well yes please do it ! so we can all learn ! SL

[kantb777]

Simon,

What is the propane gas usage in gallons or pounds for both bisque and cone 6 firings?  And how long is each one?

Thanks.

Ben

[sleachpots]

@kantb777 sorry I do not know the answer to the quantity of gas used ...it reads down a little on the scale from 40 down to 38 approx. ( bearing in mind that when full it is only 80% to allow for air inside ) that was the last firing. Bisque is about 5 hours- incl warm up and glaze 7 hours. By the way I fire to cone 10 not 6. SL

[kantb777]

@sleachpots What do the numbers correspond to, is that percent full, and what size tank, and what gage? Sorry, but without some basic information there is no way to calculate cost. Thanks.

[kantb777]

@sleachpots I checked on gauges, and the numbers correspond to percent of tank full. What size tank would it be for the deviation of 2 points? Thanks.

[kantb777]

I am curious to see if anybody had done $ calculation to see the difference in cost running a gas converted kiln versus an electric kiln the same size.

[sleachpots]

@kantb777 In Spain where I was before here in the US , gas would have been the cheaper option for sure. But apart from the cost the reason many of us prefer gas is that one can do a reduction type firing which from an aesthetic viewpoint is far superior. Now I have no idea which is the cheaper option here in the US ....any nerds out there ?? SL

[janiceastanley]

Great to see Ronda's idea has worked out!

[harleyspringer1]

Keep up the good work Simon it looks great ! You've got me looking on Craigslist for a old electric kiln now !! Great idea !

[kroraven]

Thanks again for a whopper video;-) I hope someday to grow up an be a potter like you, yes I have high hopes;-) Beautiful day, hope your firing her up now;-D

[disisdkat]

What I have read/heard for filling in the spaces left vacant by the elements is the mix 50/50 sawdust and fireclay; make a stiff clay (putty) out of it and fill it in.

[Alyzabeth01]

LOL@the roasting comment. Nothing I love more than a great sense of humor! Come and fire this puppy up so I can see how it goes. I want to get busy on mine when this is tested:)

[longbeforedawn]

I don't have any experience building kilns, (yet) but it seams to me you will have the 'IN' draft being CROSSED by the 'OUT' draft on the way out, at the spaces between the bricks supporting the bottom kiln shelf.

So I guess I agree with danielsolowiej.

Won't the exiting gases divert at least some of the entering flame out the flue at the bottom of the kiln, before it circulates.

Just my two cents

[defiantwyant]

remember you need a peep hole to monitor the cones dropping over.

[janelowth]

Yes, new projects are great fun, it is inspiring to see what you are up to! I built a raku kiln in the spring, around the time you were making yours, and I have recently got it all working well. I made it with lift off sections of different heights to suit short and tall pots. I am thinking about making something really tall, and using both sections of the kiln to fire it. Have had some fun, and lovely results. Thanks again for all your ideas and enthusiasm.

[danielsolowiej]

Simon, I persist in my doubts about the circulation of the gases. When the lid is closed, the flames look the FIRST exit , so they will find it before reaching the deflectors, (right in the middle of the floor, in the space you left between the supports). flames will run in horizontal direction . If you cover those holes will be the same in the middle of the deflectors.(hot bottom)I think the entrance to the chimney should be over the bottom shelf. To Nice clip as allways, thanks for sharing.

[tripanfal]

Do not use that cement IN the kiln. It blisters and flakes. I used the exact same cement in my raku kiln. Failed at cone 06 and made a mess.

[tripanfal]

Simon, Mark Ward from Ward burners told me for a kiln my size (Just like yours in Spain, from the self reliant potter) needs 6 feet of chimney. My kiln struggled to reach cone 10 until I Increased the chimney height. I'm interested to see if this will reach temp. I use the same exact burner for my raku kiln. One burner heats it to temp in 30 minutes. Check out my latest videos.

[Alyzabeth01]

Thanks for showing this. I am waiting until you fire this one up and see how it goes before I rip into my old electric Skutt and follow your example.

[MELIPAISITA]

nice video

[jmg1957]

well done ..