2006-09-15 11:42:05 · 7 answers · asked by mel_vogtman 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Sculpture
I know potters who have built their own kilns, but only after first learning the science thoroughly. You'd be far better off (and much safer) sending your child to a bona-fide pottery class first, letting your child learn from someone knowledgeable. Then when the child is confident enough, buy a second-hand kiln.
Different clays fire at different temperatures, kiln explosions happen... I wouldn't go there without a ton of research.
2006-09-15 16:45:36 · answer #1 · answered by joyfulpaints 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not worth the trouble! Building a pottery kiln is a skilled business particularly using electricity. If you are an amateur you run the risk of electrocution, short circuiting your home power supply, causing a fire and then finding your insurance company will not pay out! Be aware also that before buying a kiln you need to have an electrician check out the effect of the increased load the kiln will place on your home electricity supply. a good pottery kiln will be three phase and you will probably have to run a special line to the location in order to use it effectively. This could be very expensive depending on your type of home; apartment, condo?. You will also have to look at ventilation as pottery kilns can create toxic fumes when burning out certain glazes or oxides. You can't locate it on the kitchen bench! Given all these expenses and they are realistic, I would be cautious about spending that sort of money on a developing teen-ager. Hey! tomorrow he could discover archaeology or girls! Join him up to a good ceramic class, let him create some pieces, let them develop as green ware, use underglazes to decorate them [on the kitchen table or in the garage] and then arrange for the class leader to have them fired.You could create a hell of a lot of ceramic pieces this way and still spend less than it would cost to buy just the controller for your home made "time bomb".
2006-09-17 03:32:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend that you send your child to lessons provided by an experienced potter. You can meet other parents who have children with similar interests and compare notes on materials. Often the place that provides lessons will also have a kiln you can use.
Also, there are magazines (Ceramics Monthly, etc.) which have a wealth of information as well as a Classified section of pottery-related things for sale.
I surely would not, especially at this point, attempt to build your own electric kiln. Real potters use clays that fire to 1,000 degrees F. and up. You CAN buy 'hobby' clays that will fire in a regular oven.
2006-09-16 09:52:16 · answer #3 · answered by paleblueshoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
before you go building/buying a kiln, pay to have the work fired by a studio. Prices for firing are usuallt quite reasonable.
If you child likes the results and still wants a kiln, finding a used one might be a way to save money, yet stay safe.
2006-09-17 13:38:36 · answer #4 · answered by disco legend zeke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my friend blows glass and built himself his own kiln from scratch. he used an old electric oven, like an industrial one.... and he replaced the computer so it would keep the temp inside hot enough to keep the glass from cracking....... keep in mind it's probably not safe to operate it like that but he's had no problems
2006-09-15 18:54:02 · answer #5 · answered by jcbulldozer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU CAN FIND OUT ONLINE
2006-09-15 18:43:35 · answer #6 · answered by alexys n 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what the hell?
2006-09-15 18:43:44 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly Bundy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋