how do i build a kiln?

Question

i would like to build a kiln in my yard to bake ceramics in. how? also any useful websites would be nice :)

Answer 1

Are you aware that most ceramics needs to be fired twice? The first firing is called a bisque firing and usually involved a slow and careful firing over 7-12 hours and temperatures of over 1800 degrees F. In a bisque firing the clay is chemically changing from clay to a glass type material. If not done carefully the items will explode or crack. The second firing is the glaze firing.

There are primitive firing methods, like pit firing and raku firing you could do in your backyard. Pit firing you possibly could do without bisquing your work first. It is usually recommended that the pieces are bisqued first to reduce breakage. There is lots of information about both of these methods and how to's on the web.

Your local pottery supply store will often fire stuff(bisque or glaze) for you for a fee. You might also ask at schools, or your local potters if you can get your work included in their next bisque firing. However be prepared to know exactly which kind of clay you use, because non-formulated clay can melt in a kiln and ruin it.

If you just want to take clay and "bake" it , I think polymer clays found in craft stores, can be baked in the oven, but I'm not sure.

I would strongly suggest you find someone who is firing in your local area and ask to observe them. Potters often get together to do raku or pit firings (its fun!)

Good luck!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

http://www.potterymaking.org/FlattopKiln_Complete.pdf

The man who wrote this is a well-known/respected potter.
This is just a starting point. I would suggest finding someone who knows about ceramics and the firing process for some guidance. There's more involved than you might expect.

You might also consider an electric kiln--but have it professionally installed/vented if you decide to go that route. Again, though, get in touch with someone familiar with the process.

Answer 4

I didn't find anything about it on the web, but if you take a college ceramics class, the professor is very likely to know how to build one. I've heard the discussions about it, but don't remember the entire process. Local shops that sell kilns may also have kits to build one at home. Here are some sites I found that sell kilns.

http://www.baileypottery.com

http://www.bigceramicstore.com

http://www.clay-king.com

Answer 5

If you are planning to start on your woodworking project, this isn't something you should use, it's something that you would be insane not to. Go here https://tr.im/QKZXI
Truth is, I've been a carpenter for almost 36 years, and I haven't found anything like this for less than 10's of thousands of dollars.