Operating a Small Gas Kiln

Welcome to the Potters’ Round Table lecture on Operating a Small Gas Kiln.
Gas kilns can produce some of the most beautify textures and colors in the entire ceramic spectrum. And firing a gas kiln can be an efficient and effective path to an atmospheric firing. There are many variables that can produce unpredictable results in kiln setup and kiln loading. In this video Phil talks about everything he has learned in setting up the kiln in three different locations and firing his gas kiln for over twenty years. If you are experiencing difficulty with your current gas kiln or if you are planning to expand your firing options to include a gas kiln, this video can give you some ideas that might help improve your results.

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[plj]

Thank you so much for this video! I have been searching for information on firing a gas kiln and how to deal with hot spots. I have the smallest Olympic gas kiln and haven't used it very often because I felt more comfortable using my electric kiln. Also, the reason I haven't used the gas kiln more is that I don't really know how to use it. There was a small manual that came with it that indicated the use of a baffle shelf 3" from the top of the lid it also said to place the bottom shelf 3 inches from the floor of the kiln. Other than that there wasn't any additional information on firing it. I got brave several months ago, bit the bullet and fired it. I did use a baffle shelf at the top, 3 inches below the lid of the kiln. The cone on the top shelf was overfired, the middle shelf was about right and the bottom shelf was underfired. I had larger pieces at the top and smaller ones on the bottom shelf. There were some pieces that looked more matured on one side than the other. It was very discouraging. Your video has given me new hope and I am anxious to try your modifications. I might add, I am firing with propane and not natural gas. I hope you will do more videos on firing the gas kiln as there is nothing else out there not even from the manufacturer. The books I have found on the subject are more technical. Maybe I have just looked at the wrong books. I would like information on how to adjust the rise of temperature, how much and when. Also I would like to know how and when to cover the top port. To me, firing the gas kiln is much more exciting. Sorry this is such a long comment. I am just so happy to find this place on YouTube.

[keebelersplace]

Thank you!! I use an updraft kiln and have the problem of hotter temps on the lower shelves. I will use the baffle system inside to mix air/fire better. Hopefully this will remedy this issue. Great info!

[nicolabludau]

Thank you! It helped me a lot to understand what's going on. Although my kiln is somewhat simpler (port-o-kiln). Your videos are very good!

[cadencsawesomeness]

Thank you for your videos and podcasts they are super helpful and informative! I'm just wondering when you'll return to talk about the operation of the small gas kiln? I have a small downdraft gas kiln and I'm trying to figure out how to determine when the kiln is in reduction and how heavy the reduction needs to be. Thanks again!

[cafebuenosaires]

Thank you! So helpful. Question, how do you provide air to the ring pilot burner. You show a diagram of it but not show photo or explanation. Thank you so very much.

[plj]

I hope someone at your place can help me. I started to fire my Olympic 1823 gas kiln (the smallest one) today and had some problems. At the beginning I left only the pilot bar on to warm up my ware. After an hour I turned the main burners on low. I did notice some soot but it has been my understanding that soot is normal at this stage. I had the lid propped open about 4 inches and the peeps open. I noticed kind of a strange sound coming from the piolet burner and saw lots of flames coming out between the burner and the air adjusting plate. I had this plate open about 1/2 in. I had to close it up completely to not have the flame coming out but assume it was still burning inside. I don't know how to deal with this. I turned everything off because I don't want to blow up or cause a fire. I do fire with propane and I do have a low pressure regulator on my propane tank. The tank I have is a big one that we use to power the whole house since we don't get natural gas where I live. I don't know if this was caused by the way I loaded the kiln or what. I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Is this a dangerous situation? Once the kiln has cooled down I plan to take it apart and clean the pilot bar of any debris and check the orifices. I am assuming the correct orifices are installed as they are the ones that came with the burner when I purchased the kiln and I did specify propane. If anyone out there can help me solve my problem, please do. Thanks

[jezanderson]

Great Video - really useful as I have been given an old Olympic gas kiln just like this but with three rings instead of four. Are there still plans to do a follow up video on the firing procedure?

[Sheepdog]

thank you - there is no one around here who can help build, but I'll work my way through....

[mariafrey-potteria]

Hi there, I can't seem to find the show notes at the link you provided. Are they available still? (Assuming the notes include the slides presented)

[deepashtray]

Your videos have been most valuable, thank you. I am in the process of building a small gas kiln, shooting for early summer to have it firing, and had a quick question. I will be insulating it with refractory ceramic fiber insulation and was wondering if you could recommend a rigidizer to coat and stiffen it? Either a recipe or a recommended brand that you might use. The only information I can find comes from diy blacksmith forge chat rooms. Thanks.

[qrzgalileo]

hola! otra vez aqui, In the photo they show of the burners of this oven, there are 5 burners, what type are they, dimensions, I think there are many that depends on their size

[xpuppetsmasterx]

Are gas kilns good for beginners? Right now my home is fully powered by solar power only so i don't have the means for an electric one. But i have plenty of room to make an area for a gas kiln on the backyard.

[potterhouse]

You mentioned a typical firing lasting for about 5 hours. Is this a glaze firing? What cone? And what rate of temperature increase?

[scottmeredith]

The post for moving the flame is acting as a bag wall

[salvadormendoza]

excellent presentation, I have a small gas kiln made by me very similar to the olimpic 2327, with ceramic fiber, two venturi burners but in a horizontal position, 6-inch space between the floor and the first shelf and on this the pots; I think that's how the turbulence you mention is created. I want to think that saves me from putting the deflectors on top, what do you think, thanks!

[CreekRoadPotteryLLC]

Hey I fire electric to gas even during bisque. I have almost the same set up that I learned to do over the years. Adding the post flame deflectors may be something I might try. You did not mention the temp or cone difference between the top and bottom after your changes. I am still running a hot bottom much of the time.

[plj]

I've been using half shelves instead of whole shelves in the firings I've done. I have left about an inch between the shelves. Does this make a difference in the firing? Also, could half shelves be staggered to accommodate the sizes of various pieces being fired? Would the spacing between the shelves affect how the heat is distributed? Thanks for your help. I love this channel.

[mhkashi]

Hello sir how are you sir I want your help regarding the thermocouple for gas kiln

[really]

Please redo the lecture. The visuals were essential, but useless because the videographer did not realize that only you could see the visuals.

[scottmeredith]

Soft brick damper well rain down brick of glaze. Hard brick only