newbie @ firing my new Hormaca kiln, HELP!

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com (Seasa) wrote in news:86316aee.0312012354.8f36fb2 @posting.google.com:

This has got to be a put on.

I can't believe that anyone with a modicum of knowledge of pottery would write such a load of nonsense.

John W

Not a put on. That's just mean

I really don't understand why most potters have such a F-ing elitist attitude when it comes to passing on information.

If you have nothing constructive or helpful to say, the shut the F up!

If there is anyone out there who has something helpful to say, I'm still all ears.

Thanks a lot Sa P.S. Glad you're not my Uncle

Hey, I have a modicum of knowledge of pottery, but I wouldn't have a clue either if I got a new kiln. I do all my work at the local craft center and have never fired a gas or electric kiln, and have only taken part in a couple of wood firings. The studio tech does all firings except for the wood. We all have to start somewhere. I'd be looking for information if I suddenly was lucky enough to have a new kiln, too.

Deb R.

Congrats.

I went to their website, but they don't have any downloadable instructions in either language. If you have a scanner and can post or email them, in both languages, I'll see what I can do to help you through the unclear translations.

Diego

I suggest you find an experienced potter and get them to help you through the first few firings, even if you have to pay them.

John Tried to email you?? I think you have my new email address, drop me a line please. Annemarie

I have it all sussed out. Thanks to all with your helpful words. I had a guy walk me though what was a very simple process. I just had NO experience with gas kilns, only electric, and the instruction manual was no help at all.

Now that I have some understanding of it, I can tell what the instruction book was trying to say. Now it's a source of humor, instead of frustration.

The Hormaca kiln comes propane ready, BTW.

Now I just have to figure out how to get more gas to it, as it just wasn't getting enough. It will be a matter of removing regulators, I think. Thanks again Sa

annemarie wrote:

I agree with annemarie here.. Firing a gas kiln takes a while to learn. Part of the learning curve is how to stack the kiln. Each kiln takes practice learning. Your BMW does not come with driving instructions either. You have to learn several very complex concepts: when to reduce the kiln; how much to turn the primary ports down and when: how much to push in the dampers and when; how much to increase the gas pressure for each hour of firing; what to do if the kiln is uneven in temperature or stalls. Its not just a question of reading a book upon the subject. I have been firing gas kilns for 30 years. If I was to fire a kiln that was new to me, I would want someone who had fired that kiln to tell me about that kiln. If I am firing a kiln that I just had built, I would keep meticulous logs on the firing. I do not use water column gauges to tell me when and how much gas to put thru the kiln. That would drive some potters mad. Particularly beginners. I use my sense of smell, eye site upon the flame from the door peep and the angle that the value is at. IF and only if the kiln is out of whack, then I rely upon the speed of the gas meter to tell me if I am putting too much gas thru..... this ain't in any book I have ever read. Oh and one more thing... I can always blow a whole load. Even after 500 firings, there will be one I miss on... either too hot or too cold or not enough reduction or too much gas going thru the kiln producing bubbling. I will bet that every experienced potter here has a kiln go wrong once in a while.