Purchase a used Kiln - How risky?

Don: The best way to test temperature is with a pyrometer, but there are other indicators. Does the kiln inside look like it has seen too many explosions? Is it all in good shape? Has it been used a lot, or overfired (you can usually tell by looking around the lid for metal discoloration/ warping, etc. Are the bricks charred and cracked, or does it look "like new" inside? Unless the basement was _very_ damp, storage should have had no effect on the kiln and the electronics should still work ok. Depending on use, the elements might need replacement, but that is relatively cheap compared to buying a new kiln.

I recently bought a used (very used) kiln that had been through flooding from a hurricane. After making sure that the kiln sitter was adjusted properly, and replacing the elements, I crossed my fingers and fired it up. Works like a dream. A very wise man once said "A kiln is nothing but a big toaster." Hope that helps, Wayne in Key West

We have three used electric kilns. Fixing the wiring and electronics is a lot cheaper than buying a new kiln so if the firebricks are basically OK and the wiring looks in reasonable condition then you shouldn't be too worried. Rewiring a kiln isn't hard either, I've done two of them now; you just need to get the specs for the kiln and talk to your friendly ceramics supply people and they should be able to provide a new set of elements relatively cheap. One of those little butane pencil torches helps a lot, it lets you heat up the wire to red heat if you need to bend/unwind it to make a good fit.

Temperature is best checked with a pyrometer but note that if they have poor electrical wiring then the volts drop before it gets to the kiln may cause it to reach a lower temperature than you expect. Similarly, if your wiring is worse than theirs (or on the end of a long feed) then you might not get as good a set of results. If it's just due to crystallisation of the elements then you need to fit a new set. As for elements lasting, one of our kilns came with a spare set of elements - they had tags on them dated

Dave

The kiln was only used as a hobby, some ceramics and pottery. It never saw heavy usage. The inside looks new, bricks looks good. It just a little rusty on the lower legs from sitting in the basement. 220V 45 AMP electric hook-up.

A side question I have - How is one's homeowners insurance premium effected if I have this hooked up in my house? Would it be wise to install it in a detached garage?

Don

Normally, an insurance company doesn't even inquire about such things. The only thing an agent or company would ask, and only at the time of application, is if you conduct any business on premises. If the answer at the time of application is "no", but you enter into a business later, then, most contracts require you to notify your agent or company if any such business is entered into after the issuance of the policy. Now, if you state "no" because you are treating your pottery avocation as a hobbie, and not a "for profit" business, then you don't even need to disclose it. You are just as likely to burn down your home from a faulty electric dryer. A professionally installed or, at least, inspected kiln would be sufficient with the proper venting, etc. if no business is intended no matter whether in your home or in a separate structure and will not affect your home insurance. The only other concern you will have is if you are in violation of any zoning laws applying to use of kilns in residential areas. That, of course, is a matter for the city or county you live in to decide.

If you are treating it as a business, (and a good claims adjuster will do the research) then you must disclose it to your insurance carrier and they might put on a "business pursuits" endorsement on your policy and charge you extra. Be careful with this. There is a very short list of eligible businesses allowed on premises. Mostly, they look at whether customers are allowed to enter the premises for browsing or purchasing. I would suggest that, if you declare it a business, that you do assure your agent that no customers will come on premises; that your goods are taken to another commercial location for sale or only shipped via "Brown" from your doorstep. Your approach should be: What if I put in a kiln and want to start a business? I just would hate to see your policy get "nonrenewed" needlessly, which they can and probably will do if you don't approach it properly. Right now, with the new Terrorist Act of 2002 that puts a percentage of loss responsibility on the backs of the insurance companies, "Mold Exclusion" issues that most coastal states are dealing with and recent historical declines in insurance company reserves due to poor performance in investments (ie. Enron, World Com, and all the other blue chip darlings), homeowner insurance companies have the safeties off and their fingers are on the non-renewal triggers.

Hope this helps.

Diego

Diego's answer is great. I just want to add that if you are putting it in the house be sure to vent it well. A good friend of mine had problems with carbon monoxide poisoning due to her kilns in her basement. And they were vented. My kilns are outside in a detached garage. Mostly because that is where my studio is.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ Penni Stoddart of Penelope's Pots Full Time Education Assistant, Part Time Potter

Sometimes we just need to remember what the rules of life really are... You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use the duct tape.

I have my kiln in my garage too. My studio is a seperate building next to the garage. I do not have vents for my kiln, I just open the garage door :o) I advise having it in the garage, much better having it away from people.