How Do You Select The Right Pottery Kiln?
One of the most intimidating items to invest in when setting up a pottery studio is the kiln. There are many variables to take into account to make the correct choice for you. DECIDE WHAT KIND OF POTTERY YOU WILL BE DOING? Most people have their favorite methods of creating pottery each of which demand different kilns. LOW FIRE CERAMICS REQUIRES AN ELECTRIC KILN. If you prefer making ceramics such as the kind made in a Glaze and Fire sort of retail shop (Cone 04) or if you work with mid-range clays and glazes (Cone 6) then you only need a digital or manually operated electric kiln with elements around the sides. RAKU REQUIRES A SPECIAL RAKU KILN. Some people prefer a pottery technique called Raku which requires a process of oxygen reduction. This fire and smoke from this technique would ruin an electric kiln. Special Raku kilns can be purchased from a pottery supply or there are many video’s online discussing how to make your own propane Raku pottery kilns from trash barrels. HIGH FIRE
