Tips for new kiln owners

[@karenryker5740]

Do you use kiln wash. We do then any glaze that gets on a shelf can be scraped off or a grinder used on it. If the wash chips away, shelf can be recoated.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Yeah, we already did an episode on how to use kiln wash. I'm just too lazy to chip it off and make another layer.

[@sarahmcfeely1014]

You can also do a “paper test” if you take a rolled up piece of paper and stick it in one of the peep holes and it catches fire then you know the kiln is at or above 451 degrees.

[@TeganKosterProject]

I’m about three years now to pottery. And Donte, I’m just going to say this : you have been my master the whole time. I never not find what I’m look for on your channel. I found you very early on in my pottery life luckily and have learnt most things from you :) including this morning : Donte when should I crack open my kiln? I have seen this vid quite a few times when setting up my second hand skutt and have already glaze fired several times but still learning and therefore, still need to re watch this video! I feel like a very good student and have actually followed (A Lot if not most) of your advice including getting myself a Sansei (master potter) and my practice has improved greatly and am now throwing off the hump . I just want to drop a big love bomb of appreciation on your channel cause you the best ! You are

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Damn. This hit me.

[@DreamingCatStudio]

When you spend 10 minutes listening to a passionate rant about bent wires holding elements against soft brick and never heard of any of them before 10 minutes ago....by which I mean to say great video, I learned so much, love your humor and enthusiasm. Wandered here cuz thinking of getting into pottery. Thank you!

[@karenhicks9302]

I want to thank you for your videos. I took more than a few pottery/ceramics classes at a local university. For a long time, I didnt know whether to major in ceramics or drawing. That was back in the eighties, and eventually decided to be an elementary school teacher. Now, I am disabled. I am nearing 60. I decided to turn an upstairs bedroom into an art studio and wanted to teach art out of it. I only have a few students but I enjoy it and would almost do it for free. I got a good deal on a potters wheel from Amazon and I found a lady in the lower town arts district, who is a professional ceramicist. She has a few kilns and for a small fee is going to fire our pieces. I have forgotten a lot of stuff and never dealt with the kilns much in college except to load and unload them. I love teaching art so much and am teaching kids how to use - on a beginners level - a potters wheel and to sculpt. You and the clay lady have helped me regain my basic knowledge. Thank you so much for making these videos and being so funny and entertaining!!

[@unicornseatfruit]

I don't have my own kiln yet but I would totally name it Burnie. 👀

[@zorgon2426]

That feels like a bad omen?! haha

[@unicornseatfruit]

@@zorgon2426 no no, Burnie is just doing his job, creating beautiful pots with heat 🔥

[@themathsciencegeek702]

Burnie Sanders

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

@@themathsciencegeek702 ahhahahaha

[@adymolina8831]

I just got home from buying my first kiln. I am on cloud 9. I've dreamt of having my own pottery kiln since I first touched clay in my sophomore year of highschool. 🥲 Thank you for sharing this information! You are so funny man.

[@TheGlitterGirl1998]

Just got my first kiln (used) this summer, and named him Iroh after the character from ATLA cause he's old, tough, and reliable 😂

[@user-wf3xl6ht1v]

My kiln's name is Kathy Bates. She's not a looker, but she's reliable and won't let you down.

[@edcantarella9931]

I have 5 kilns, 3 used. I call them by the name of their previous owners. Why? I started the practice when I bought the first used. Poor lady, her husband had nothing but jive comments about how she was going to stop wasting time(him with his 3 classic cars in the barn). Then he said "where's my half of the money". She stuck the money in her bra and walked away. sad stuff.

[@JoanWagner1967]

@@edcantarella9931 Just like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

[@scarletwatson5108]

You are the best. I just got a ton of questions by a new Kiln owner !!!!

[@socrateacher9331]

Thank you! I am a 150 year old teacher who has taught academic subjects for the last 200 of them. Serendipitously, a principal I worked for 15 years ago offered me a job, saying "How would you feel about teaching ART??" Little did he know.. I had been an ART kid who loved working in clay - but chose the practical route of NOT being an art teacher. Now I'm an art teacher. Middle School. First semester was 2d. Now it's 3d, and I have a kiln! I have TWO kilns, actually... and I've been drooling and rubbing my hands together since August. But reality hits me - I have NO idea how to actually fire up and use those kilns! (Both Skutt kilns) Your video has helped me avoid some pitfalls!

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Wow you are really old, I always thought the oldest person was on 114 or so

[@signalcraft]

It’s a bot

[@rebeccamurphykeith7388]

Skutt 181 was manufactured in 1975-just bought one for my 1st kiln. Weird having equipment older than me... Also- mine didn't come with a cord/plug so...I have to attach one I ordered. Trying hard not to be intimidated by the process. Thanks for this video-it answered a bunch of Qs. Looking forward to your other videos on the inevitable other questions that come up...

[@rebeccamurphykeith7388]

Also-the hooked pins you like are called Kemper element pins- Blick has them www.dickblick.com/products/kemper-element-pins/

[@vespakat7815]

Thank you! I’ve just ordered a plug and fire L&L kiln. The inside is just 8” square approx. I’m going to call her “Tiny Dancer” ❤️

[@AngelBomb5000]

Thanks for a great video! I recently acquired an old Duncan electric kiln from a garage sale. I have worked with ceramics a little in my art school past, but have no experience firing a kiln myself. I have a lot to learn but looking forward to a fun journey! BTW- I nearly spit out my coffee when you told everyone to finish watching the vid before leaving comments! So true- idiots and trolls are E V E R Y W H E R E.

[@taylor-nicolescott6592]

l have a paragon A88B and l’m so happy l found this video. you’re such a sweetie for posting all this knowledge. thank you!!!

[@constablebentonfraser5014]

Excellent, clear and informative, all killer no filler knowledge for a total alien to the craft, not an alien on a spacecraft but a human who wants to learn pottery or potting but not potting about in the garden, using ceramics, not Sir Mics, master of the microphone but a human weirdo. Anyway. Subbed. Thank you.

[@shirleycirio6897]

Very helpful video... Very helpful video. I am glad that you repeat yourself.

[@martinmilner14]

I'm not. He could have said all that he had to say in less than 2 minutes. Tedious.

[@globalwarmerguy9099]

Dante, I also have a skutt181 (and an older cress). Buy an Orton Autofire for your old manual kilns. It will change your life to the good. Every day you fire, you will thank yourself. It allows you to be able to slow cool, preheat before bisque. The work you save will dwarf the cost of the computer. I will never fire without a computer. Again.

[@TLCREW9]

I appreciate the basics - especially for older kiln! Thank you!

[@benjaminchavez3970]

Half shellfs? I'll place my bottom false floor and do I place a support in the middle? And if I do use a half shelf with mugs and want to fire a bigger bowl on the other side to have a mass on the other side of the half shelf to heat distribution evenly. It's this proper stacking and firing?

[@dmsanfil]

Helpful, thanks! Just got my first kiln, and I named it The Beep Boop Machine!

[@megmeg9461]

I'm buying my first kiln soon. I am definitely subscribing. Kiln...scared...determined.

[@eleanorthompson7864]

when you talk about safe temperatures (200 degrees) for opening the kiln are you talking fahrenheit or celsius?Thank you!

[@janet7270]

Thank you for your informative videos. This one was a huge help!! I purchased my 1st used kiln and being a newbie I am getting a wealth of information from your You Tube videos.

[@CeeJayKay]

Me too. No experience, no directions on my new old kiln.

[@midlandernc7403]

How about use a digital point and shoot infrared thermometer through the peephole

[@Io.michelle]

Do you have a kiln shelf laying flat on the bottom first and then you lay the 3 stilts sideways on that? and then add the kiln shelf on that which you stack pottery on?

[@FrancisoDoncona]

Your gonna love this, if I flip a tray that had dripped glaze on it won’t it drip again onto whatever is beneath it? Or weld a fixture or drip onto the floor. Of course it will, sorry had no choice you asked for it.

[@lisacatlin8161]

I just bought a used kiln! Never thought of naming it but am now. Dante, if you come down to San Diego, I'd love to have you check it out!

[@RayleneG679]

Ditto!

[@lillyhaynes9827]

This is very helpful. I’m picking up my first kiln in two days

[@davescheck3126]

Hi I have a kiln like ghost. I replaced coils it worked couple of times, now it won't turn the coils red any more any suggestion what to look for.

[@sotchris9888]

love your delivery and instructions.. thank you😊

[@remobandini6144]

Do you have a ceramic blanket pasted against bricks on roof of the lid. If so. What did you use to adhere it ?

[@tamaracastaldo]

I was just gifted an old, Manuel kiln. It has (what I can assume is) glaze all over the bottom. which makes the bottom uneven. Is it possible to fix this problem and still use the kiln? at this point, I have no idea how I could set a level kiln shelf on it.

[@kirsty1446]

Thank you so much Donte. Your videos are fantastic. Have totally named my kiln - my son calls it my cauldron, so that’s stuck! Thanks again from Melbourne, Australia.

[@PSMITHjl]

Good name!

[@RayleneG679]

my used (new o me) kiln, Duncan Duncan ES 1020-6 isnt working!!! i fired 3 times. now it wont fire the receptacle reads split 120, for 240. anyhooo..where can I find a way to figure out my outlet and can I replace the 3k-lite kiln sitter? omg...Im so divistated

[@PSMITHjl]

Good clear basic advice that every new kiln owner can use. Thank you!

[@cgallup1]

Any thing below 400º you can open your Kiln. at 500º crack the lid open 1 inch. Invest in a Kiln Pyrometer not cheap but worth the cost to save some of the headache for the unknown.

[@bikermansl3]

Could you show me how to use cones the tiggy Bobby that you put them on on the inside

[@joycee5493]

I also have a very old manual skutt Thanks for the tips!

[@jessicaferrara7708]

I use 2 short kiln stands to vent, works instead of bricks too

[@gbennett58]

Hate to pick nits, but you said the glaze sticks to the bottom of the kiln shelf. You probably meant it sticks to the top of the kiln shelf?

[@lisalovelylpa]

That’s funny, I new to all this and just built my first kiln and gave it a name lol

[@lonestarracing7516]

Bought a Duncan kiln that's 3ft by 2ft not even sure how to use it ngl but im learning but it was $80 and doesn't need much work as far as I can tell

[@sparrowberry3420]

Looolz the sass is so good😂 Your videos are so helpful! (As you know by now. Hopefully.) Thanks for being incredibly clear on everything!😆

[@colinme2672]

Do not speed cool! This why your elements pop out and compress. Channel pins are just a small bit of old elements snipped off I have to ver 35 years as a ceramic technician, lecturer and potter

[@HAP072770]

How long does your Skutt 181 take till it turns off on a glaze fire? About 8 hours?

[@larkshere]

My kilns name is Chewy, because the hinge sounds like Chewbakka (sp?) when I open it!

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Lol

[@constablebentonfraser5014]

My friends dog is called chewy

[@maridetto3705]

Thanks for another amazing video. I'm also looking at a kiln (if the current owner ever gets back to me) that is an old manual. Going to watch your vid about firing up a manual kiln. I'm an old dirty potter and for me the only regret I have is not discovering this love years ago

[@keithlightminder3005]

My tiny kiln is named kaijsa and my middle sized one is named Obidiah. It helps to make a thin plate like a drink coaster to rest the pots on, it catches any run off. Also I tried the flip over , which you showed at the very end, and it drips onto the pots below.

[@amykrenzer4646]

Looking to buy my first kiln. This was great!

[@michaelandrews934]

I want to use 1 section of my Sitter Kiln K. My house doesnt have an available 240v line and an electrician said it would cost 7000 dollars to upgrade. But if I separate the sections and use 1 of the 3 available elements, where the required 50A is now divided by a 3rd - 16A, can I replace the 240v power cord with a 120V and use one section?

[@lisayates4230]

I love the information you explain. I have an old Skutt kiln and i dont have a clue. Im making green ware and ill be expiramentimg with it as soon as i get a 220 outlet in my garage. :)

[@remobandini6144]

I'm in the market for a kiln I enjoyed this clip. Thank you. What temperature does yours reach I need one to fire at over 800 celsius What do you recommend I need to bake ceramic photos that withstand UV light for years (outside use on headstones)

[@sflow15]

What do you do with keeping stilts in the same place level to level if you are placing half-shelves on top of whole shelves? Not sure 1.5 stilts would suffice... or would it?

[@camistonge]

Dude! I love it. I appreciate your surly style. Seriously, I do appreciate your directness. It's super helpful. I inherited three kilns. I just wired my shop for them. Going to fire these bad boys up. I have a kiln that is like 70+ years old. Is that crazy or what? I'm not going to test that one ... too scary.

[@liuolivia6078]

thanks for the tips!!!really good!!!! really helped me a lot

[@edcantarella9931]

Don't jam a brick in there , that places a hard corner of the brick against the lid, risking breaking one of the thinner element channels in the lid if your kiln is a multi-purpose one. If you must use a brick, wrap it first. Fiber cloth is a good choice.

[@annaponomareva5749]

Thank you for the useful tips! Just wonder if it's a good idea to use kiln wash on the kiln floor? We got a new kiln (didn't think about a name for it yet..:) but already got some minor drips of oxide on the floor after firing, although we did put a shelf on the bottom (apparently the shelf is not wide enough). So now thinking on how to clean it... appreciate if you can advise. Thanks!

[@jbadge26]

I’m selling 2 cress kilns in Richmond, CA I’m not sure what they’re worth One is a FTX27P the other B-27-H both are missing the plugs and shelves.

[@breannavanbeek4870]

I'm a self taught potter and I have a question. So I have two switches on my kiln, it's an old paragon. Am I supposed to switch both the switches to the temperature I want to fire at or is the bottom switch for a faster firing? My kiln has quick fire instructions next to the bottom switch. I don't know if that makes sense I could always get a picture to show you. I just need someones help lol. Thanks in advance!

[@MrDamatobrandon]

Was that a Viewtifull Joe sound effect

[@jessicaferrara7708]

If u do ceramics( not pottery) I use all different sizes of stands,stilts and shelves,( cuz sculpture is obviously different heights) and I put them all over and use lots of half shelves too I have not had issues with divits breaking, and I was always tought not to put in the same place it causes more stress on the kiln itself, so it's good to be cautious, but I think u are over thinking the shelves, I have ones that are like decades old and still work great, dropping or stepping on them tho I have accidentally done that and broke one or two,lol.

[@dellaB22]

Thank you for your clear easy instructions.

[@cpohayes]

I noticed in this video you said not to put the bottom shelf on the bottom of the kiln but in your other videos it appears the shelf is directly on the bottom of the kiln without supports. Did you change your mind along the way?

[@michaelvicente7026]

I see you’re in Sacramento (me too!). I just got my first Kiln yesterday. Do you happen to do any local workshops? Super noob here.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Sadly I can't at the moment more so because of the virus, but, when this is all over if studios wanted to have me do a class or something like that I would be happy to. You just kind of have to bug your studio owner;)

[@MitchPR08]

I just bought an old Duncan kiln off FB marketplace. It has a ceramic fiber top and bottom so the bottom of the kiln is pretty soft. Do you recommend still placing some stilts or posts on the bottom and then placing my ground kiln shelf on that like you did in the video? Or should I place the shelf directly on the bottom? I don't want to damage it.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

I personally have started putting stilts to lift it off the shelves so they don't directly touch the bottom. But I do still recommend putting something at the bottom because if you have a glaze run and you don't have protection it's going to touch the bottom of your Kiln directly which will cause a much larger problem than a ruined shelf.

[@benpatterson4452]

Since it seems you are due for some new elements, might as well replace that damage soft brick, so you have some element channels again. The brick is relatively inexpensive.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

I'm planning on getting another kiln soon actually. I just wanted to do this video before I got one because how am I going to explain to you guys how to fix some problems in a kiln if my kiln that was perfect and brand new lol.

[@benpatterson4452]

@@EarthNationCeramics Ah, that makes sense. I actually have the same kiln, sitting in my studio, that I never hooked up. I came across another, better kiln instead. Are you buying uses again, or going for a new kiln? If you are going for a new one, I suggest L&L. I have nothing against Skutt, in fact most that I have used/ owned have been Skutt. L&L are just a little better designed, and have great customer support.

[@juliannebond502]

My new front loading kiln instructions say to put the bottom shelf directly on the floor as the props will eventually eat away at the floor .

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Maybe it's different for a front loader but I have never had that problem in the 7 years I've been doing ceramic artwork

[@juliannebond502]

Earth Nation Ceramics. It’s probably made from different materials actually, now I think about it . Yours is a brick kiln . Mine is fibre.

[@stephenwindom3010]

Thanks, that was a great video. I have a Skutt 1027, and I'm not always sure what I'm doing. :)

[@user-ow7bi3se2b]

Can't wait to use "mine" soon :D thanks for this, you have a video for everything I need it seems! Haha

[@fatimazohrajaafari9244]

What is the best kiln for beginners is it gas or electric kiln

[@TGUlricksen]

Also, would play sand under the shelf be a good substrate?

[@jedijohnjohn]

What about flipping kiln shelves between firings? Is it necessary?

[@karmienbowman5102]

So JO, Where are the columns below? or the links below ?

[@jenniferwade727]

Click the \/ arrow on the right beneath the video & it will open his description that includes the links he mentioned.

[@musicmanucsj]

Great video. Where can I buy a kiln like this one?

[@Dave_Menz_p4p_number_1]

broooooo how did you get that gold on the pot in the intro?

[@altusynlig]

Hi, Love your videos this channel si GOLD. If i don't have a spy hole on my new kiln, can i just drill one by myself?

[@Iluvmang0s]

Can I use any brick to cool it off?

[@jrocps447]

any tips where to buy a kiln?

[@joeymagdelone3705]

Did you just call me “dirty” :o 😂

[@joeymagdelone3705]

About repeating yourself: It’s actually very important when teaching because we don’t always pay attention the first time around

[@clarence-theregularcat7708]

I would never put a piece of anything between to open up the kiln lid. First of all the unnatural fast cool will wear down elements faster and second the uneven pressure on the lid can damage the bricks. you may not notice it at first but keep repeat doing it and you might find that your kiln will no longer close entirely without leaving a gap open.

[@jazzandtapioca1]

Im still not sure what to name my kiln ive got two names in mind i was thinking of Eve as in Killing Eve but Kilning Eve or Bill so i can tell people im going to fire the electrical Bill and i just cant make my mind up what do you think Eve, Bill or a new one that ive not thought of?

[@miranda94333]

Do you put kiln wash on the bottom of your kiln?? I've seen some people recommend this but I'm not sure

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Kiln washes use to put a protective layer at the bottom of your Kiln in case you're either worried about things running or you want to cover up something that has ran into your shelves. I don't use it but if you wanna you can. I have a video on it I believe

[@erikak8503]

200 degrees F or Celsius? ;)

[@jadesines5343]

Baby Egan 🥰 it means little fire in Irish 🥰

[@Nintendalie]

Are the 3 stilts only for octagonal kilns? Mine is square.

[@EarthNationCeramics]

I still use three for a square one but my square one is very small. Might wanna double check that one tho

[@lilymayer5444]

10:50 are you saying we should or shouldn’t get thicker ones? You said to opt out but then you said they great...I’m confused...did you mean we should opt in or opt for the thick ones?

[@EarthNationCeramics]

Sorry I believe I meant to say opt in not out.

[@sabriyawilliams4470]

When is the competition being graded?

[@EarthNationCeramics]

The competition is being graded in a week and a half and the video should be out and about 2 weeks. Don't worry I will announce a week before he stopped taking entries

[@sabriyawilliams4470]

@@EarthNationCeramics okay dokay thanks

[@jedijohnjohn]

If you have a vented kiln, you can NOT place a kiln shelf on the very bottom! It blocks the Vent holes. I recommend using 1/2" Kiln Stilts to support the Bottom Kiln Shelf off the bottom. Air circulation Below the Bottom Kiln shelf will allow for better cooling... An unsupported Kiln Shelf will store AND trap a lot of heat for a good long while.

[@megandixon3058]

Great Video! Thank you!

[@computername]

Mine is called Jodie.. Jodie La Forge

[@diandinihaleluya1000]

i'm sorry but what 200° degrees??? fahrenheit???

[@lisayates4230]

Thank you! I am taking a beginner wherl throwing class. I inherited an old kiln and i dony have a clue how to use it?

[@EarthNationCeramics]

This kiln is old and is a manual kiln. we should have a couple videos on how to fire a manual kiln such as this one in the advanced playlist

[@janzeyellie]

Thank you, this was very helpful, I’ll be getting a kiln in the near future!

[@zorgon2426]

I have an old Gare kiln named Gary...creative, I know... LOL

[@sylvialopez915]

Hi! whats the pricing that I should look into with a used kiln?

[@dalithecat]

I bought a really good used kiln for 800, including transportation. Then, I had to pay for an electrician for 250 to get it working. So a little over $1000 for a good kiln.

[@conyhiggins8635]

Elissa Bateman , Hi, do you need a different outlet to connect a kiln? or I can connected in the garage with the regular ones? Thank you.

[@glasshalffull8625]

@@conyhiggins8635 It all depends on the power requirements of the kiln you buy. Check the specifications plate on the kiln. Some are 220 volts and others are 110. The plugs will be different. Your basic house outlet is 110 volts and 15 amp circuit. If your kiln calls for 20 amp, then you will overload that circuit. To add a dedicated circuit can cost you hundreds of dollars and up. If buying a kiln, I would contact the manufacturer to determine the electrical requirements before the purchase.

[@conyhiggins8635]

@@glasshalffull8625 , great info.! I really appreciate it. 👍🏼

[@glasshalffull8625]

@@conyhiggins8635 You’re more than welcome! Also, there are a lot of older kilns that do not have ‘programmable schedules.” They will be much cheaper, but you set one temp and that’s it. Programmable kilns give you the flexibility to set temperature and hold at different temperatures during the firing. I’m helping a friend with an electrical issue with her kiln. It’s a 110 volt/20 amp and the electrical is setup for it, but she can’t reach temp. Today I looked at it and the receptacle was slightly charred. This is a common problem and ‘some’ have the kiln hard wired to avoid this problem. I switched out the receptacle for an industrial quality one and I hope this solves the problem. Always best to use bigger wire. Her small kiln is 110 Volts and only 15 amp, so it plugs could plug into normal house receptacle. Even this one she has on bigger gauge wire.

[@BeverleyReed]

My kiln shelves are rectangular, would I still use 3 stilts?

[@EarthNationCeramics]

No. I would use 4 for that.

[@PelicanCanCancan]

It's a good idea to put small snakes of clay mixed with river sand on top of your stilts so you shelves sit evenly. 4 stilts will always make a shelf rock and slowly the shelf with warp to sit on the 4 stilts, and potentially crack...

[@ismelltrouble7266]

I didn’t name my kiln. Any suggestions

[@wambraceramicspriscillacha5784]

Is that a construction brick? Or has to be a special brick ? Thanks

[@EarthNationCeramics]

I'll be honest with you, I just kind of found this brick. but I do find it fairly common for Potter's to have bricks Like this for the same reason I'm using it in this video.... We don't really have a specific place or type of brick that we use

[@keithlightminder3005]

Ordinary construction bricks are good for lower temperatures. Buuuuuut The lid is at an angle, the surface of it is soft and so the edge of the brick is going to slowly destroy the lid. Better to support the lid with a sawn brick cut at the angle or better still get a prop to lift from the handle- like a chain and hook mounted above or a price of rebar slit to fit the handle up. Btw you only need to lid rush if your kiln is undersized for your production, it’s a busy time of the year, or scheduling problems. We should help Donte get new wiring and a new kiln which matches his production. He has been very generous with us.

[@CeeJayKay]

@@keithlightminder3005 What is a “sawn” brick?

[@keithlightminder3005]

@@CeeJayKay oh, sorry for delay in answering- yeah its just a brick sawn to the tilt the lid will be at when its lifted for venting. when its cold, just lift it and measure the angle, cut that angle into the brick so it has contact with lots of the underside not all pressure on one spot.

[@hellothere-ul5rq]

i have brand new SKUTT KMT-1231PK and i dont know anything about it thats why im here :D

[@liliantodd9514]

is that a normal brick or one made for kilns?

[@EarthNationCeramics]

This brick is usually made for oxidation kilns but if you thinking about building you're own , you can; but it'll probably be a reduction kiln.