[centered]

I am starting up a new studio and I am in need of a great book on electric kilns, which would include safety issues, and vents and how to decide on a kiln. Are there any sites that sell only pottery books? Thanks for any information you can provide. Happy potting.

[Pres]

centered, on 05 January 2012 - 08:16 AM, said:

I am starting up a new studio and I am in need of a great book on electric kilns, which would include safety issues, and vents and how to decide on a kiln. Are there any sites that sell only pottery books? Thanks for any information you can provide. Happy potting.

I believe you will find this book of particular interest, and the site is attached to this community.

http://ceramicartsda...-kiln-ceramics/

There are so many others out there, and I have many of them. Problem with books is that you find a gem here, and a gem there usually a little from each book. Check out your local library for other inexpensive sources.

[teardrop]

And speaking of this community....there are many knowledgable folks here with kiln experience and many, many past threads on the subject.

Books can offer a wealth of info but for me..it's the "real world'" experiences of others that tells-the-tale.

best of luck going forward

teardrop

[centered]

Thanks for your suggestions. ordered it today.

[Stephen Robison]

There are many books that have some great information but by far my favorite is Richard Zakins book.

[JBaymore]

IMHO............... THE place to buy pottery books and videos is The Potters Shop, run by Steven Branfman in Needham Mass. . If his place doesn't have it or can't get it... it isn't available. Plus the staff there know what is available and can offer knowledgible and effective suggestions.

best,

................john

[Benhim]

I have the Zakin book Pres recommended. It's a good book which I find particularly useful. The best part of his newest edition is that his glaze recipes are Gerstley Borate free. Most of his glazes just work right out of the book. I've only had some trouble when trying to under fire by a cone or two with a couple glazes, like firing cone 6 at cone 4 etc.

One thing I'd like to have myself is a detailed understanding of how the kiln is actually put together (or taken apart and put back together). There is little information on the actual configuration of the parts. I've found some basic diagrams that show the parts in some detail, but no wiring diagrams, or any diagrams that would aid in service of the units. .

[Pres]

Benhim, on 06 January 2012 - 02:53 AM, said:

I have the Zakin book Pres recommended. It's a good book which I find particularly useful. The best part of his newest edition is that his glaze recipes are Gerstley Borate free. Most of his glazes just work right out of the book. I've only had some trouble when trying to under fire by a cone or two with a couple glazes, like firing cone 6 at cone 4 etc.

One thing I'd like to have myself is a detailed understanding of how the kiln is actually put together (or taken apart and put back together). There is little information on the actual configuration of the parts. I've found some basic diagrams that show the parts in some detail, but no wiring diagrams, or any diagrams that would aid in service of the units. .

I know what you mean about liking to have diagrams of kiln wiring along with assembly/take down process. I have found a lot of help for much of this at the individual kiln sites. I always start there first when trying to help a friend with a specific kiln. Many times you will find the needed diagrams on site. If you are talking about building your own electric kiln, I have a few books that go into it. I will try to dig them out and give you the names if interested.

[Benhim]

I'd like to read a book or two about building them. If you can find a title or two of a good book you can recommend I'd appreciate it.

[Pres]

Benhim, on 09 January 2012 - 01:59 AM, said:

I'd like to read a book or two about building them. If you can find a title or two of a good book you can recommend I'd appreciate it.

After looking through several of my titles on kilns, I ended up with the Olson second edition-Kiln Book. Chapter 8 covers a large amount of electric kiln design theory and construction basics. I had thought that some where I had a chapter with plans in it, but don't seem to find it. Several of the books have repair advice, wiring, leads, connections etc., but none with a plan. Olson does a really good job of covering everything from design to the planning of length of coils and other info. I'm sure you have already seen this book, so I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you.