[porcelainsculptor]

Hi all,

I have acquired a gas kiln (haven't seen it yet) A friend is picking it up for me and delivering it on Saturday. He told me that it had four burners, two valves and he did not see a thermostat on it. It's three feet high and about as big around as a washing machine tub. So.... my questions are, what type of gas tank do I need? Do I need to add a thermostat? What cone do you think I can get it up to? And is there anything else that I might need to do that you can think of? Thanks in advance, I really appreciate any advice, first kiln!

[justanassembler]

Sounds like an olympic torchbearer, or some other top-loading gas kiln. Your fuel type will depend on the orifice that is in the burners-either LP or natural gas. an LP orifice is smaller than a natural gas orifice -the kiln may have a nameplate that indicates which it is setup for, as well as what model it is which may lead you to a manual. When you say "thermostat", I would assume you're asking if you need to add a pyrometer and thermocouple to read the temperature in the kiln--it may be helpful as it will tell you if you're gaining or losing temp, especially if you've never fired in reduction before. Do some research once you get it, if it was manufactured by a kiln company that is still around, chances are they will be able to give you more information about it fairly easily. Without knowing more about the kiln and burners, there isnt much more I can tell you.

[porcelainsculptor]

justanassembler, on 15 October 2012 - 01:42 PM, said:

<br />Sounds like an olympic torchbearer, or some other top-loading gas kiln. Your fuel type will depend on the orifice that is in the burners-either LP or natural gas. an LP orifice is smaller than a natural gas orifice -the kiln may have a nameplate that indicates which it is setup for, as well as what model it is which may lead you to a manual. When you say &quot;thermostat&quot;, I would assume you're asking if you need to add a pyrometer and thermocouple to read the temperature in the kiln--it may be helpful as it will tell you if you're gaining or losing temp, especially if you've never fired in reduction before. Do some research once you get it, if it was manufactured by a kiln company that is still around, chances are they will be able to give you more information about it fairly easily. Without knowing more about the kiln and burners, there isnt much more I can tell you.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Thanks. Hopefully there is a label on it! And yes, I guess I did mean pyrometer and thermocouple Maybe I need to get a good book on gas firing too - any recommendations?

[neilestrick]

You want a type K thermocouple and digital pyrometer. Any cheap brand will work fine.

[Marcia Selsor]

for specifics on the tank , etc. you need to know specifics about the burners. If they are for natural gas, you'll need to convert the orifices.
Wait to see it , find the brand and get the manual from the manufacturer..usually available on line.
Marcia

[porcelainsculptor]

neilestrick, on 15 October 2012 - 06:43 PM, said:

<br />You want a type K thermocouple and digital pyrometer. Any cheap brand will work fine.<br />

<br /><br /><br />

Thanks

[porcelainsculptor]

Marcia Selsor, on 16 October 2012 - 12:48 AM, said:

<br />for specifics on the tank , etc. you need to know specifics about the burners. If they are for natural gas, you'll need to convert the orifices.<br />Wait to see it , find the brand and get the manual from the manufacturer..usually available on line.<br />Marcia<br />

<br /><br /><br />

My friend was telling me the same yesterday, he said he could convert if necessary. I hope I can find a label and get a manual.

[Marcia Selsor]

Sometimes the manufacturer has the converter kit available.
Marcia