[Jime]

Hi all
I'm getting my kiln set up for the first time, and I could use some expert advice
My kiln has no stand, and I cannot easily buy one.

I'm thinking of setting the kiln directly on a cement floor, in a well-ventilated shed.
do you think there might be a problem with that?
I'm not worried about staining or damaging the floor, could it cause damage to my kiln?
thanks
Jimena

[justanassembler]

get some cinder blocks, enough to completely support the floor of the kiln, lay them on your floor--put the kiln on top of this.

[Arnold Howard]

Jime, on 27 February 2013 - 05:05 PM, said:

I'm thinking of setting the kiln directly on a cement floor, in a well-ventilated shed.
do you think there might be a problem with that?
I'm not worried about staining or damaging the floor, could it cause damage to my kiln?
thanks
Jimena

Placing the kiln directly on the concrete floor may alter the firing characteristics of the kiln, because the concrete will act as a heat sync. I recommend that you use a kiln stand, which allows air to flow under the kiln.

Sincerely,

Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com

[neilestrick]

The heat can cause the concrete to spall/explode. Ive seen the remains from a raku kiln built directly on a concrete slab.

[TJR]

I agree with Neil. You can crack your floor. Plus the concrete can wick moisture which you don't want in a kiln. Buy or scrounge enough cinder blocks to make a level stand. Make sure that there is air flow through the sides. Done!
TJR.

[Jime]

thank you guys, that is really helpful. I didn't understand that air flow was important.
I'll set it up on cinderblocks, making sure that there is space between them for air to move through.

[Marcia Selsor]

you can line them up with the holes horizontal for more air circulation.
I agree with everyone else. Get the kiln up off the concrete. Moisture from the ground through the concrete would also be a concern.

Marcia