I've been doing some research on fuels and kiln patterns for effective fuel usage. A hybrid kiln design is in the planning process. The basic idea is to convert an old electric into a hybrid electric/cross draft. This was the idea that got me started into the research. After reading Dennis Parks book I believe I can have a medium sized test kiln in place by the end of winter.
more!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI thought about wood as a start up fuel for this kiln, but I figured it would cause a major disruption with the electric coils.
ReplyDeleteThe electric kiln would be hot already because I'm once firing so the first part of the firing is a slow bisque.
So all I would have to do is heat up the fire box itself to sustain a burn. I figured I might use a bit of propane just to heat up the box.
The kiln depicted here is a 23 3/8" X 22" Olympic with modular sections. I was figuring a firebox of 4" X 30" or so, but I haven't worked out the exact proportions.
I figured I'd want an intake control. A shelf inserted at the base of the electric kiln to control the burn and shut off the flow of air. This would allow me to fire electric only.