Phil's Kiln

Jackie Beckman · Post by **Jackie Beckman** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 12:53 pm

http://dell.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=67 ... ab&notag=1

Jackie Beckman · Post by **Jackie Beckman** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:11 pm

Hey Phil - your kiln looks so fabulous. Really, why don't you take more pictures of the entire shop and email them to me. I'll post them for you. I know everyone would love to see what an amazing job you've done. Truly - it's come along so beautifully! (When are we getting our glory hole??!!)

Jackie

Phil Hoppes · Post by **Phil Hoppes** » Mon Dec 08, 2003 3:26 pm

Thanks Jackie. I'll send a few more when the elements are in. Hmm.....let's see now on the glory hole....Matt's got to finish the Lap Grinder which should take us to the summer so maybe about a year from right now. Come On Roll-Ups!!!

Cheers,

Phil

PS - Just had our first snow this morning. All gone by lunch but it was neat for a few hours there!!

Haydo · Post by **Haydo** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 8:55 am

Yes!! I wouldn't mind seeing more. Looks like patience played a part in fabricating the kiln and setting up shop. Must be great knowing where everything is, my goal is to know that feeling one day. - Haydo

Tony Smith · Post by **Tony Smith** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 10:17 am

Phil,

From the pictures it looks like you're using silica cloth along the base of your bell. FYI, it shrinks about 10% during the first firing.

Tony

Phil Hoppes · Post by **Phil Hoppes** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:43 am

Tony,

Well the material is sold as refrasial. There was no mention of shrinkage on the datasheets but I'll see what it does. The way it is fastened I can loosen it on the bottom end inside the kiln where the bowties attach it. Not sure what it would do on the long axis. It is very nice stuff. Keeps the dust down and makes a good seal. I'll let you know if the shrinkage is a problem. I pulled it fairly snug when I put it in but like I said if I have to I can loosen it up and readjust it. Given you input I may do that before the first firing. Thanks,

Phil

Ron Coleman · Post by **Ron Coleman** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 2:39 pm

Looks like good suff.

http://www.sgl-hitco.com/refrasil/silica/index.html

Ron

Tony Smith · Post by **Tony Smith** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 4:28 pm

I've been using silica cloth for awhile to get texture on my bowls and Marty Daily at Centre DeVerre is now selling Silica Cloth. He was the one that mentioned to me that it shrinks significantly. It will probably extend the life of the fabric is you loosen it up for the first couple of firings, then pull it up snug.

Tony