building a kiln

[Crimson.king]

hello everyone i just got my torch and tools ordered now im turning my attention to a kiln i was thinking about building one as opposed to spending the money for an already made one (im pretty handy at making things not to mention my dad can do any electric work i need) so aside from the correct brick/cement what else will i need such as heating elements, electrical hardware, and temperature gauge/controls and what are some good sites these can be found at ty for any information once all my things get here ill be posting pics again ty for all the help so far

[Coal]

ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110627498979&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

this is a digi controler. you also need a relay for it

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370390203864&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

this link is for a 240v 25 amp system, you need the relay for the watt/amps you are running

besides that its kiln brick, mortor and some type of metal housing to secure it.
use the search engine for more info, I know there are a few threads on here that cover the topic. Good luck

[ReLo442]

first off....look in the kiln section. We have one here and it has a wealth of information on this topic as well as a few builds with pictures, diagrams and everything. I used them to build all of my kilns.

to answer your question you need:
element (euclids.com, or duralite.com)
controller (auberins.com has great ones at great prices, or there are ebay sellers for the same auber controllers, some people prefer Fuji controllers. I hate them)
You will need a solid state relay (ebay)
a few swtiches, some connectors, some lead wire (euclids)
Thermo couple - euclids or ebay

i think thats pretty much it. Euclids will build custom elements for you at a good price and the turn around is really quick. They are out of Canada I believe.

BUT as i stated earlier, check the kiln section and it will show you exactly what you need, how to wire everything up and so on

Now go to your user profile and set your location please

[ReLo442]

in response to kairos post... BEFORE YOU START decide what kind of power your going to use. Most plugs in a normal house are 15amp 110V. That being said you will want to use a 10-12 amp element MAX and dont run anything else off of that plug. 220V is way more efficient so if you have it use it!!!

Once you decide what voltage your going to use, make sure all the stuff you buy is designed for that. Those auberins controller will work for either voltage, but the SSR, and element are specifically designed for a specifix Voltage.

A few tips that come to mind:
Side elements are way better than above elements unless you want to get element sagage.
MAKE SURE you use the proper lead out, insulators, and high heat connectors for the element connectiong. My first kiln i spent a month trying to dick around with home depot wire before getting the proper stuff from euclids. havent had a problem since.

[www.mackilns.com]

You can also buy your parts (bricks, elements, wire, relays,etc.) from any of the US kiln companies. Look for any of these Skutt, Olympic, Cress, Paragon.

[Headdi Retti's Glass Art Studio]

Yeah, hit the search for $200 kiln, dude made a nice kiln, he did end up spending Alittle mote I think but did a nice front loader.....I got some 220 v elements and was thinking of making a smaller front loader but for to many irons in fire right now!......... So for now I just cut punty doors in the kiln I have!..plus I got 6 of them, I only need two there so long, don't know what or when I will use them......always something to do...

[Coal]

Moltenman442, your great!, thanks for the input. Thats way more clear than I put it.

[Swampy]

Wiki (http://www.talkglass.com/wiki/Kilnbuilding;_Safety_Controller_Layout)

and if you search for kilnbuilding Swampy on the forum there's some more stuff.

[Trey Cornette]

Shop around locally for your fire brick. Refractory suppliers are a good place to start. Much cheaper than buying from the kiln companies.

[Crimson.king]

ty for all the information i just found the 200$ kiln project post and ive called around to the brick dealers locally and they have firebrick but the ppl who could tell me what temperatures theyre rated for were gone till monday they said theyre used in fireplaces will these be good enough to use for my kiln? again ty for all the help

[Headdi Retti's Glass Art Studio]

No Man!, Crim you are gonna have to find soft brick, hard brick is only good as maybe a work surface, but buy only soft brick for Kiln.....Headdi...

[Crimson.king]

thats what i was thinking and if thats the case i dont think there are any local brick dealers that sell the soft refractory brick im looking for lol maybe i can check home depot/sutherlands?

[Trey Cornette]

Only place that will have it will be a refractory supply warehouse.
You are looking for K-23 firebrick.

[Crimson.king]

ty very much i hope i can find a place within driving distance i hate small cities lol shipping would be a KILLER on those things

[Trey Cornette]

I am sure there will be something in Houston.
Do a search for Houston refractory on google.
Hear you on the small town thing. I had to drive 2 hours to Memphis to get my brick.
Be sure to hand pick them if you can.

[Crimson.king]

i think i found a place up the road that might sell some although i cant call and check till monday http://www.rhquality.com/ thats their site yes small citys do suck BUT i like only being 3 hours from austin im hoping to find some people in the austin area i can maybe get some torch time from since ive got family in the city so if anyones in the austin area that doesnt mind giving me some help/lessons/pointers PM me or what not

[Swampy]

Able refartory (http://www.ablerefractory.com/email.html)

[Crimson.king]

Swampy ty for that link would you take a look at that site i posted in my last post and see if that is a place that would have the bricks? cause if it does its literally a 5 minute walk from where im staying now lol

[Swampy]

Weclome.

I can't see any brick products on the site you posted a link to.

Able lists; Firebrick (All Sizes and Shapes).

[Headdi Retti's Glass Art Studio]

Crimson, check CL for old brokedown kilns I seen acouple every now an then popup, they usually come on cheap, I almost bought an aim for $80 asking, settled at $45, like this mainly For the brick, but he said he might work, it was just taking up space, I never made that drive but there's stuff like that all the time. Does involve a drive usually but you just have to make the deal before you leave to see if its worth it for you..