To say that pottery is a passion in the Philippines is an understatement. It is an art, a traditional craft and a way of life that most Filipinos take for granted. But for many people who dream of working in this booming industry, Raphael Ting, or as he is known to his friends as Ting Ting, is a dream job. In this article, we will answer all the questions you might have about firing pottery using small gas kilns in Singapore. If you are looking to work in the industry but are a beginner, this article will give you everything you need to know to fire pottery using small gas kilns in Singapore. However, let’s dive into the guide of pottery Singapore!
What is a gas kiln?
A gas kiln is a type of kiln in which the fire is passed through a large metal cylinder called a furnace. The furnace has fire behind it, and the gas inside the kiln is burned. It is similar to the fire in a wood-fired kiln, but the gas is usually carbon monoxide (CO) instead of wood smoke. The CO gas produced in a gas kiln is odorless and has almost no effect on the flavor of the fired ware.
What are the requirements for working in a gas kiln?
Ample power – The kiln must have a power supply that is adequate for the firing. Most commercial kilns come with a conversion factor that allows you to plug the kiln into an electrical wall outlet. Most home gas kilns have a conversion factor of 1:12 that means that you need to purchase an accessories pack which is usually sold separately for the kiln.
Vacuum pump – A good kiln should have a vacuum pump that allows you to create a vacuum inside the kiln. This helps prevent excess smoke and carbon dioxide from getting into your work area.
Industrial mufflers – Good practice is to place the mufflers inside the kiln where they are not in direct contact with the charcoal fire. If you are working in a residential setting, you can place the mufflers outside the kiln on a muffler stand.
Heavy-duty door – You should choose a kiln that is appropriate for the type of ware you plan to fire. For example, if you want to use gas for beach urns, beach vases and other smaller items, a beach door is the perfect choice.
Good ventilating system – A good ventilating system pipes air from the kiln out through a stack or chimney. This helps eliminate the possibility of growing smoke in your home.
How to fire pottery using small gas kilns
One of the things that make Ting Ting a great pottery artist is his enthusiasm for the industry. But enthusiasm alone is not enough to turn a hobby into a career. This is where the small gas kiln comes into the picture.
The small gas kiln is a type of heat press that uses granule fuel, which is a type of briquette that is about the size of a pea. The fuel is mixed with air to form a paste, and the paste is heated in a furnace. The furnace has a grate that is 1/2 inch thick, which is where the heat is transferred from the fire to the gas.
The fire and the gas are kept at a constant temperature by an efficient ventilating system. The unit should have an airstone to minimize the problems that can occur due to dry air. The unit should also be equipped with a mixing screen to prevent the production of soot.
A small gas kiln is an ideal unit for the home Practitioners of pottery who work in their own homes may not need all the bells and whistles that a commercial kiln comes with. In this case, a small gas kiln is just what the doctor ordered.
How to read a small gas kiln
One of the first things you need to do when you decide to use a small gas kiln for your pottery is to understand how it works. This is because the design and features of the kiln will determine the type of fired ware that you can produce.
The first thing to pay attention to is the lid. You must place a brick in the bottom of the kiln so that when the lid is on, you have something to control the heat. You can either place it in the kiln or store it in a safe place. Next, you need to place the firebox on the lid so that it gets the right amount of heat.
If the firebox is too small, the fire will be too hot. If the firebox is too large, the fire will be too cold.
Next, you need to place the vent to get the right amount of air flow.
And last but not least, place the support so the fired ware will have the right amount of weight.
Final Words
The small gas kiln is ideal for the home practitioner who wants to produce smaller items for their own use or for gift-giving. It is also a good option if you want to try your hand at firing pottery without investing a lot of money in equipment. It all comes down to finding the right combination of tools and accessories for your needs.