Basic Operation
Accessories
Ceramic Fiber Shelves
The soft ceramic fi- ber shelf, which comes standard with the kiln, cradles gold and silver clay pieces. These shelves are not suitable for firing glass or ce- ramics.
Ceramic Fireclay Shelves & Posts
Ceramic fireclay shelves, available from Sundance are hard ce- ramic surfaces on which to fire ceramics and glass. Firing glass, enameling, and ceramic glazes directly on the firing chamber bottom would ruin the bottom. Shelves can be stacked using posts.
Glass Separator & Kiln Wash
Glass separator and kiln wash are mixtures of finely ground minerals that will not melt and fuse together at high temperatures. They pre- vent glass and ceramic glaze from sticking to fireclay shelves. The main difference between glass separator and kiln
wash is that the separator is ground more finely to leave a smooth back to glass pieces laid on the shelf.
As powders, glass separator and kiln wash have an unlim- ited shelf life. Do not breathe the powder when mixing.
Caution: If glass separator or kiln wash contact a heating element, that element will burn out in the next firing. NEVER apply glass separator or kiln wash to the ceramic fiber firing chamber.
Haik Brush
The haik brush is used to apply glass separator to the kiln shelf in a smooth, thin layer. The smoother the glass separator, the smoother the underside of the glass.
Alumina Hydrate
Delicate silver or gold clay shapes may need extra support during firing to prevent warping. Place these shapes in a thin layer of alumina hydrate inside a small ceramic bisque bowl. Do not breathe alumina hydrate.
Stilts
Stilts are points embedded in a ceramic base. The points separate enameling and glazed ceramics from the shelf.
The wire mesh above is referred to as an enameling rack. An enameling fork lifts the rack out of the kiln. A stilt separates the piece from the rack.
Enameling Racks
Enameling is the art of firing glass onto metal. The metal shapes are loaded onto a high temperature wire rack. The enameled pieces and wire rack are loaded into a hot kiln, fired for just a few minutes, and removed red hot. To load and unload the racks safely, use an enameling fork.
The heating element under power is dangerous. Do not touch the element with anything! Turn the kiln switch off before inserting an enameling fork into the firing chamber.
Fiber Repair Filler
This is a permanent, high temperature refractory cement used to repair holes or cracks in the ceramic fiber firing chamber.
Safety Glasses
Wear clear safety glasses when cutting or chipping glass. Wear firing safety glasses when looking into a hot kiln, such as when checking the progress of glass.
Caution: Always wear fir- ing glasses when viewing
the interior through the optional glass view port.
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