Question 1

Can anyone use a Kiln?

Accepted Answer

No, no unauthorized persons should be allowed near the kiln during the firing process.ie: to touch the hot kiln case (can reach over 100 Deg C), or to look through the spyhole or change the control settings. Kilns get very hot and can cause burns or fires if not used correctly. That said Kilns are not hard to use but people need to take precautions and follow the instructions provided in the Kiln Operation Manual.

Question 2

What should my firing profile look like?

Accepted Answer

I much the same way an oven manufacturer can only give you a guide as to what temp to cook your food at we can only provide some suggestions as to some typical firing profiles for your Kiln.When firing any ware in the kiln it is always advisable to fire to the temperature suggested by either the Clay or Glaze manufacturer. We can only suggest these basic firing profiles. If you intend on firing Glass, PMC, loss wax etc we would strongly advise doing a course in these techniques to better understand the profile you need to run to get the best results.

Question 3

What steps should I take if I haven’t used my kiln in a long time?

Accepted Answer

It may be a good idea to run a test firing to ensure that any moisture build up in the kiln has been dealt with before firing your precious new pieces. This can be as simple running your normal program and turning the kiln off once it reaches 250C. Or you can program a simple cycle to take the Kiln to over 250C. By the time it reaches this temperature you should have released any built-up moisture in the insulation. Remember to leave the kiln bungs out during this process to let any trapped moisture escape.

Question 4

Can I just get Woodrow Kiln fitted with a single stage controller?

Accepted Answer

No, we don't offer single stage controllers.

Question 5

Can I get a different controller than the standard AF4?

Accepted Answer

No, we can not warrant any other brand of controllers.

Question 6

Can I use a pottery kiln for fusing and slumping glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the kiln is fitted with an AF4 multi-stage controller you can use the Kiln for most glass fusing and slumping. Given that glass firing is quite complex we'd advise taking a course or reading literature from glass firing specialists like Bulls Eye Glass in the USA.

Question 7

Is a Gas Kiln a more economical choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. The upfront cost of a Gas Kiln of similar internal size compared with an Electric Kiln is substantial. This is due to three reasons:1. Overall Kiln size: For the same usable internal area a Gas kiln has extra space on the sides where the burners fire and at the rear where there is an internal flue/chimney. Thus, the overall size of the case and kiln is much larger vs its useable internal space.2. Cost of burners: The cost of the burner assembly is much greater than cost of a Kilns electric elements.3. Installation costs: The cost of installing a flue and gas supply is often a lot more than the installation of power. Though this may not be the case for 3 phase kilns in country or remote areas.The cost of firing will likely be less though the time and number of firings to recoup this cost may be great.Note: Gas Kiln also need to be baby sat as they need regular adjustment to baffles etc.No, we no longer make Gas Kilns.

Question 8

What are Woodrow Kilns Terms and Conditions?

Accepted Answer

Read Woodrow Kilns’ Terms and Conditions.

Question 9

I’m getting a discolouring around my door?

Accepted Answer

Depending on what you fire you can get soot type deposits around the door seal or bung holes, most of the time this is purely cosmetic and can be expected. If you start getting a larger burn type marks you may have a problem with the replaceable door seal. Please take a photo and email us so we can provide advice as to the best solution. It may be fine, it may require some tightening of the door latch or it may be time to replace the seal.

Kiln FAQs

General FAQ

Can anyone use a Kiln?

What should my firing profile look like?

What steps should I take if I haven’t used my kiln in a long time?

Can I just get Woodrow Kiln fitted with a single stage controller?

Can I get a different controller than the standard AF4?

Can I use a pottery kiln for fusing and slumping glass?

Is a Gas Kiln a more economical choice?

What are Woodrow Kilns Terms and Conditions?

I’m getting a discolouring around my door?

Kiln Installation FAQ

When positioning a Kiln what are the minimum clearances I should allow?

What type of ventilation if any should I have for my kiln room?

Can I store equipment or materials on or around the Kiln?

What Electrical considerations should I take into account when installing a Kiln?

My new Kiln has a Green / Blue mark on the insulation?

Can a Woodrow Kiln be placed outside?

Can I put my Kiln in a typical garden shed?

Basic Firing Principles FAQ

Basic Firing Principles

Loading the Kiln FAQ

What safety precautions should I take when using a Kiln?

Do I need a shelf on the floor of my Kiln or can I place pieces on the brick floor?

How should I load my pieces into the Kiln?

How densely should I pack my pieces into the kiln?

Should I place pieces close to the Thermocouple (Temperature) probe in the Kiln?

Do I need Kiln wash, paper or stilts when I am firing glazed pieces?

Do you recommend 3 or 4 posts under a shelf?

How important is placement of posts inside a kiln?

Why shouldn’t you apply kiln wash to the underside of the shelves or to the kiln walls?

Is it okay to continue using cracked kiln shelves?

Is it possible for glaze to splatter from a piece of ware onto the kiln wall at high temperatures?

Can you repair a broken kiln shelves?

Power FAQ

Where should I place the power point for my kiln?

How much power does a Kiln use?

Can I run a Kiln on Off Grid Solar?

Delivery FAQ

Do the couriers install the Kiln?

Can I move the Kiln?

Can the Kiln fit through a normal doorway?

Does the delivery charge include insurance cover?

What size truck is likely to deliver my Kiln?

Moving a Kiln FAQ

What precautions should I take if I have to move my kiln, put it into storage or ‘moth ball’ the kilns for a long time?

School Kilns FAQ

What are the recommendations for Kiln rooms in Schools or Tafes?

Second Hand Kilns FAQ

Should I buy a second hand Kiln?

Warranty FAQ

What are Woodrow Kilns Warranty Conditions?

Need Help?

Key Features & Benefits

Nationwide Support Network

Easy Maintenance & Servicing

Our kilns are Easy & Simple to Use

User Friendly Instructions

Consistent Firing Results

Shelves & Props Included

Energy Efficient & Low Running Costs

Hassle Free Delivery & Installation

Cool Ventilated Casing

Plug & Play Installation

Interactive Settings & Controls

Australian Phone Support

Compliance

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