Enameling kiln and trivets

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hello- I am new to enameling and am trying to figure out what kiln
to start with. So I have some questions, having only torch-fired up
to this point.

  1. Is a trivet used so that the piece is supported on its edges
    (where there’s no enamel) so one can enamel and counterenamel
    simultaneously?

  2. In order to use a small beehive trinket kiln, a trivet would not
    fit! How does one fire pieces with enamel on both sides in such a
    small kiln?

Any advice is appreciated…

Dana Evans

2

Also check out the enameling yahoo group at enamelforum. I think you
have to log in to ask a question, but the group is very helpful.

Jamie

3 
Is a trivet used so that the piece is supported on its edges (where
there's no enamel) so one can enamel and counterenamel
simultaneously?

Yes, using a trivet you can counter-enamel at the same time

2In order to use a small beehive trinket kiln, a trivet would not
fit! How does one fire pieces with enamel on both sides in such a
small kiln?

Use a low profile trivet like the HS-1,2 & 3 shown here:
http://www.thompsonenamel.com/products/tools/firing.htm#trivets

(about halfway down)

Cheers,
Jakob

4

Hi Dana,

There are many enameling texts available, as well as beginning
enameling classes. Check your local library or Alibris for used
enameling texts and consider enrolling in a class or two.

To answer your initial questions:

The purpose of a trivet is to provide as much structural support as
possible with as little physical contact as possible. Base enamel
and counter enamel are typically not done simultaneously.

As far as a small kiln, they all accommodate some kind of low
trivets. There are a variety of ‘low profile’ trivets available. My
personal choice for teaching is the tabletop Amaco model. It has a
6" diameter chamber, and the depth will accommodate regular trivets.

Gwen Bernecker
http://www.twoolivesstudio.com