I’ve just started using a kiln (table-top type for enameling) but
I’m already considering purchasing a bigger one. I would need a
rather high table to put it on. How much heat can I expect to be
radiated from the bottom of the kiln ? I.e. what sort of support
would I need to stand it on ? I have seen the stands that are
available but they’re pricey. The only tables I have available are
wood but I’m wondering if I use a heat-resistant pad and some tiles
if I would have enough insulation to keep from torching the wood
table. Any opinions ?
It would probably be better to pose your questions directly to the
manufacturer of the kiln you are considering. They have done thorough
testing and are familiar with how the materials they use conduct or
don’t conduct heat. I have four Olympic kilns and have found the
manufacturer to be very nice and helpful. Contact the manufacturer,
tell them exactly what you are wanting to do and where you want to
put a kiln and they will help you find the right solution.
The only tables I have available are wood but I'm wondering if I
use a heat-resistant pad and some tiles if I would have enough
insulation to keep from torching the wood table.
Brian, no kiln on the market today should get hot enough on the
bottom (or elsewhere on the outside) to burn a table. Nonetheless,
people usually put heat-proof material on the surface, since hot
objects may get dropped or set down on the table. Ordinary bricks
are fine, or my personal favorite, cement board (sold for under a
tile floor, at the home center).
Brian…Please put a non flammable, heat shield under any kiln you
use. Absolutely essential if it’s one of the small table top kilns
which aren’t well insulated in the first place and if it’s on wood or
anything else that could potentially burn. After a day of firings,
the heat can build up and cause a wooden bench top to smolder long
after a kiln is turned off and you’ve left the room for the night. I
use a material I bought so many years ago, Id on’t remember what it
is anymore…it’s about 1/4 " thick compressed grey material…very
dense. A replacement for asbestos sheet. It works even better if you
can manage an air space under it. I keep a second sheet next to the
kiln for pieces as they come out.
I too have wood tables and simply lined them with large cheap
ceramic tiles bought from Home Depot. I then elevate each corner of
the kiln with a white fire brick and have had no problems what so
ever.
I have had a Paragon e-AX kiln (still sold by Thompson) for over 20
years. It sits on a wood work bench with heat-resistant pads under
it. There is no heat radiated from the bottom of the kiln. The pads
I use are 12" square and I have four of them for the area. This
allows enough room to set down pieces just out of the kiln. I have
never had a problem with the wood underneath.
N’worries ! I do indeed use a heat shield (tiles) which works just
fine for a small kiln. I was wondering what degree of heat shielding
I would need for the bigger kilns, and to what degree they have
built-in heat shielding, especially at the bottom. I’m looking at
something like a Paragon SC-2.
Has anyone considered this? I have my Satellite burneout kiln on a
rolling table - all steel, no combustible - big table, 2.5x4 top
dimensions. I just wheel it to where I need to vent and put fire
brickunder it. I haven’t had any problems.
My SC-2 sits on a formica counter - it’s on feet, the bottom isn’t
directly on the formica - the actual bottom of the kiln is about 3
inches above the feet.
I have my kiln on a wooden table. I have placed a ceramic floor tile
under it that is held off from the table by some thick washers. This
allows air to circulate keeping the table cool. The tile just gets a
little warm which does not transfer downward to the wood at all.