Converting a Kiln from Electric to Gas (2019)

Cone Blue Pottery shows how to design and construct a small propane fired kiln for firing pottery in oxidation and reduction environments. Ceramic glaze research and development are the mainstay of Cone Blue Pottery. More details can be found on the website ConeBluePottery.com.
Potters often have trouble cutting gas ports of precise size into the sides of a kiln during a kiln conversion; the proper type of hole saw and how to use it is covered in this video. Difficulty in firing converted kilns is often the result of potter’s choosing the wrong size or type of burner. The Ward B2ventury burner outfitted for propane (www.wardburner.com) was used in this project because it’s well matched for the BTU requirements of the kiln used. A side by side demonstration of the B2 vs a common cast Raku burner is included, showing the superior control of the B2 burner. The econox (www.econox.com) oxygen sensor 012179 carboprobe HT was used due to its higher resolution, which is important when doing research and development of ceramic glazes. A modular chimney design was utilized in this project (to allow the kiln to be taken apart and stored inside). A step by step construction of both the chimney modules and the kiln construction are shown. The dimensions for the port opening, flue size and chimney height were made using guidance found in Frederick L. Olsen’s book “The Kiln Book” ISBN 0-8019-7071-7.
Ceramic glaze test results are shown for iron oxide (Fe2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) containing glazes. There is evidence of reduction and reprecipitation in the iron oxide glaze and of multiple reduction levels in the copper oxide glaze. The presence of the bright red color in the copper oxide glaze is evidence of reduction to base metal. The kiln fired to cone 8 in 5 hours. I will aim for cone 10 in the next firing by adding insulation. A future video will show those results.
“Converting a Kiln from Electric to Gas (2019)” is a closed caption video produced using Cyberlink Power Director software.

[@blenore]

awesome video, thank you for the detailed info.

[@alancarroll5792]

Good video with great background music!

[@luigiprovencher8888]

Would you use this same method for converting it into a gas forge for melting metal?

[@monoloro]

Hello there, live the clear explanation of your video. I'm wondering if your burner is enough for a skutt 181? I'm debating on weedburners, since there toooo loud. Thank you for the video.

[@conebluepottery9715]

I suggest you send an email to [e-mail] with your kiln information (size of chamber/peak temp/gas type you plan to use etc.). They could tell you if the burner I used in my video would work for your specific kiln and gas source. If it's not the right size, they could recommend an appropriate sized burner for your kiln. Other burner manufacturers would likely do the same. I would recommend Frederick L. Olsen's book "The Kiln Book" (ISBN 0-8019-7071-7) if you want to understand the details behind kiln designs. Good luck with your kiln project.

[@BurgardPottery]

Could you use your burner for Raku also?

[@conebluepottery9715]

Catherine, the Ward B2 venturi burner (in this video) has an output of 14,800 - 66,400 BTU at 0-20psi propane which is very similar to the typical Raku burners output of 17,490 - 78,440 BTU at 0-20psi. So, it's useable for Raku.