Safety Tips For Glass Kilns

There are tens of thousands of glass kilns which are being used safely in schools, homes, and professional studios worldwide. By taking the time to understand your kiln and applying common sense, you can avoid problems and make your glass crafts safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

It is wise to be certain that pets and small children are kept away from the kiln area when it is firing. The stainless-steel jacket and other fixtures on the kiln will heat up enough to burn the skin when the kiln is firing, therefore care should be taken when working near the kiln. Protective gloves should be worn when opening the kiln door while the kiln is hot, since escaping hot air from the kiln chamber can burn. Never put metal instruments into a kiln when it is firing and be careful of touching elements inside the kiln since they can cause electrical shock if they are touched. Baffles in many kiln models protect the kiln operator from shock when mandrels are inserted; therefore do not insert mandrels into the kiln if the baffles have been removed. Always unplug the kiln before touching the kiln's electrical components.

The kiln should be installed in a well-ventilated and sheltered area such as a garage, carport, hobby or utility room, and flammable pottery supply or other flammable materials should not be stored in the same room. The kiln should be placed at least eighteen inches from adjacent walls or other kilns, and the kiln controller should be faced away from any other kilns nearby. If the room has a fire-control sprinkler system, then the sprinkler head rating must be checked to ensure that the heat vented by the kiln will not activate the system. The kiln should not be located in an enclosed space, nor in a room in which the temperature can exceed 105°F or drop below 32°F, which can damage the kiln's electronic components. The kiln must rest on a non-combustible surface such as concrete, ceramic, metal, or brick. All possibly combustible materials should be removed from the kiln area when it is firing. The operator should be with the kiln when it is set to switch off. Viewing inside a kiln can damage the eyes, so the operator should use UV and IR protective goggles, such as number three welders' gray or green glasses, when viewing inside the kiln for long periods of time. Before firing, remove chips of brick or any other foreign matter from the area around the elements (this can be done by vacuuming inside the kiln, which will also remove dust). Apply a primer such as Kiln Shelf Wash to the kiln's floor and shelves so that melted glass stringers, chunks, or frits will not adhere to them. Note that you must never wash the lid or walls of a glass kiln. Also note that the first time the kiln is fired the elements will smoke (this is normal); and it is also normal for the floor of the kiln to show hairline cracks due to expansion and contraction of the firebrick. This will not affect the kiln's firing or the life of the floor of the kiln.

By following simple safety tips for glass kilns you can make your glass crafts safe and fun. For further information on glass and pottery supply such as glass stringers, noodles, and frits, check with Rongsheng Refractory - the world's leading glass and ceramic supplier.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2831634

Fireplace Design - Planning Your Remodel

Traditionally, fireplaces serve as the focal point of every home. Aside from the fact that people normally clad together around the fireplace to be warmed; there is a certain aura brought about by fireplaces that bring people together. In fact, some of the most romantic moments happen in front of fireplaces. Moreover, it seems very relaxing to sit in the front room with embers popping and fire burning in the background. Certainly, fireplaces create an atmosphere of warmth, coziness, and romance.

Today, fireplaces are becoming more popular, most especially with the modern ideas and designs that circulate around. Although many people still prefer the conventional fireplace designs, there are also some who are opening up to new concepts and ideas. Probably the most important factors in considering fireplace designs include appearance, concept, heat source, budget, and accessories.

Appearance. In any design, it is most important to identify the appearance. For fireplaces, appearance matter a lot. It is essential to plan the appearance of the fireplace before constructing it or remodeling it. For most designers, since the fireplace serves as the focal point of the house, it should appear consistent with the rest of the house. While there are standard appearances that can fit into any house style, customized designs can be made as well.

Concept. The concept is also another important factor. Since fireplaces have revolutionized over the years, there are a number of new designs today. Deciding on the concept is actually just a choice between the traditional and the modern fireplace. Traditional fireplaces are those that literally burn wood fuel, and other similar types of fuels. Moreover, these fireplaces are usually made of refractory brick and other refractory materials. Some of the most popular materials for these types are grates, French marble, English stone, cast iron, and bespoke marble. On the other hand, modern fireplaces include gas and electric. These types do not burn wood anymore, but rather these produce a burning effect in the absence of fire. While these seem to be hassle free and safer, the aura of warmth is not manifested anymore.

Heat source. Choosing the heat source is equally important as well. Since there are already fireplaces that provide heat artificially, choosing is not a very difficult thing to do. While the conventional heat source is wood; gas and electricity provide heat sources to modern fireplaces nowadays.

Budget. Most importantly, before undergoing any construction or remodeling, the budget should be one of the utmost considerations. More than anything else, the amount allocated for the construction or remodeling of a fireplace should be determined. It is helpful to seek for the advices of experts in this field since this would somehow give you an idea on the budget needed for a specific fireplace.

Accessories. A fireplace is never complete without accessories. Thus, planning out the accessories that would go with the fireplace is also an important consideration in any fireplace design or remodeling.

In searching for a great Fireplace Design, there are many amazing Fireplace Design Ideas that you can find online. Visit: www.refractoryonline.com.