Processes

Running a test fire

This page is a work in progress.

After some kiln repairs it may be required to run a test fire. Typically this will happen after a relay or element replacement to ensure the kiln is operating normally.

  1. Empty the kiln, if not already done.
  2. Place a shelf at each zone with pyrometric cones to record temperature.
    • Each set of cones should consist of 1 below target temperature, 1 at target, and 1 above target.
    • No other pieces should be fired.
  3. Run the kiln's program normally.
  4. Record the runtime and cone behaviour.
  5. Compare kiln performance against Expected performance.
  6. Make repairs and Troubleshoot as required.

 

 

Mopping

TL;DR

  1. Add hot or warm water and floor cleaner to mop bucket
  2. Mop the floors
  3. Ring mop and squeeze out excess water
  4. Drain mop bucket water into the shop sink (Not the bathroom. Not the toilet)
  5. Rinse bucket and drain water again
  6. Clean out the sink sieve and put back in the sink
  7. Admire the clean and dustless floor

Extended version

The water should be emptied daily, or more than once a day if mopping up a significant amount of clay or if the water is cloudy.

Using dirty mop water doesn’t remove dust from the space, but just moves it around.

Fill the mop bucket with water using the provided hose (on the wall near the washroom). Add in a splash of floor cleaner to help clean the floors.

After mopping, rinse and wring out the mop and set it in the mop basket on top of the pail.

Water can be dumped into the shop sink - NOT the toilet or any other sink. Ensure the sieve is in the sink so the pump is not pulling in debris

After dumping the mop water, remove debris from the sieve and throw it away. The water may have chemicals in it, so using gloves is recommended.

Rinse the mop bucket and leave the mop in the basket to air out

Leave the bucket empty. The next person to mop will refill with warm/hot water and floor cleaner

Note: mopping is a physically demanding job for some members. If you are unable to empty the bucket after mopping, that’s okay. We’re a team and we all contribute where we can, not everyone has to be a champion mopper.

Making cookies

Kiln cookies are used to prevent pieces from damaging the shelves, especially in a glaze fire.

Learn more about how to make those cookies here:

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIKIG26dlLc 

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v3HJnTz-Rw