Converting electric kiln to downdraft gas And I'll soon be converting a larger kiln to a downdraft gas kiln as well Jul 20, 2015 · Ceramics Arts Network 2 part article on converting an electric kiln for wood and gas firing. We will continue to invest our profits in the creation and innovation of building kilns. Olympic Kilns is proud to offer updraft and downdraft gas kiln models. If you look around you can find a lot of great tips and ideas to get you started and help you figure out how to fire the little thing. =3DC2=3DA0 one could also = look=3D into placing the chimney outside the kiln to increase the ware chamber siz= =3D e. =3D20 On another front we converted one and a third oval kilns into a wood fired The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23” or 28” electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. Search for "TDI Downdraft kiln Conversion". Jan 5, 2009 · After moving from a rural to an urban area, potter Bruce Bowers realized that, in order to continue to feed his passion for wood firing, he would have to get creative. It had been sitting in the basement, waiting it's turn to be fixed up and played with (in addition to a second hand pottery wheel that was acquired along the way). Dec 13, 2017 · I’m a recent grad working on setting up a studio space on a really tight budget, and my current plan is to convert an old electric kiln I got for free into a propane-fueled gas kiln. Does anybody here have experience with ceramic fiber in a downdraft kiln? I’m thinking about making a very small (8cu ft. Like you said, it has to breathe. Many glazes and clays will look very different depending on how quickly they are fired, and how much oxygen is present. The book provides a detailed description of the theory, construction process, parts required with sources, and the basic tools needed. ) downdraft kiln that can fire to cone 10. A major revision was to the Firing the TDI kiln sections. 00 The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23” or 28” electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. Ceramic glaze res I understand with raku kilns that you can induce reduction with salt/soda, or the post-firing reduction using combustibles, but how with using an electric kiln that has been made into a gas kiln do you induce the reduction? Feb 13, 2022 · However, recently I began converting an old electric kiln into a combination wood and soda kiln. I would think about cutting away part of the steel jacket on the kiln November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Am Jan 7, 2009 · On Monday, Bruce Bowers explained his process for converting an old electric kiln into a gas and wood-fire kiln. I currently fire to cone 6-9 electric and wanted to have a little downdraft gas kiln because I believe the glazes look more lively & after seeing a clip from Simon Leach, it looked easy enough! lol. I only Sep 23, 2010 · Thanks everyone for the info, opinions and links. My 21 cubic foot electric kiln was $8,000 including all electrical and venting costs. Mar 4, 2015 · Has anyone converted their old electric kiln to gas? I was buying paint today and was telling her about my old kiln that don't work and she said convert it to gas. The book provides a detailed description of the Olympic DownDraft kilns are shipped ready to fire. Great way to convert an old electric kiln into gas. November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Am My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. You biggest problem will be getting the stack to fit tight with the wall of the kiln. Any ideas on where to start? Thanks electric to a gas fired kiln. I get good results from mine. Kiln Furniture: we used regular stilts from an electric kiln. Electric Kilns Gas Kilns Glass Kilns Industrial Kilns GEIL DLB-8 GAS KILN GEIL Natural Draft Kilns PLEASE NOTE - THE CURRENT LEADS TIME FOR GEIL KILNS IS 10-12 MONTHS The frame construction and exterior shell of the GEIL Downdraft Gas Fired Fire Brick Kilns consists of heavy gauge structural strength steel. so I decided to build my own. Rather than simply cutting a hole in the bottom of the electric kiln for the burner, I lay a brick floor and three courses of wall as a foundation for the electric kiln to rest on. They fire at high temperatures, are high-powered, and provide the capability to do techniques that cannot be duplicated in an electric kiln such as reduction. My original plan was to fire it with a pair of propane weed burners, (like simon leach’s conversion) but it’s occu I'm in the process of converting an old electric kiln to a downdraft gas kiln. Feb 7, 2024 · Hello all, I am just in the process of taking an old electric kiln that was given to my wife and converting it to a propane fired down draft kiln. Sep 30, 2015 · In a kiln that small a downdraft would do wonders to help even out the temperatures. Oval kiln conversion is discussed as There is a group on Facebook about converting electric kilns to gas. Find and save ideas about gas kiln for pottery on Pinterest. When we last had an electrician o… A propane gas fired car kiln built in a workshop held in Virginia. GEIL DLB-12 GAS KILN GEIL Natural Draft Kilns PLEASE NOTE - THE CURRENT LEADS TIME FOR GEIL KILNS IS 10-12 MONTHS The frame construction and exterior shell of the GEIL Downdraft Gas Fired Fire Brick Kilns consists of heavy gauge structural strength steel. We used some small pieces to shim around the concrete block supports, made one into a grate, used 3-4 inside the kiln, and 1 to close the flue at the end of the firing. It works by using a wall mounted fan to draw a very small amount of air through holes drilled in My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. 8 4 2020 Finshed converted gas kiln from electric! Wonky Pottery 72 subscribers Subscribe Kiln Shelves: 4-6: a variety of old kiln shelves have worked great for us. Bailey Gas Kilns are easy to fire, used at universities and studios worldwide, with the best technical support. All frames are welded at each joint to provide for maximum strength and durability. Photos Nov 24, 2010 · Subscribed 37 10K views 14 years ago Conversion of skutt 1227 electric kiln to propane downdraftmore SIMON LEACH - How to convert an old electric kiln to propane gas -1 ! Simon Leach 61. Here is an album showing the some of the process of the conversion. My plan is to use it exclusively, for soda firings (by exclusively I mean I have no other kiln to use - even for bisque, so this one has to work, somehow). I'm sure you've seen all the threads here on the forum about the troubles people have keeping the round updraft kilns even. Apr 12, 2019 · The updraft is natural gas, the downdraft is propane so the downdraft is generally darker but both still go a nice boron / copper green late in the firing. Sep 30, 2015 · Around here, gas costs more that electricity, so firing the electric kiln can be cheaper, even with the price of elements. I've done enough research to feel confident that I can successfully fire it after a two or three (or four) test fires in order to get a feel for controlling the ramp up in heat, the reduction schedule, and so on. There is no assembly or putting the kiln together, unless you have requested a custom kiln. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results Jan 18, 2012 · I have converted an old electric 7 cu ft to downdraft gas. When we last had an electrician o… My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. Oval kiln conversion is discussed as My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. If you search the same thing on Amazon, you will find a well done book on the conversion. Not to mention the fact that a proper gas kiln will cost several times the price of an electric kiln, especially with venting issues. There you will find a friendly group. I took on the large project of converting a retired old electric kiln into a functional downdraft reduction gas kiln. I have installed 4 burners in the bottom corners and made an exhaust from a 6x6 square tubing I had laying around. Whether you choose an updraft or downdraft kiln, your work is large or small, a gas firing kiln can be tailored to meet your needs and expand your possibilities. And get creative, he did. through taking various classes i had been able to continue firing pieces whi. ) and I want to convert it to a gas kiln. Although I have a programable kiln I don't control the cool-down but would like to look into that further. Learn how to convert an electric kiln to gas for pottery making. They worked well. MANUFACTURER OF PORTABLE DOWNDRAFT GAS KILNS, ELECTRIC KILNS, GLAZE BOOTHS INDUSTRIAL FURNACES, GAS BURNERS AND CONTROLS. I decided to convert it to a downdraft gas kiln and have had great results. I have the book of Frederick Olsen's Kiln Book and in my opinion it has enough information to design a kiln but it may take a lot of time when I start doing that. For The Kiln Gallery This part of our site is intended to help provide information and ideas on building your gas-fired reduction kiln. I have a few questions regarding fi How to Make a Downdraft Kiln Vent: We acquired an old electric kiln at an estate sale. Luke took that knowledge and applied it to studio pottery. With the cooperation of the studio where he was teaching at the time, Bruce converted an old electric kiln into a propane-fueled wood-burning kiln, with great results. Today, as promised, Bruce goes into detail about the firing schedule he uses with this kiln. Bailey gas kilns will fire reduction and oxidation atmospheres beautifully, both manually or with computer controls. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results Downdraft gas kilns from Olympic Kilns are designed with the intake and exhaust at the bottom of the kiln for proper combustion. Apr 28, 2025 · How to fire a gas kiln efficiently is a burning question many potters want to know the answer to. Sep 23, 2010 · Thanks everyone for the info, opinions and links. 00 DownDraft Gas Car Kilns DD9 Car Kiln $ 13,745. Oct 28, 2023 · Electric to gas conversions fall into the down draft and updraft categories, I haven't heard of a cross draft conversion. Downdraft vents actively remove fumes from your kiln before they can enter the room and vent them outside keeping your studio free of smell. (previously posted link to this article taken down as an inappropriate link) Boris Robinson’s introduction to making pottery was at a well-equipped museum studio with two large gas downdraft kilns. Oct 3, 2025 · Coal-Fired Kilns: Coal-fired kilns, which used coal to replace wood for the fuel source, were widely used up until in the mid-twentieth century. Start your ceramics journey today! Apr 12, 2019 · The biggest problem with these conversion kilns is that people want to load them up like they would an electric kiln, which doesn't work. A little over a year ago I had a massive failure in an ancient electric kiln. However, I have not found much information on safety concerns which are specific to this type of kiln, other than the general concerns in an electric kiln such as toxic fumes. I’m trying to find the most cost effective option, my last resort being just converting an old electric kiln, but I’ve heard those don’t always turn out to well. Since the Medicine Hat and Redcliff were at the Center of a large and diverse ceramic industry, there was lots of industrial gas kiln and burner design knowledge and experience in the area. Apr 1, 2020 · In today’s post, an excerpt from the April 2020 issue of Ceramics Monthly, Boris shares how he built his DIY downdraft kiln, and gives some safety advice for those interested in converting an electric kiln to gas. 7K subscribers Subscribed Jun 7, 2020 · Hello, I am doing some research into converting an old electric kiln into a downdraft gas kiln. Unlike electric kilns, most gas kilns are self-made, custom designed and built by the artist to meet their personal needs. I suppose that means a 24" ci flue? Gas kilns are the sports car of kilns. I have an old DLS electric kiln that's around 20 cubic feet, (the elements were about 3/4 in. Simplicity of both design and use was a major objective. Will firing from the top create enough draft for the chimney to work? =3DA0 Alpine i=3D n the dim dark past used silicon carbide shelves in their updraft gas kilns= =3D to separate the fireboxes from the ware chamber. Feb 2, 2020 · The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23” or 28” electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. Natural Gas vs Propane Here's the Skinny! Here you’ll find lots of models of gas fired kilns to choose from that will suit your environment and firing style. Suggestions? Jed Yes it can and as far a flue size I have found and agree with Nils Lou (pages 20-24) that most books get this too large. We are excited about the kilns we offer today and the ones we will build in the future. Gas kilns are the sports car of kilns. November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Amazon link previously provided. Today, Bruce shares the process Hybrid 25 cu/ft Gas/Wood/Soda kiln built for full time potter in Niwot, CO. dia. This experience helped me plan how I would be firing my The TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion Group is a place for potters to share information relating to the TDI electric to propane kiln conversions. I'd like to construct this as a downdraft - already have an updraft kiln. Over the Home / Product Design / downdraft Filter Showing all 2 results Sorted by price: low to high Downdraft Gas Kilns DD9 Gas Kiln $ 10,650. And does this have to fire outside? Apr 17, 2019 · Hello everyone, I am writing this post due to hope of meeting with someone who may help me to build a downdraft gas fired kiln. Users are provided with equipment that handles large capacity loads with ease, and best of all is affordable. There is a double floor with 3 fire inlets and a side burner. The TDI kiln came from me wanting to continue high-fire pottery after the local school had equipment issues and is the result of research and various prototypes made back in 2016. In this blog post, we embark on a captivating journey to discover the nuances and benefits of each design, helping you make an informed decision when selecting your ideal firing path. The purpose of this book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23" or 28" electric kiln to a TDI propane gas fueled downdraft kiln. Share Aug 16, 2012 · I've only used a downdraft kiln (not counting electric). You demand performance and Olympic Kilns delivers. Downdrafts have a more complex system than updraft kilns in that their exhaust and intake are at the bottom. it has both electric and gas features. =3D20 On another front we converted one and a third oval kilns into a wood fired Find and save ideas about gas vs electric kiln on Pinterest. Jan 31, 2018 · As I've read these kilns could be hard to fire evenly, I'm converting it into a downdraft kiln with floor fire burner placement. My question is about the max temperature of a kiln. If you have requested a custom order, example a DownDraft kiln with outside dimensions that cannot normally go through a 34 ½” door. Jun 7, 2023 · Two popular kiln designs, updraft and downdraft kilns, offer distinct paths for heat and gases during firing. Ill plug up the original vents on top and need to build an exit flue and chimney behind the kiln. Aug 3, 2025 · First, we took all of the elements, wiring, controllers, thermocoupler out of the old kiln. For Olympic Kilns builds powerful gas production kilns for potters and businesses. November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Am Homemade Electric Kiln: I was frustrated with the price of electric burnout kilns for ceramics, metal annealing, glass enameling, and melting precious metals etc,. Find and save ideas about convert electric kiln to gas on Pinterest. Nov 15, 2024 · The purpose of the book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23” and 28”- wide electric kiln to a TDI propane fueled downdraft kiln. My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results. Get a crash course in everything you need to know about gas fired kilns, including frequently used terms, commons safety precautions, and more at Kiln Frog. The burners are 2 Ransom b3's in 4" holes. This is a Sketchup model of a electric to propane gas conversion. I did lots of research so i could figure out what was going to be the best way to convert it. Though gas kilns are not as ubiquitous as electric kilns these days, there are still many potters and ceramic artists who rely on them to create the wonderful effects created in a reduction, salt or soda firing atmosphere. Not an off-the-shelf purchase, but how about converting an electric kiln to gas? There is a good down draft design called the TDI downdraft kiln conversion with an excellent how-to book on Amazon and a Facebook group. Anyways, ceramic fiber is a very good insulator, and i think Jun 18, 2013 · I am converting an old electric paragon kiln to gas and want to make sure a flor flu vent is as good as a sidewall flue vent. How to Make a Downdraft Kiln Vent: We acquired an old electric kiln at an estate sale. Homemade Electric Kiln: I was frustrated with the price of electric burnout kilns for ceramics, metal annealing, glass enameling, and melting precious metals etc,. Discover the techniques and challenges faced during the transformation. Find and save ideas about how to convert tdi kiln to downdraft on Pinterest. The idea is to promote at-home or small studio reduction firings that can produce very reliable and repeatable results Oct 28, 2023 · I'm thinking about buying an old non-working electric kiln to convert to gas (like Simon Leach). Refractory materials and applications Methods of Kiln construction Principles of design Crossdraft kilns Downdraft kilns Updraft kilns Multi-directional draft kilns Fuels, combustion and firing techniques Electric kilns Speciality kiln and innovations and ideas Data, conversion tables, technical specifications etc. The book presents clarifications of previous text and enhancements and ideas from many people, including from the Facebook group. Is the max firing temperature of a kiln based solely on the limits of its electrical components, or can the body/case of the kiln not physically han MANUFACTURER OF PORTABLE DOWNDRAFT GAS KILNS, ELECTRIC KILNS, GLAZE BOOTHS INDUSTRIAL FURNACES, GAS BURNERS AND CONTROLS. The purpose is to create a kiln for the post firing reduction of crystalline glazes. Picture is a bit washed out by daylight but you get the idea. Aug 16, 2019 · The following details gas downdraft conversions of two kiln sizes – a 23” by 27” and a large 28” by 32”. This conversion was made with considerable research into other conversions and how downdraft kilns work. The goal was to fire cone 10 reduction. Digitalfire Reference Library: Technical Articles SectionBuilding a Lindoe Downdraft Gas Kiln Luke Lindoe designed this kiln in the 1960s. Whatever you need to fire… We will build the kiln for you. electric to a gas fired kiln. Sep 30, 2015 · In my own experience with an electric to gas conversion kiln (using natural gas), I was able to cure stalls by partially blocking the secondary air ports with kaowool and lowering the fuel supply pressure. Today, Bruce shares the process Jul 23, 2009 · Posted by williambaker on Jul 23, 2009 in Kiln Building | 27 comments Giving new life to an old electric kiln is a great project, and there are many ways to go about it. Oct 12, 2019 · Firing cycles and when to reduce with small gas kilns The way in which a kiln is fired can have dramatic effects on pottery. I have built the chimney inside and was wondering if it is large enough? it is 3" x 6" 18ci. When we last had an electrician o… / Warner Hunnicutt Gas Oven Pottery Tools Pottery Supplies Ceramic Store Electric to Gas Conversion: The The frame construction and exterior shell of the GEIL Downdraft Gas Fired Fire Brick Kilns consists of heavy gauge structural strength steel. Both kilns fired very well and excellent reduction and repeatability were obtained. Some folks make it as simple as cutting a hole in the kiln and the lid, some people add a I just picked this old electric kiln to convert to gas. I've done two firings - one straight propane, the other with soda (Gail Nichol Geil's innovative & efficient downdraft firing sytem for gas kilns is the future of kiln firing. Could anybody give some s The purpose of the book is to explain the conversion of a typical 23” and 28”- wide electric kiln to a TDI propane fueled downdraft kiln. Follow this guide to create a functional pottery kiln at home. This video has a lot of cuts and edits The more you put into understanding gas reduction firing and the TDI kiln conversion process, the easier the conversion and the more successful your firings will be. I youtubed it and it sounds time consuming and difficult. Prior to this conversion, I fired a close friend's converted and small brick built kiln. 8 4 2020 Finshed converted gas kiln from electric! Wonky Pottery 72 subscribers Subscribe November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Amazon link previously provided. Cone Blue Pottery shows how to design and construct a small propane fired kiln for firing pottery in oxidation and reduction environments. 1K Members Join group Shay Cohen TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion Mar 11󰞋󱟠 󰟝 Hello everyone, The video attached is of a hybrid kiln from Japan. I will only be operating in the 1400=B0F - 1500=B0F range. I added a drop down ash pit and super duty high alumina grate to this popular design I build often for private clients, schools, and art centers to aid in wood combustion. because of my interest in ceramics she gave the old kiln to me as a gift (awesome). In this case, a soda kiln. Next, we hooked up the Summit Burners to a small propane bottle to see if they worked. When the studio closed, he had to My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. Any gaps will affect the draft. =3DA0 Alpine i=3D n the dim dark past used silicon carbide shelves in their updraft gas kilns= =3D to separate the fireboxes from the ware chamber. The design is relatively inexpensive and easy to construct from commercially available parts. I build a burner port into the wall on the floor level, and allow the burner to come in horizontally under the first shelf. Commercially made kilns are available; however, are usually too expensive for most individuals and are most often purchased by institutions EnviroVent 2 - Kilns | Ceramic Pottery Kiln, Glass Kiln, Pottery Wheels | SkuttWhat is the EnviroVent 2 The EnviroVent 2 is what is known as a Downdraft Vent. Gas Kilns: Gas kilns use natural gases or propane to heat materials and are capable of reaching high temperatures that exceed the temperatures of wood burning or electric kilns. Worm Band: 1-2 35 November 2023 - A second revision of the TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion book has been uploaded and published and is available at the same Amazon link previously provided. Oval kiln conversion is discussed as Natural Gas vs Propane Here's the Skinny! Here you’ll find lots of models of gas fired kilns to choose from that will suit your environment and firing style. my question to The frame construction and exterior shell of the GEIL Downdraft Gas Fired Fire Brick Kilns consists of heavy gauge structural strength steel. TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion Further Study This Further Study post delves into some helpful tips and information gleaned from comments and questions within the Facebook TDI Group posts, conversations, and emails. Follow the step-by-step journey of converting an electric kiln into a gas kiln for pottery making. When we last had an electrician o… / Warner Hunnicutt Gas Oven Pottery Tools Pottery Supplies Ceramic Store Electric to Gas Conversion: The TDI Downdraft Kiln Conversion | Hello everyone, Public group 󰞋 2. Aug 21, 2013 · So I've converted another little electric kiln to run propane. When converting an electric kiln to a downdraft gas kiln, a simple and effective design solution to counter the short flue heights is to provide a heat source to the flue gases in order to create and maintain a higher draft velocity. Any ideas on where to start? Thanks My kiln is a gas kiln that was converted from an old electric kiln. Oct 3, 2025 · Looking to learn more about the different types of kilns? This guide describes the different types of kilns – both modern and traditional. May 27, 2011 · The summer i graduated from high school my ceramics teacher was replacing an electric kiln that was having trouble reaching temperature. Updrafts don't need much alteration beyond a burner hole in the bottom and an exhaust hole in the top, but they tend to fire unevenly.