Anyone know about pottery?

[wdwiala]

So, we know absolutely nothing about pottery. Daughter is taking an art class where they are able to use the pottery wheel. She loves it. DH is a pushover and he went out and bought a used small home kiln. It's small. Around 11 inches wide.

I have no desire to jump into working with clay and firing it. I didn't protest the purchase because I thought that maybe we could purchase the premade bisque and let her and her friends paint them. Then we could fire them. Like they do at the paint your own pottery store. Think of all the money we could save, etc...

I am lost on how to proceed. I see some websites that sell the unfinished products. What I need is a guide book or some instruction on where to go from here. What kind of paints, glazes, what temp to fire at and for how long. Can someone give me a point in the right direction?

Thanks!

 

[HighClass]

I took it in college and let the experts do the firing.

your pieces have to dry completly before painting and firing

I'd return the kiln & let her let the pros where she takes the class fire her stuff.
Really-or YOU or DAD will have to actually take classes to learn everything you are asking.

 

[Imzadi]

 

[wdwiala]

Thanks. It's a Model LK-3k Duncan Home Ceramic Oven. Not sure the highest temp. DH has the instruction manuel in his truck at work right now.

I have skimmed a couple of pottery books and I can tell that it is a delicate process. One that obviously needs to be taught in a class.

I simply hoped that it wouldn't be so hard to do the unfinished bisque with the kids. If it doesn't work out, DH only paid $100. for the kiln and its not a huge loss. Sell it at the next garage sale. No biggee.

Thanks for helping. I live near the Iowa/Illinois border.

 

[JR6ooo4]

Are you looking for a cheap hobby? Is the kiln electric? Is it 120 volt or 220 volt? how much electricity will it use when firing over a few days?

Mikeeee

 

[Imzadi]

I'd return the kiln & let her let the pros where she takes the class fire her stuff.
Really-or YOU or DAD will have to actually take classes to learn everything you are asking.

I agree with this.

 

[Imzadi]

Thanks. It's a Model LK-3k Duncan Home Ceramic Oven.

That is actually NOT the model number of the kiln. It is also an incorrect number, it is LT-3K kiln sitter.

 

[wdwiala]

That is actually NOT the model number of the kiln. It is also an incorrect number, it is LT-3K kiln sitter. The differences between one kiln and another may be off by one or two numbers or letters. Getting the wrong model number can make the difference in buring down your house, if you wire your house incorectly for the kiln, or puting in the wrong materials which catch fire inside the kiln. LT-3K is the model number of the kiln sitter box, which is, for lack of a better description, like the the temperature control box on ANY kiln.

Look around the rest of the kiln and not that box, and find another brand name an model number.

Sorry about that. Wrote it on the paper correct, typed it in wrong. It is a model ES 122. Volts: 110/120 Max temp 2300F Cone 8

I think that I way underestimated this. I'm thinking maybe putting it in my SIL's garage sale sounds good.

My daughter is 12. I would Never let her do this alone. At this point, I'm not really interested in modelling and working with clay. Nor molding. I had just thought maybe the prefired bisque. I assumed that you just painted it and refired it. I think that I am just realizing how touchy of a process it is.

You asked how dedicated she was with it: I believe that if I sold the thing next week, she would get over it relatively quickly and move on to some other interest. We just saw the kiln for $100. and thougth "why not?".

Thanks for all the info. I really appreciate it. If I do decide to use it, I wont do it withought lots or research and planning.

 

[wdwiala]

Thanks for the link. We did not get a detailed instruction book like that from the seller.

 

[Imzadi]

It would be better if she took some classes at some of those paint & fire places, first if you have one nearby. They have taken all the guesswork out of which clays & glazes to get. They probably have favorites they work with already and can make suggestions on which products go together.
I actually applaud your DH in soooo supporting your DD.

 

[wdwiala]

I really appreciate all the info. I will look around the area in the next couple of days and see if there are some options out there. The local art museum used to hold classes but they opened a fancy smancy new facility and I don't think that the pottery is an option any longer.

Maybe we will hold onto it for a bit, do some research and see where it all takes us.

Thanks again for all the help. It's hard to start from scratch. Even to just get an overview is a huge help.

 

[Imzadi]

 

[wdwiala]

Thanks so much. DH and I are going to have to have a big ole talk in regards to the kiln. So much info needs to be gathered first. I had NO IDEA! Well, I had some....but went along for the ride anyway.

 

[Imzadi]

Your welcome.

 

[HighClass]

Glad you got some help from a pro.

I loved, loved pottery in college-but the Prof and his assistant did all the firings.