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Geil JH-10 Automatic Gas Kiln
Achieving reduction effects with crystalline glazes has been the target of several ceramists in the past. Everything from firing gas kilns manually to dripping combustibles such as oil and alcohol into hot electric kilns has been attempted with varying degrees of success and risk to the artwork and the artist. Myself and others have experimented heavily within the area of post-fired Reduction to get these effects.
The main concern is that the crucial amounts of zinc in a crystalline glaze will volatize in an environment that does not have a certain level of oxygen present. Below the temperatures at which the crystals are grown, however, the glaze can be altered in a reduced oxygen atmosphere, creating colors and effects unavailable any other way. One of the topics at LatticeStructures™ (http://jessehull.com/events/latticestructures%E2%84%A2/) covered the firing of crystalline ceramics in an automated gas kiln design created by Paul Geil. Together, Geil and Kris Friedrich gave an image-based presentation on the subject. The facts were impressive... but the response I got as the event's organizer was mixed. Many believe that Geil manufactures outstanding kilns, easily warranting the price. Still, as incredible as the kilns are, the cost and space necessary to own a Geil can be prohibitive for many private studio artists. Geil and I initially discussed the premise for a kiln designed to solve the issues of price and limited space, following LatticeStructures in October 2005.
The design would represent more than just a long-needed alternative for the "hobby kilns" used by many ceramic artists. In terms of price, size, and function, this new kiln would offer a suitably sized, computer-controlled gas kiln for the private studio artist wishing to fire in oxidation, neutral, and/or reduction atmospheres. The JH-10 is an extension of the experiments done by Geil at his facility, and by Joe Symons and Kris Friedrich in their own respective studios (see article: "Lattice Structures" Ceramics Monthly, June 2006). Symons originally performed crystalline firings in a Geil kiln equipped with a 4-ramp computer controlled automatic damper system.
Friedrich, along with his colleague Tom Wallick, work with a 27 cu.ft. kiln capable of 8 ramp firings. The JH-10 will run with the most recent computer controller, and is currently being tested on the JH-10 prototype at Friedrich Pottery. It will boast a 32 ramp capacity, touch screen controller, PC interface, and advancements in the auto damper system itself. The kiln is a natural draft/downdraft design, made of a heavy gauge welded steel exterior, with a fiber-lined interior. Capable of 2500F peak (cone 14), the fiber allows for fast climbs as well as fast drops in temperature(read more at: http://www.kilns.com/geilpg4.htm). In terms of size, the JH-10 is built with the private studio artist in mind.
10 cu.ft. equates to a shelf stacking footprint of 24X24X36, using standard 12X24 shelves. As such, the JH-10 offers a larger area than that available in most electric studio kilns, yet can still exist within most private studio settings. And as a front loading kiln, it will also be much easier to unstack, maintain, and reload.
Other crystalline artists, such as Rod & Denise Simair and John Tilton, are already on the list to receive a JH-10. The interest in this kiln has been strengthened by speaking with many non-crystalline studio potters about the kiln as well. Current Status:
The JH-10 prototype has been tested using Geil's 8 ramp computer. Paul Geil, and Geil spokesmen Kris Friedrich and Tom Coleman reported that the the kiln performed very well and some wonderful crystalline glazed work has already been produced by the kiln.
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Geil JH10 at Wiseman Ceramics
| Geil Kilns
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