Kiln Collar/Sleeve

[BOATBAG]

I ordered a blank collar/sleeve for my 8″ kiln to increase my interior height a little bit.  The item sent is not blank, it has a hole in the side.  The vendor has offered to send me a plug for the hole.  Will plugging the hole be an effective fix, will heat still escape?

[Pam B]

Pam B

I suppose it depends on what the plug is made of…. I doubt cork would work LOL.  Just kidding… My larger kiln has a hole with a movable cover on the side so I can vent the kiln when I want.  I usually open it when the major part of the annealing process is done and it is just cooling down.  It is probably just a vent hole not a defect but it will need to be closed during most of the fusing process.

 

[rgilbert]

My kiln has a peep hole with the plug. The plug material is generally a high-fire ceramic that can be removed for venting or peering within. Yes, there probably is some heat loss even when it is plugging the hole, but it seems to be relatively minor.

I like the hole so I can check on the glass (although it only gives me part of the story) and I don’t create a larger heat loss as when I open the lid.

The plug does get hot and should only be removed when you’ve got on your heat-resistant gloves and eye protection.

 

Roxane

[Author]

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