How to Convert a Ceramic Kiln Into a Jewelry Oven
One of the most versatile pieces of equipment for hobbies and art projects is a kiln. The high temperatures of a kiln allow you to fire ceramics, slump glass and glaze pottery. The major drawback of kilns is that they are expensive, with the small table-top varieties starting around $400 and the large professional models going for tens of thousands of dollars.
In recent years, the use of precious metal clay to make jewelry has soared. Bronze or silver particles are embedded in clay and are easily shaped and molded. When the dried clay is fired in a kiln, the clay burns away and leaves solid sterling silver or bronze. The relative ease of use makes this a popular hobby and business.
If you have access to a ceramic kiln and you want to start making silver or bronze clay jewelry, you don't need to buy a special kiln for the job. In most cases, you can modify your own kiln by using inexpensive add-ons.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Firing pan
- Activated charcoal
- Fiber kiln shelf
- Hard ceramic kiln shelf
- Kiln posts
- Window and bead door (optional)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Drill and bits
Instructions
-
Silver Jewelry
-
1
Shape and dry your silver clay. To fire it, you can set your jewelry directly on the bottom of the kiln, but placing the pieces on a kiln shelf gives you more control.
-
2
Use a fiber kiln shelf if you are firing jewelry with a dome shape or another shape that may be misshapen from being fired on a hard surface. This will give the pieces a softer surface to rest on.
-
-
3
Fire flat pieces on a hard ceramic kiln shelf. Arrange the pieces so they don't touch.
-
4
Save time and energy by firing as many pieces as possible at a time. You can use hard kiln shelves and kiln posts to build layers.
Bronze Jewelry
-
5
Use a stainless steel firing pan and activated carbon. Bronze clay is less expensive but a little trickier to work with and fire.
-
6
Fill the firing pan about two-thirds with the carbon.
-
7
Place your dried bronze clay pieces on top of the carbon so that they aren't touching.
-
8
Cover the pieces with about an inch of carbon.
-
9
Place in the kiln and fire according to the schedule.
Adding a Window and Bead Door
-
10
Consider the benefits of using a window and kiln door. Although a more expensive option than the previous add-ons, this arrangement can be a plus. You will be able to keep an eye on the progress of your pieces without peaking in the top, letting heat escape and risking a painful burn. Not all kiln makers offer retrofit windows and doors, so check with the manufacturer for details.
-
11
Place the kiln on its back and remove the hinges with the screwdriver.
-
12
Remove the old door.
-
13
Place the new door on the kiln, aligning it with the opening into the kiln.
-
14
Place the existing hinge against the new door.
-
15
Mount the new catch on the door so it aligns with the catch on the kiln.
-
16
Drill holes in the new door to attach the hinge and screw the door to the hinge. Don't tighten until the catch is aligned again.
-
17
Drill holes into the door to attach the catch with screws.
-
18
Close the door and check the alignment. Tighten the screws on both sides, taking care not to press too hard on the fiber of the new door.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can change the patina on bronze pieces by firing them in either activated coal carbon or coconut shell carbon. Gold clay is also currently available, but due to the high cost, it's better to practice with less-expensive bronze and silver clay.
Unplug the kiln any time you're replacing parts or performing maintenance. Always use the proper safety equipment according to the manufacturer's directions.
Resources
- Photo Credit William T. Trobaugh, Jr.
