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Kiln Venting
Submitted by JHible18 on Wed, 07/11/2012 - 03:17.
Hello all,
As usual, I will throw out the newbie alert. :) Thank you for being so patient with me and all of my questions! You guys are the best.
Well, I did it. I ordered a glass kiln. Ha, now I just feel overwhelmed and nervous. I thought I would be excited? Oh well, no turning back now. Anyway, my question is about venting. It will be in the basement of our house and I am concerned about the fumes. From what I have read, most people believe that an actual venting kit is not necessary for glass (like it is ceramic). I am very concerned about firing (especially recycled glass) and not having any nasty fumes.
Opinions please? Thanks again!
Kiln Venting
I felt the same confusion with my first kiln and ended up venting. I hardly ever turn it on unless I am either using fiberboard or rigidizing fiberboard. There are really no noticeable fumes when you are just fusing and slumping.
Meryl Raiffe
Custom Glass Designs
Most of the things that burn
Most of the things that burn off in the kiln - most glues, shelf paper, fiber board/paper binder, etc. - produce only nuisance (i.e. non-toxic) fumes. Some people are more sensitive to them than others. When in doubt, request a MSDS (manufacturer's safety data sheet) from the manufacturer. That will tell you if you need to be concerned.
As for the glass, that should not be a worry. Even lead crystal can be melted in a kiln without much concern (http://www.gafferglass.co.uk/technical/casting_main.htm).
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Paul
FusedGlass.Org
Helios Kiln Glass Studio
PaulTarlow.com