Toploader Kilns
How to access this tool
Technician only
Please speak with a technician if your making project requires a red tool.
Key information
Red tools can only be used by technicians. Please drop into the workshop during our opening hours and speak with a technician if your making project requires a red tool.
The Rhode 60 Ecotop Toploader has a volume of 60 litres and is a kiln suitable for temperatures up to 1320°C. However, to preserve the lifespan of this kiln we will only offer firings up to 1260°C. The most common firing schedules in the workshop are Bisque 1000°C & Earthenware glost 1100°C.
Please note
This tool for operation by technicians only, We are however happy to explain to you how it works and how firing programmes are designed to suit the different uses of specific clays & glazes. As our kilns are electric, we are only able to offer oxidation firings.
What can I use this tool for?
In order to turn your clay pieces of work into ceramics they need to go through a firing process. Heating the clay to very hot temperatures induces reactions that lead to permanent changes, including increasing the strength and rigidity of the object. At approximately 900°C, clay particles begin to fuse together.
Typical ceramic firings occur in two stages: bisque firing and glaze (glost) firing. During the first firing - bisque - clay transforms into a durable, semi-vitrified and porous object. The second firing brings objects up to a higher temperature which vitrifies glazes that have been applied after the bisque firing, in order to seal them.
This kiln offers some limited work with glass casting. We are able to use the kiln to slump specific glass over moulds made from part silica and part plaster. Very simple glass casting is also possible but please speak with a technician before making further plans.
Materials used with this tool
- Clay - (Only Manufactured Clay)
- Glass - Speak to a technician first
What training do I need to use this tool?
In the interests of safety and our fair use policy, this tool is for the use by technicians only. However, we are happy to demonstrate and explain the workings of the kiln.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Inner Width | 400 mm |
| Inner Height | 450 mm |
| Max Temperature | Allows firing up to 1320°C |
