Natural Gas vs Propane Gas
If you plan to use natural gas with your kiln, a large burner is necessary when used on natural gas pressure, you will need 6-8 inches of the water column. If you order your kiln for household natural gas use, it will be equipped this way. The natural gas pipeline that connects to the kiln needs to be one that has a 3/4" inside diameter. If you plan to use propane gas, your tank must have a low-pressure regulator like those on a camper trailer. If an adjustable regulator is being used, about 1/2 pound pressure is necessary. The gas pipeline needs to be a hard line with a ¾” inside diameter. The line should run 20 – 40 ft. long from the propane tank. The larger the tank the better; however, a five (5) gallon tank is the minimum size for the 1827G or 18 Raku, and a 15-gallon tank is the minimum size for the 2327G/23 Raku and 2827G/28 Raku kilns. Due to gas flow, the propane tank may have a tendency to freeze solid. If ice is observed forming on the outside of the tank, water can be run over it to help keep it melted. The tank can also be lowered into a large bucket of warm water. When portable tanks are used for rakuing, keep gas tanks at a safe distance from the kiln.
Gas Kilns Vent Hood
Proper ventilation is required when firing a gas kiln. Gas kilns fired outside may not require a vent. The vent hood will attach to a double-walled exhaust pipe with 10” coupling. The double-walled exhaust pipe is required by building conditions or local codes unless otherwise stated. The vent needs to be placed 18” above the kiln when the lid is open or above the kiln frame.
28" Gas-Updraft Torchbearer Furniture Kit
As an option, add a 28" Gas-UpDraft Torchbearer Furniture Kit which includes: 6 – 24” x 12” half round shelves, 6 ea – 3, 6, 9, 12-inch large square posts, 1 lb bag kiln wash.
Get to know your kiln!
Read all about your kiln before you buy. Check out this Olympic Gas Kiln Manual here and explore all about what this kiln has to offer.
Need more information on Gas kiln firing? Check out our Gas Kilns 101 Page!
NOTE: Olympic Gas Kilns are not Massachusetts Board of Examiners approved. Please check the laws in your state before purchase. Kiln Frog, LLC. is not responsible for customer selections and purchases that do not align with current state board guidelines.