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Okay, I think I know the answer here, but I wanted to make sure someone else hasn't had a bad experience, and ruined their kiln...


My toddler and I made a big (make that huge!) mountain and tunnel out of paper mache for his train set. We've got the first layers on, and they're taking days to dry. You can imagine how that is difficult for a toddler, whose idea of extreme-patience is having to wait until after nap time to play trains again.

It's large, so it's a big soggy mess, and I'd like to toss the mountain into the coffin-kiln over night and bake it at something like 150-175 deg. to speed up the drying between layers. Of course I'd vent the kiln. The glue is a simple paste of flour/water/small qty. of salt.

However, it's the salt in the mix that concerns me.

Can table salt, or for that matter, any organic burn-off in flour/water cause damage to my elements, or absorb into the brick, causing devit issues later for my glasswork?

Or am I just not getting enough sleep, and perhaps am growing more and more paranoid as I get older? ) This kiln is like family...

Oops,

this probably should have been posted in SPAB.

Sorry, Brad. Feel free to move...

I can't answer as to whether it could potentially harm your kiln, but why not do it in the oven?

Too big!!!

That much salt probably won't hurt anything, but keep the kiln vented so the steam escapes instead of staying inside. Watch out for going too fast, though--you might crack your tunnel.

Thanks, Cynthia.

Do you know what is happening to the elements when salts evaporate in a kiln?

I'm curious what chemically happens to the elements. I should've paid more attention in my high school chemistry class!

At such a low temp, I doubt much salt will escape in the environment. Mainly water vapor. I'd fire with the lid open.

Bring it over, we had low 80s and was abe try dry a rug in 30 min. Your tunnel would be peice of cake.. Tad salty tho'
Sheree

Judd wrote:At such a low temp, I doubt much salt will escape in the environment. Mainly water vapor. I'd fire with the lid open.

I assume Judd does not mean "open" fully open...maybe just open 2" to 3" so volume can heat!

Yes Don. Leave the lid 2-3" open. Sorry for the slip.
Or, maybe you could use your kiln to heat your entire house.

You know you shouldn't put a paper mache tunnel in your kiln. You just need someone to reinforce what you already know. Don't put it in your kiln.

Get an electric fan and point it at it. Get some Crystal Cat litter or some other dessicant. Find some Thomas videos on TV for the kid.