My set-up is by no means the 'best' way to set-up a torch firing space; but, given how little information is out there on torch firing, I thought I would share what I have. The first picture is my enameling and firing station set-up. I am planning to install a cabinet with shelving on the wall above the station to house my enamels. The table space to the left (red cabinet) is dedicated to enameling. The 'firing' part of the station, on the right, is used for enameling, soldering, welding, etc. (Metal work and kiln firing are done in a seperate space.)
Â
So far, I have used this set-up for firing small scale (2-3 inches or less) flat or curved pieces. The standard set-up can take several forms, I describe and provide photos of the 2 set-ups I use most often.Â
Â
In all set-up options, a ceramic tile serves as the base or floor of my set-up. Ceramic tiles are a great and inexpensive way to protect your table surface and prevent fires. I use an 8x10 tile purchased at Home Depot for a little over a dollar.
Â
Firing option 1:Â
The components are 4 2-inch kiln posts, 2 fire bricks, stainless steel mesh screen, and a stainless steel trivet. The 4 kiln posts and the mesh screen serve as the 'enameling table'. The fire bricks help to hold in the maximum amount of heat. While no specific screen mesh thickness is recommended, keep in mind that the thicker mesh screens are greater heat sinks. I use the 6x6 mesh from Thompson Enamel.
Â
Firing option 2:Â Â
The main components are a 6 inch tripod, a stainless steel mesh screen, and a stainless steel trivet. Placing the tripod into a rotating annealing pan, is optional and would allow you to rotate the piece while keeping the torch stationary. While no specific screen mesh thickness is recommended, keep in mind that the thicker mesh screens are greater heat sinks. I use the 6x6 mesh from Thompson Enamel.
Â
I am working on a 3rd option based on a trivet I used at the referenced torch firing workshop. When I get it working, I will share it as well.
Â
There are also some additional 'accessories' you can use to generate more heat and allow for firing larger pieces and hollow forms. I will share images of those in another discussion thread.
Â
References:
1. The Art of Enameling, by Linda Darty (pages 38 & 39)
2. 'Cause and Effect' Torch Firing Workshop with Deborah Lozier at Thompson Enamel,
    August 2010
3. Deb Lozier Publication on Ganoskin.com: http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/torch-firing-enameling.htm
My set-up is by no means the 'best' way to set-up a torch firing space; but, given how little information is out there on torch firing, I thought I would share what I have. The first picture is my enameling and firing station set-up. I am planning to install a cabinet with shelving on the wall above the station to house my enamels. The table space to the left (red cabinet) is dedicated to enameling. The 'firing' part of the station, on the right, is used for enameling, soldering, welding, etc. (Metal work and kiln firing are done in a seperate space.)
Â
So far, I have used this set-up for firing small scale (2-3 inches or less) flat or curved pieces. The standard set-up can take several forms, I describe and provide photos of the 2 set-ups I use most often.Â
Â
In all set-up options, a ceramic tile serves as the base or floor of my set-up. Ceramic tiles are a great and inexpensive way to protect your table surface and prevent fires. I use an 8x10 tile purchased at Home Depot for a little over a dollar.
Â
Firing option 1:Â
The components are 4 2-inch kiln posts, 2 fire bricks, stainless steel mesh screen, and a stainless steel trivet. The 4 kiln posts and the mesh screen serve as the 'enameling table'. The fire bricks help to hold in the maximum amount of heat. While no specific screen mesh thickness is recommended, keep in mind that the thicker mesh screens are greater heat sinks. I use the 6x6 mesh from Thompson Enamel.
Â
Firing option 2:Â Â
The main components are a 6 inch tripod, a stainless steel mesh screen, and a stainless steel trivet. Placing the tripod into a rotating annealing pan, is optional and would allow you to rotate the piece while keeping the torch stationary. While no specific screen mesh thickness is recommended, keep in mind that the thicker mesh screens are greater heat sinks. I use the 6x6 mesh from Thompson Enamel.
Â
I am working on a 3rd option based on a trivet I used at the referenced torch firing workshop. When I get it working, I will share it as well.
Â
There are also some additional 'accessories' you can use to generate more heat and allow for firing larger pieces and hollow forms. I will share images of those in another discussion thread.
Â
References:
1. The Art of Enameling, by Linda Darty (pages 38 & 39)
2. 'Cause and Effect' Torch Firing Workshop with Deborah Lozier at Thompson Enamel,
    August 2010
3. Deb Lozier Publication on Ganoskin.com: http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/torch-firing-enameling.htm