Filing Cabinet Kiln

[Markw]

I never had time to make my kiln this summer, but now most of the leaf is now dry I was thinking that the next step would be to find time to make a kiln.
I have read many threads regarding making and how to make a good kiln. I was thinking this morning I could use a filing cabinet the ones for drop files as they already have a hanging rail in them and three or four draws.
I was thinking that they are pretty air tight apart for the draws. I have worked out a way to resolve this problem. Just thinking if anyone had used one in the past. It would be covered with insulation I can just stick it onto the outer steel sheet.

Just thinking what everyone thinks of the idea or should I use an old fridge.

Markw

 

[Jitterbugdude]

MarkW,
Sounds good... so far. What are you going to use for a water source? You also might have rust problems with it being all metal.
Randy B

 

[leverhead]

It sounds good to me also. If you insulate it well on the out side, you shouldn't have too many problems with condensation. Look for lubricant on the draw slides, otherwise run it empty for a few days to drive out off odors. Don't forget to insulate under it also.

 

[Markw]

MarkW,
Sounds good... so far. What are you going to use for a water source? You also might have rust problems with it being all metal.
Randy B

Yes I was thinking that there could be a rust problem, I am planning on painting the inside with a special rubber paint that I have in the garage. As for the water source I was thinking of making a bunded area at the bottom of the cabinet while using the rubber paint I would drill through the side of the cabinet and fix a hose for filling if the water level drops.

I was thinking of using a heater pad in the water as the heat source. it would save a lot of space than using a crock pot.
Just thinking what size heater pad I would need Thinking about 100 watts might do.

Mark W

 

[leverhead]

I'd be careful with paint!

 

[Markw]

I'd be careful with paint!

Hi Leverhead.
It is a rubber coating that is food grade, it is made by a company on your side of the pond, it is call CIM 600 it was made by Chevron. It cost a fortune over here, but I have a few tins left over from a job

 

[leverhead]

I think I'd make a test panel and put it in the oven a little warmer than what you want to use it at. Not all food grade stuff is pleasant.

 

[Markw]

Thanks Leverhead.
I would do that just to be on the safe side, but it should be fine as it is for drinking water tanks, and has a working temperature up to 180f .
Better safe than sorry.

Markw