CLAMSHELL OPENING KILNS
The clamshell kiln configuration can be made of brick or fiber, can contain routered elements, or elements in quartz tubes, or even have no visible elements at all. It differs from a top loader in that the sides lift with the lid or middle chamber, allowing the bottom or shelf to be exposed and easily loaded with projects. They can have elements in the lid, sides, or both.
Clamshell kilns are almost exclusively glass kilns, but they can also be rated as ceramic and pottery kilns if they are fitted with the proper elements to reach higher temperatures. They are typically square or rectangularly shaped and hinged in the back. These kilns are the perfect solution for complicated projects that require multiple firings with additions of frit, enamels, or paints. Clamshell kilns are great for open-faced castings, dry plaster castings, fusing glass, and slumping projects. These kilns are easy to load and great on the back!
