A kiln is an expensive but essential piece of equipment for many pottery artists.
A kiln is an essential piece of equipment for many artists who enjoy creating their own pottery. However, the weight of the equipment, paired with its somewhat fragile nature, can make portability a problem if you're planning to move the kiln to a new location. Precautions need to be taken to safely relocate your kiln.
Instructions
1. Secure a piece of Styrofoam between the lid and the body of the kiln to prevent damage. Kilns should always be lifted by the handles, if applicable, or from the bottom. Lifting from the peephole could cause damage and should be avoided. Carefully slide the dolly beneath the kiln, with a flat side of the kiln leaning against the back of the dolly.
2. Place the kiln on a wooden pallet, which should be covered in a sheet of Styrofoam. Lift from the bottom or by using the handles. Put another sheet of Styrofoam on top of the kiln; then place the second pallet on top.
3. Band the two pallets together with plastic wrap to hold secure them in place. Another option, for maximum safety, is to insert 2-by-4 pieces of wood, cut to fit between the top and bottom pallets, at each of the four corners. Nail the pallets to the 2-by-4s to create a packaging crate. Diagonal 2-by-4s can also be nailed between opposite top and bottom corners to reinforce the strength of the crate.
4. Load the crate into the moving truck with the assistance of a pallet jack or a fork lift, should you have access to one. Placing the crate at the back of the moving truck, near the cab, will provide a smoother ride, decreasing the chances of damage from shifting or excessive bumps.
