The New Kiln's Name

The new kiln landed on my driveway on May 16. On May 18, it was moved into the studio. I wrangled up some free labor to help me, in the form of potters (and some of their spouses) who may be installing kilns in their own houses someday. In exchange for some heavy lifting, they got a hands-on glimpse of their future. Plus dinner afterwards at one of our favorite local eateries. Big thanks to Karen Arrington, Amy Castner, Matt Udvardy, Alan and Karen Dowdy, Janet Evander, and Mark Wimer!

We all marveled at how clearly written the installation instructions were. That's just another reason why I tell everyone to buy L&L Kilns. The whole process took about two hours, and went very smoothly. (Photos by Amy Castner and Janet Evander, click on the thumbnails for larger photos and captions)

When I bought my older kiln back in 2004, it was replacing a little 2-section, 18 inch wide kiln. I had both kilns in my studio for about a week, one much larger than the other, wearing matching metallic suits. During that week the kilns were named Dr. Evil and Mini-Me. Mini-Me soon departed for his new home, and Dr. Evil has been my trusty friend ever since. While we were installing the new kiln, I mentioned that I needed a name for the new kiln. As soon as Matt said his suggestion out loud, I knew it was the only answer. The new kiln's name is Number 2. Number 2 is Dr. Evil's equal, if not his superior. But Dr. Evil is still on top of the organization chart here.