Kiln Shelves FAQ

Why are these shelves now called IPS Ceramics, I thought they were Dyson shelves?

These are the same shelves as with the Dyson name on them. Same quality, durability and strength. They are made in the same place and are sold by the same people. Dyson upper management took over this phase of the thermal technologies industry and became IPS Ceramics.

What makes these shelves different?

These shelves are cordierite material machined to a level surface. The honeycomb design assures more even heating, lighter weight, and protects against warping.

Where can I obtain these shelves?

Ditore Glass Works is the distributor in the United States.

Where will they ship from?

San Diego, California.

Where can I pick up my shelf?

The warehouse is in San Diego, and you must arrange pick up ahead of time by e-mailing to dick@ditoreglassworks.com, or calling 858.780.0552.

How will they be shipped?

You may specify your own shipper. As an option, we will provide shipping through our sources. Please specify if this is a commercial or residential address, and if a lift gate is required.

How can I make my shelves even smoother?

Before your first firing, you may enhance the surface of your shelf by using wet sandpaper in 100, 200 and 400 grit consecutively to get the smoothness faster than waiting for the process through kiln washing/firing/cleaning. Using each grit about 10-20 minutes can be a good result.

Will my firing schedule change?

We ask that you test your kiln and shelf prior to firing work. We recommend referring to Bullseye Tech Notes "Knowing Your Kiln" www.bullseyeglass.com, as a guide along with setting up your new kiln shelf.

Can I use other refractory on top of my kiln shelf?

Basically, any mold material or refractory product suitable for kiln-formed glass will work with your IPS Ceramics kiln shelf provided that you have done your research and adjusted your firing schedules and layouts accordingly. Whenever you add different materials such as fiber board or blanket or different thicknesses of glass, you provide uneven heating and cooling and therefore can cause thermal shock to your glass or to any shelf. We recommend Bullseye Tech Notes new annealing schedule and "Heat and Glass # 4." basics. If you can find it, an invaluable tool is Graham Stone's "Firing Schedules for Glass." Much easier to find and a superb asset is "Contemporary Fused Glass," 2010, by Brad Walker, www.warmglass.com/cfg.

What is the life of these shelves?

The shelves in our studio have been in use for over three years. With proper care and firing, your IPS Ceramics shelf should last a long time. IPS Ceramics has a reputation for longevity of their products in many industries.

What warranty comes with my IPS Ceramics shelf?

IPS Ceramics warranties their shelves due to manufacturing default for one year from date of purchase.

What kiln wash should I use?

We recommend Bullseye Kiln Wash.

What shelf paper should I use?

Unlike other kiln shelves, the use of shelf paper is not necessary. The shelf surface alone with proper kiln washing, will give you a nice finish on your pieces.

What special instructions will I need to fire the first time?

We will e-mail a first-time firing schedule to you, but you can find one below. This will be a one-time drying out firing as the shelves may absorb some moisture from the trip across the water, and the first firing will leach out any manufacturing chemicals.

IPS Ceramics Extruded Batt first time firing schedule.

***All temperatures are Fahrenheit***

1. 50 degrees per hour to 200 degrees and soak 3 hours.

2. 50 degrees per hour to 525 and soak 2 hours.

3. 100 degrees per hour to 1100 and soak 1 hour

4. End/Natural cool down.

How do I cut the shelf to fit my kiln?

It is best to take the saw to the shelf. A circular saw with a diamond blade is an excellent choice. Applying water at the blade while cutting will hold down dust and make an easier cut. To achieve surface smoothness, lightly hand sand.

Why do I need supports and dams?

We recommend supporting your shelf off the kiln floor. The best supports are those made of the same material and strength as the shelf. When ordering your shelf, we will let you know how many you need -- for instance 24 x 48" should use three supports. We also suggest these supports as dams on your edges when you need to shore up your glass, as they stay true in firing.

We recommend these supports for your shelves:

30 x 30” – 2 across width

23 x 40” – 3 across width

24 x 48” – 3 across width

30 x 60” – 4 across width

30 x 71” -- 5 across width

Note** If you wish to fire on the floor of your kiln, we suggest you do a trial with your schedule and determine if it needs altered for this shelf.

How do I pay for these shelves?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal and Checks.