Kilns for processing ceramics and methods for using such kilns

A method of manufacturing a portable kiln, the method comprising:

• positioning an outer body of the portable kiln around at least a portion of a workpiece processing chamber, wherein the outer body at least partially surrounds the processing chamber and is spaced apart from the processing chamber to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• positioning an air mover proximate to a lower portion of the outer body and approximately centrally located beneath the processing chamber, wherein the air mover is in communication with the airflow passageway and is positioned to move ambient air through the airflow passageway from the inlet toward the outlet;
• and
• pivotably coupling a lid assembly to the outer body such that the lid assembly is configured to sealably close against at least the processing chamber.

A portable kiln, comprising:

• an inner body configured to hold one or more workpieces for processing;
• an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body and spaced apart from the inner body to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• and
• an air mover positioned to move ambient air through the airflow passageway from the inlet toward the outlet, wherein the air mover is positioned proximate to the lower portion of the outer body and is approximately centrally located beneath the inner body.

A portable kiln, comprising:

• a processing chamber;
• an outer body at least partially surrounding the processing chamber and spaced apart from the processing chamber to define an airflow passageway therebetween, the airflow passageway having an air inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an air outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body;
• and
• a fan positioned to move ambient air through the airflow passageway from the air inlet toward the air outlet to cool the processing chamber during processing of a workpiece, wherein the fan is approximately centrally located beneath the processing chamber.