Dan Traill on thu 4 apr 96
Reference Kurt Unterschuetz's question about bricks for a garbage can raku
kiln, I have a suggestion for a very simple , very effective ,inexpensive kiln.
I made a raku kiln out of a 35 gallon (clean) oil drum. I bought it at the
local metal recycling firm. I also bought a 50 gallon drum lid. Be sure to
buy the larger lid because it will extend beyond the edges of the smaller
oil drum. You will be able to lift and remove the lid by grabbing the edges
,thus there is no need to make a handle for lid removal. You can remove the
lid while holding it in front of your face and body to deflect the heat.
Cut one hole in the side of the drum about 3" above the bottom somewhat
larger than the burner your using. Line the sides and bottom of the drum
with fiber fax. (cutting out the hole for the burner). Cut a hole in the
center of the lid somewhat larger than the hole in the side for exhaust air
and ventilation. Also line the entire underside of the lid with fiber fax
leaving a hole the same size as the hole in the top. Keep a piece of fiber
fax to partially cover the top hole to control the flow of air through the
kiln during firing.
If using a pyrometer drill a hole in the side of the drum(through the fiber
fax) . One or more holes can be drilled depending where temperature
measurements are desired.
If the kiln is fired directly on dirt ,there are no bricks needed beneath
the drum..When firing on asphalt, put a kiln shelf under the drum. Soft or
hard firebricks are then placed under the shelves.
When firing, put bricks in the bottom of the kiln (upright) on top of the
fiber fax. A kiln shelf is placed on top of the bricks. Place the burner
outside the kiln with the front of the burner at the outside edge of the
opening at the lower side of the drum. Minor adjustments of the burner,
slightly inside or outside the opening , will control the proper ratio of
gas and air. ( This is learned by experience , however I would start with it
at the edge of the kiln) Aim the burner at a 30/40 degree angle so the
flame swirls around the inside rather than aiming it perpendicular to the
outside edge of the drum.
The burner is attached to a flexible gas line , through a regulator ,to the
gas supply ( 25 lb to 100 lb propane tanks work fine). Be sure to use the
appropriate sized orifice inside the burner for natural gas or propane.
This kiln is "very" efficient. It will rise in temperature quickly,
therefore, attention is need to assure slow temperature rise so the glaze
has an opportunity to mature.
Obviously, If your pot(s) are too large for a 35 gallon drum, a 50 gallon
one will also work. Personally I like I like to control the quality by
firing only one or two pots at a time.
Dick Traill in Phoenix (I use my son Dan's internet address)
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