Anne Hallward on fri 9 aug 96
I am writing for advice about buying a homemade raku kiln. The basic
model is a large metal gargage can lined with some sort of ceramic
insulation and equipped with a propane torch at the bottom. Before I
invest money (and risk my pots!) on such a contraption, I wanted to know
if others had used this form of kiln and what results they got. Please
let me know if there are variations on this theme that are better/worse,
or if it is worth springing for a manufactured one from a catalogue.
Thanks, Anne
Lori Leary on fri 9 aug 96
Anne,
I built my own fiber raku in 1991, according to the easy to follow
instructions provided by S. Branfman's "Raku: a Practical Approach". My
kiln has been many places with me and I have had great luck in my
firings. It does take a little experience to judge glaze maturity, but
that comes quickly.
As for buying a kiln that someone else has made, I would be careful and
ensure that the burner is an appropriate size for that particular kiln.
This depends on the thickness of the refractory fiber and the interior
volume of the kiln.
Also, if you have not worked with refractory fiber before, it would be a
good idea to aquaint yourself with some of the safety concerns regarding
the fiber(ie. breathing it! ~:~O), as well as safe practices for raku
firing in general.
Hope this helps....
Yahoo Raku!
Lori in Charleston, S.C.
art_selsor@vino.emcmt.edu on sat 10 aug 96
I have built numerous variations of the "barrel lined with insulation"
for the past 25 years. The variations being the way in which you remove
the pots. I have had them on pulleys, fired with wood on a traditional
Japanese firebox, put hinged doors on them in Central Asia, and removed
pots from the top with steps. I think if this kiln suits the type of
pots you make, then you're in business. If it doesn't, it will suit
someone else.
Always work with a kiln that fits both you and your work.
Good luck,
Marcia in Montana
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