David Stuchbery on wed 8 may 96
Frank, I have reposted this as requested.
> > ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> > Hi All,
> > We just fired a phoenix fast fire wood kiln built with hard brick instead of
> > soft brick as suggested.^10 in 13 hours.We still can't figure what the mouse
> > holes are for or the dampers.We kept the mouse holes closed and the dampers
> > open all the way!My friends Sheila And Tony Clennell and my wife Victoria
> > want to know of other peoples experiences with this kiln.Any hot tips? All
> > this typing nearly killed me Linda!!!! God I feel Good that kiln's off!
> >
> > Frank Tucker
>
> Hi Frank,
> We have a Phoenix Fast Fire at La Trobe University in
> Bendigo, Victoria Australia. Unfortunately I haven't fired this
> particular kiln myself, but have observed many of my students fire
> this kiln successfully over the years. We actually use this kiln
> for wood-fired salt.
>
> My understanding is that the THREE dampers are so placed as to
> allow the firer the opportunity to direct the flame through the
> wares, depending on the stack and shape of the wares being fired.
> Stacking will vary from time to time with varying effects on the
> actual firing. Sometimes a kiln may be hotter on one side than the
> other - playing with the dampers will enable the firer to direct
> the flame more efficiently to the spots where it is required most.
> Thus, hopefully evening the kiln out. Similarly as with most kilns,
> pushing all three dampers in, will have the effect of blanketing
> the kiln atmosphere, introducing varying degrees of reduction and
> evening the kiln out from top to bottom. Using the dampers in
> conjunction with different approaches to stoking does have
> differing effects on the wares.REDUCTION and OXIDATION. It is a misnomer
> to think that with wood firings, that just because there is lots of
> smoke, that the kiln is reducing.
>
> As with any wood kiln, in thinking about the stacking and then the
> firing - "imagine the flame as water finding its way through the
> stack and then eventually out the chimney."
>
> As for the 'mouse holes', sitting here at home I can't remember
> their actual position, but do know that they are built into this
> design for exactly the same purposes as the varibles which the use
> of the dampers in the firing allow.
Having since been in and having had a look at the said kiln, I think the
'mouseholes' you are referring to are the ones we use for 'salting'. As
Jack Troy recommended - get hold of a copy of his book, and I think all
your questions will be answered.
> Our kiln is also made from dense brick.Which hasn't effected its firing,
> some of the firings going to cone 11.
>
> Janet Mansfield editor of 'Ceramics Art and Perception' is the person
> from whom we got our design. Apart from producing a couple of the worlds
> best Ceramics Magazines, 'Ceramics Technical' included - she is an expert on
> firing this type of kiln. My reason for mentioning Janet is that she
> attends many conferences on a global basis, and you may get the
> opportunity to introduce yourself to her.
>
> Hope some of this helps.
> David Stuchbery.
>
>
>
> ---------------
> David Stuchbery
> School of Art & Design Ph (054) 447-279
> La Trobe University, Bendigo d.stuchbery@bendigo.latrobe.edu.au
>
>
---------------
David Stuchbery
School of Art & Design Ph (054) 447-279
La Trobe University, Bendigo d.stuchbery@bendigo.latrobe.edu.au
June Perry on wed 8 may 96
HI,
I don't know the design of your wood kiln but the mouseholes at the bottom of
the bourry boxes on my wood kiln are for getting in there and cleaning out
excess coals if the built up of the coals gets so high as to block the
throat. I also get in there with a long poker to stir stuff up a bit once in
a while and get the ash and sparks really moving through the kiln. You can
make or buy a litlee spade like tool that is about the width and height of
the mouseholes (at least I was able to buy one that fit mine) to clean out
those excess coals. I purchased mine mail order but you may be able to pick
them up at a fireplace, woodburning stove store.
Hope this little bit of information helps.
Regards,
June Perry
EMail: Gurushakiti@aol.com
Frank Tucker on wed 8 may 96
At 12:34 PM 5/8/96 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>HI,
>
>I don't know the design of your wood kiln but the mouseholes at the bottom of
>the bourry boxes on my wood kiln are for getting in there and cleaning out
>excess coals if the built up of the coals gets so high as to block the
>throat. I also get in there with a long poker to stir stuff up a bit once in
>a while and get the ash and sparks really moving through the kiln. You can
>make or buy a litlee spade like tool that is about the width and height of
>the mouseholes (at least I was able to buy one that fit mine) to clean out
>those excess coals. I purchased mine mail order but you may be able to pick
>them up at a fireplace, woodburning stove store.
>
>Hope this little bit of information helps.
>
>Regards,
>June Perry
>EMail: Gurushakiti@aol.com
>Hi June,
The mouse holes are quite different than that in this kiln but thanks for
the information.I think there are a lot more wood firers out there than we
realize.
Frank tucker
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