shane mickey on sat 1 sep 07
hey all
i have been monitoring these threads, some comments; first cynthia bringles catanary kiln is wood/salt and has been there for a very long time, though not fired very often especially in the last few years, i did some repair work to that kiln about five years ago, and let me tell you it has plenty of built up/wear! about 1/4" of the face of alot of the brick has spalled off, she regularly coats the kiln with ITC albiet after years of salting this doesnt do much but bandaid the kiln. Cynthia is a dear friend and would say do you what you think yoiu need to do as far as softbrick and soda goes, teh other famous potter who had the 10 year old soda kiln was gay smith, she just rebuilt another soda kiln last year, the previous one was 11 years old and she fires about 6-8 times a year, its a big kiln (60cuftstacking). the old one had been completely worn out, but the cost she saved in gas probably outweighed the lifespan. if your a studio potter and are only going to fire 10 times a
year, build out of soft brick, if it lasts 8 years the kiln has paid for itself! that said be prepared for regular maintenence after firings. June is correct on ruthaness firing style, she was just here at penland and i spent some time with her talking firings and kilns. as to passives and flue sizes, ted, great analogy! i would add that you forgot to mention how the passive also cools the chimney thus slowing the draft abit. alot of potters here fire the kilns with large passives windows over one sqaure fooot! and dampered down, these kilns are overpowered a bit but the theory is it keeps the heat in, it works, micheal hunts 200+ cu ft thia kiln fires in 22 hours, EVEN! passives are wonderful tools once you get to know them.
shane
http://www.shanemickeypotterslife.blogspot.com
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