Conrad Krebs on tue 1 apr 08
Hello,
This message is addressed to any and all experienced rakuers. I'm new to
raku and have just recently set up a propane kiln. I have Steve Branfman's
book and find it very helpful. However I am still uncertain about how best
to set up my post-firing reduction containers.
I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
Thanks so much.
Conrad
William & Susan Schran User on tue 1 apr 08
On 4/1/08 11:15 AM, "Conrad Krebs" wrote:
> I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
> using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
> lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
> confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
> it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
> it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
> is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
> newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
At school we do raku firings during the summer semester and are located in
an urban area, so smoke production is something that we try to keep down as
much as possible.
Our reduction area is a sand pit, an area contained by 4x4's, about 3" deep
sand. I have made cylindrical cages made of hardware cloth, a sturdy metal
weave with 1/2" openings that are open at each end and are anchored in the
sand. Shredded newspaper is placed inside the cage in a nest arrangement.
The cage serves to keep the newspaper contained. The hot pots are set in the
paper nest and as the paper ignites a metal can is set upside down over the
cage and the can is pushed down to seal the edge in the sand. This process
eliminates almost all smoke. Allow to cool until paper will not re-ignite.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
Kim Overall on tue 1 apr 08
Conrad,
I am not a raku expert, but I did
attend a raku workshop from someone who is
highly respected in these parts:
Nick de Vries, Professor of Fine Art,
University of Houston Clear Lake Campus.
He demonstrated a smokeless reduction
technique as follows:
* a galvanized tub (correctly sized for piece)
about 4-8" wider than work's width
* fill tub to rim with sand, level smooth
* place kiln shelf (a bit wider than pot's base)
in center of sand.
* sprinkle a 'small' amount of sawdust or fine
combustible (maybe 1/2 cup for a 16" tall pot)
* atop sawdust, a 'bit' of shredded paper.
* place work from kiln on top of combustibles
* let catch fire
* cover with garbage can or appropriately
sized container being sure to seal rim of
cover deeply enough in sand to contain all smoke.
* may cover can/lid with sopping wet towel
* Nick removes work with broomstick dowel to
water or air when ready for desired effects.
I hope I remembered it right as my notes are in the
barn studio.
Kim in Houston
On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 10:15:28 -0500, Conrad Krebs wrote:
>Hello,
>
>This message is addressed to any and all experienced rakuers. I'm new to
>raku and have just recently set up a propane kiln. I have Steve Branfman's
>book and find it very helpful. However I am still uncertain about how best
>to set up my post-firing reduction containers.
>
>I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
>using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
>lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
>confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
>it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
>it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
>is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
>newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
>
>Thanks so much.
>
>Conrad
>
Ronda Clark on tue 1 apr 08
If I want the lid to fit tighter
I drape the rim of the can with
wet folded sheets of newspaper.
Check for lid fit. I also only put
one large pot or 2 or 3 small
pieces per can. I always have
a couple of cans available
during a firing. It is always
good to have one to dump
paper ashes so they do not
build up so bad in the can.
I use sheets of newspaper in
the can and throw a wadded
up piece in just before I put
the lid on. If you do this with
loose paper be careful!!!
On second thought I would
not throw shreds into a flaming can.
Have fun!
Ronda Clark in Colorado enjoying
sunshine after a couple of stormy days.
Conrad Krebs on tue 1 apr 08
I have received lots of useful comments, including yours! Thanks!
William & Susan Schran User wrote:
On 4/1/08 11:15 AM, "Conrad Krebs" <ckrebs@STNY.RR.COM> wrote:
I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
At school we do raku firings during the summer semester and are located in
an urban area, so smoke production is something that we try to keep down as
much as possible.
Our reduction area is a sand pit, an area contained by 4x4's, about 3" deep
sand. I have made cylindrical cages made of hardware cloth, a sturdy metal
weave with 1/2" openings that are open at each end and are anchored in the
sand. Shredded newspaper is placed inside the cage in a nest arrangement.
The cage serves to keep the newspaper contained. The hot pots are set in the
paper nest and as the paper ignites a metal can is set upside down over the
cage and the can is pushed down to seal the edge in the sand. This process
eliminates almost all smoke. Allow to cool until paper will not re-ignite.
Bill
--
William "Bill" Schran
wschran@cox.net
wschran@nvcc.edu
http://www.creativecreekartisans.com
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Angela Davis on tue 1 apr 08
You have received lots of good advice Conrad, I would like
to share a tip I find very useful to keep down escaping
smoke.
Save a few large old towels and wet them well to wrap around the tops of
your containers after the lids are in place. Does a great job.
Angela Davis
In Homosassa
----- Original Message -----
From: "Conrad Krebs"
To:
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 10:15 AM
Subject: post-firing raku reduction containers
> Hello,
>
> This message is addressed to any and all experienced rakuers. I'm new to
> raku and have just recently set up a propane kiln. I have Steve Branfman's
> book and find it very helpful. However I am still uncertain about how best
> to set up my post-firing reduction containers.
>
> I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
> using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
> lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
> confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
> it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
> it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
> is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
> newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
>
> Thanks so much.
>
> Conrad
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Clayart members may send postings to: clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list, post messages, change your
> subscription settings or unsubscribe/leave the list here:
> http://www.acers.org/cic/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots2@visi.com
>
>
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>
James and Sherron Bowen on tue 1 apr 08
You might try to match the size of your reduction chamber to the pot. That
way you can use less combustable material for the effect you want.
Jim
Boyero
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