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kelly's soda/salt kiln

updated wed 11 jun 08

 

Overall's on tue 10 jun 08


Kelly,

I've been studying also what type of atmospheric kiln to build.

From my thinking (not expert knowledge);

Budget Amount without Debt
1. determine fuel(s) first
2. determine kiln shelves' size, construction material & cost
3. what is the largest piece you aspire to make within the next five years
4. maximum cone temp

In my case I know:

Available budget subtracting:
1. gas plumbing (wood is but a dream at this stage except for Fast Fire)
2. 14 x 28's (are standard and budgeting for Advancers) w/a few extra
Advancer® shelves in sizes: (kilnshelf.com)
12" X 24" X 5/16"
14" X 28" X 5/16" (within my electric kiln's capacity)
12" X 12" X 5/16"

3. 36" height (ample enough stacking space interior)
4. cone ten with allowance without meltdowns
5. If something exceeds budget, either save up more $$$ or
alter to stay within budget - prefer former than latter.

Design:

1. cube for efficiency and ease of construction with arch
2. downdraft for overall fuel economy, evenness in temp & reduction.
3. High alumina (65-70%?) hardbricks backed by maybe a high
alumina castable instead of fiber and then IFB?

From this the experts take over:

Fred Olsen
Nils Lou
Mel Jacobson
Vince Pitelka
Jack Troy
Ian Gregory
Ruthanne Tudball
Phil Rogers
Marc Ward
local experienced potters/instructors
and scores of others.

Of course this is just in my head and may need a lot of consulting
with the pros before anything progresses from the pencil & paper stage.

You'll come up with a very personalized kiln that we'll all enjoy
reading about and seeing its progress.

I love your Beetle Bowl and Dwellings wall Masks.

Seemed like only a year ago you were cleaning out the yard and
studio in preparation to attend EMU. That went so fast!

I also like Patrick's kiln design and wonder how it's firing.

Kim in Houston