O6PiXyStiX on sat 16 may 98
hello out there! I am hoping to build a raku kiln next year for this senior
project sort of thing and i have to make up a budget and make all these other
decisions very soon. so...anyway, I have been reading the clayart archives
trying to narrow down the possible kiln constructions and discovering the
horror of fiber and lab rats. Is there any good kiln design that doesn't
require fiber and is relatively lightweight and good for being fired by one
person? And how does everyone using fiber feel about this purported danger,
should i risk it? I really would like to build a wire mesh and fiber top hat
kiln but the whole fiber thing is not making this idea sound too good. And
could anyone tell me how much things cost? in taking classes i have no idea
how much anything costs--like kiln shelves, glazes, clay, fiber, fire brick,
burners, propane. (So i can have some idea before I go calling the ceramic
suppliers and the propane dealers and everything) Any advice for a lil
beginner would be very much appreciated. thank you thank you thank you
-Catie in Cleveland where it is OH so summer-ee
Bob Hollis on sun 17 may 98
Dear Catie in Cleveland,
It seems you have joined the
paranoid brigade so here is an answer to your question.Buy a box of
firebricks or even better two boxes,plus three kiln shelves 30x30 inches,one
square of ceramic fibre also 30x30,[you could wear a wet suit and breathing
apparatus each time you come within one mile of this] a blowtorch, a
Cylinder of propane gas,one metal sheathed thermocouple and a
pyrometer.Place the fibre blanket on a level piece of ground and put one of
the shelves on top then using the bricks build them into a U shaped
enclosure leaving a gap of half a brick on the bottom course of the
back,[this is where your blowtorch will fire in], cut a hole about 8x8 in
the middle of another of your shelves,or get someone with an angle grinder
to do it for you, when you have reached the height you require for your kiln
this shelf simply sits on top and is your kiln roof and flue. the third
shelf is your door which is held shut by propping a piece of angle iron
against it. The shelf for your pots is set on pieces of firebrick and it is
important that it touches the back wall so the flame stays underneath it.I
use a small square of fibre to cover the hole in the roof as it is easy to
move when I watch the glaze melt.This is very cheap and you can take it
apart and put it away when not in use.Good luck.
Bob hollis in wet
Ireland.
C Wilyums on mon 18 may 98
Dear 06PiXyStix,
Fiber is not harmful if you use common sense and a filter mask to prevent
inhalling the fibers. If you do not want to use fiber, Piepenburg has the
design for a soft brick kiln in one of his books. If you can find some used
and usable soft brick, the costs should be similar. I will be glad to send
you, by snail mail or fax, a copy of plans for a tophat fiber kiln I acquired
at a workshop. It is simple and lends itself well to firing by one person.
Your budget should include items such as protective gloves and face shield,
tongs or gloves (expensive) to remove the pieces from the kiln and a burner
(can be expensive). You will need a base of fire brick and a couple of kiln
shelves that will fit the size kiln you build.
I do nhave the exact prices of any of the materials, but most any supplier of
clay/related items should have most listed in their catelog. Look in a copy of
Ceramics Monthly or other Ceramic Magazines for addresses and phone numbers of
suppliers.
I hope this helps!
C Williams AKA Mississippi Mudcat Pottery
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