John Baymore on thu 15 oct 98
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I don't think this got through the first time..... so here it is again.
Apologies if this is a repost.
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: John Baymore, 76506,3102
TO: Clayart, Internet:Clayart=40lsv.uky.edu
DATE: 10/11/98 12:29 PM
RE: Copy of: Electric Reduction
Check the archives.... we discussed this sometime in the last few years in
a bit of detail.
In Japan this is a regular practice. They are all over. I saw some of the
most beautiful celadon glazed porcelain produced in downtown Tokyo (Tokyo
College of Art and Music) in electric kilns with wood fireboxes on the side
and simple lightweight stovepipe flues venting outside.
(Shimada-sensei.... are you on list and can you comment here?)
Japan is the land of the ceramic tool supplier... and many more types of
kilns are available than we typically find here. More of a market to
support the manufacturers. They are pretty costly though. Big investment
for Japanese potters. However pots sell for more, and more are sold (and
used).
The electric reduction kilns I saw there had very heavy ribbon elements
that were surface mounted for easy replacement. In talking to a potter
about this, he also said the element material was differernt from the type
we typically use. While there are commercial portable reduction electric
kilns, many of these units were site-built by one of the many kiln builders
available in Japan. These site-built units were mostly crossdraft or
updraft circulation patterns.
Gotta sell a lot of kilns to support the R+D that goes into a new kiln
design. Most people who fire electric in this country do not desire
reduction capabilities.... this list notwithstanding. It is a narrow
market segment. The cost of narrow market kilns will be high. Will
potters pay?
The Stoker and Stoker II from Reduction Productions made in the Boston area
many years ago was a pretty nice unit....... although I did do some retro
fitting on them for a number of clients to make the reduction more even in
the chamber. They found a limited market at that time. That was part of
the reason for their demise.
I think Axner offers or will be offering a electric reduction capable kiln.
If I remember correctly it is electric and gas combo. Call them.
If you want to fire reduction in your electric, go ahead. It shortens your
element lift. How much depends on many vairiables like level of reducing
agents used and the temperature you fire to. Big deal. The decreased
element life is the =22cost of doing business=22. Your other option.......
build a fuel-fired kiln. The more frequent element replacement is probably
cheaper (g). Use the ITC coating and you won't change them as frequently
even in reduction.
DO NOT USE MOTHBALLS to accomplish this=21 Nasty fumes. A great system
invloves cutting a small burner port into the bottom of the kiln and a
small flue hole at the top and using a gas pilot burner powered off of a
portable trailer cylinder for your gas supply. These are kept plugged
until you are ready to reduce. Plugged when you are done. The kiln must
be adequately vented to do this safely.
You need to know the range and intensity necessary for reduction to get the
results you want, so you don't have to stoke the kiln for hours or burn a
lot of unecessary gas.
Best,
...................john
John Baymore
River Bend Pottery
22 Riverbend Way
Wilton, NH 03086 USA
603-654-2752
JBaymore=40Compuserve.com
muddpie on mon 19 oct 98
>"...Most people who fire electric in this country do not
desire reduction capabilities.... "
Many potters I know would love to try this, as they do not have
accesss to gas fired kilns nor the resourses for it. I myself
would love more information on the subject.
>"...I think Axner offers or will be offering a electric
reduction capable kiln. If I remember correctly it is electric
and gas combo..."
>"...If you want to fire reduction in your electric, go
ahead. It shortens your element lift. How much depends on many
vairiables like level of reducing agents used and the temperature
you fire to. Big deal. The decreased element life is the "cost
of doing business". Your other option.......
build a fuel-fired kiln. (some of us cannot do that in the area
we live in!) The more frequent element replacement is probably
cheaper (g) (than why are some not doing it?). Use the ITC
coating and you won't change them as frequently even in reduction.
Anyone know where I could get more info on this subject?? A book
perhaps??
TIA
JuliE
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