Darrell Gargus on mon 26 apr 99
Hi all! Well, my significant other and I have been looking into
alternative heat and building materials for a someday dream house that
is eco friendly. We came across something in a scienfitic magazine that
has large Fresnal Lenses. The description for this large lens says that
once the frame is built for this lens that "you can use the lens as a
solar cooker for heating prepared foods, as a kiln for art work or for
other solar experiments." Now what I would like to know is have any of
you tried this? Tried firing with something that intensifies the energy
from the sun? I do not know how hot this lens can get. I am thinking
that it just might tell in the instructions, and I am sure that it
depends on what kind of day it is. I just think it might be interesting
to try something like this. I know that this could only be used on
sunny days, and I know that realistically it seems like it might be a
big waste of time, but we are interested in stuff like this.
Any thoughts or suggestions or anything at all slightly related will be
appreciated!
Thank you!
Becky
sneezing in cool, cloudy Nashville, TN
Burt Cohen on tue 27 apr 99
Becky- A Potter and sculpter named Zelko Kjundzic (I am unsure of the
correct spelling) did a series of experiments using Fresnal lenses to
make solar kilns. I believe that he now lives in Washington State. I
recently looked at a pottery book which is a modern potters anthology
with photos of the kiln and ware fired in it. Sorry to say that I do not
remember the title. Perhaps someone else can help out- Burt Cohen,
Northfire Pottery
Armstrong, BC
Leona Stonebridge Arthen on mon 10 may 99
Hi Becky,
I did a bit of reading about solar kilns. Look in Ceramics Monthly for at
least one article. Other publications about solar kilns seem to focus on
ones to dry lumber. I'm having a hard time picturing getting enough sun to
fire with up here in the northern lattitudes. Would one need a tracker to
keep the lens pointing toward the sun? Would a fresnel lens focus too much
intense light in one spot? I puzzle about how to retain the heat in a
space long enough to fire a pot or glaze. Interesting...
Leona
---
Leona Stonebridge Arthen
leona@javanet.com
Worthington, Massachusetts/USA
Steven Schreibman on sat 3 jun 00
Im wondering if anyone can give me information about firings
i can do without a kiln.
I hear its possible to fire in a
BBQ or garbage can or wood heap.
How would i construct this, types of wood. What about additions of
oxides, etc
thanks for your help.
I live in the bay area, Ca,
if anyone has a set up to
show or need assistance im there
thanks
steve
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