Marcia Selsor on tue 25 may 99
Dear Stephen,
What a tragedy! I have never heard of using methylated spirits in the
reduction can. I have had a "whump" occer when the combustibles ignite
in the bin if the lid isn't on tight. I have seen a "whump" occur when
using super fine sawdust in the bin and it flies up when the lid is
opened and flashes spontaneous combustion in the face of the lid
holder-no injuries though. The closest thing I have heard to this is the
practise of putting the pot into old crank case (motor) oil to enhance
the crackles -done while still hot but after the combustion bin.
I have been raku firing since 1967 and never heard of the. I also have
taught numerous workshops on raku around the country and in Spain and
never have had an injury with students or helpers, knock wood and bless
Justa and Rufina, patron saints of pottery.
I hope the dear young lady recovers and returns to clay.
Stephen Mills wrote:
>
> ----------------------------Original message----------------------------
> Dear Fellow Clayarters.
>
> I am in need of some information from you
>
> Firstly some background:
>
> A young lady pottery teacher, not long out of college, was assisting her
> senior colleague in some Raku work at the School where she works. The
> main work was finished, the Kiln disconnected from the gas bottles and
> cooling down, the work area was tidy, and just a few pots remained in
> the sawdust in the reduction bin. She was walking away from the site
> towards the School when she heard a "WHUMP" and she found she was on
> fire, suffering 10 percent burns to her face, left arm, shoulder, back,
> and left thigh. She is, needless to say hospitalised, and awaiting skin
> grafts.
>
> The reason for her injuries is that the other teacher threw a quantity
> of Methylated Spirits into the still smouldering reduction bin, closed
> the lid for a few moments, and then opened it whereupon the resultant
> gas cloud ignited.
> She was I understand about 10 feet away from the bin when he did this,
> and I would guess, downwind.
> The young Teacher was unaware of what he was doing, and only found out
> what he had done the following day.
> He maintains that this is a "common practice" with Raku as "the
> successive heating and cooling encourages the metal oxides in the glazes
> to give their most brilliant colours".
>
> I have done quite a bit of Raku in the past, but have never met this
> practice either in books or in action with other potters.
>
> My question is this:
>
> Is the action of throwing volatile liquids into a reduction pit to
> encourage colour development a common or recommended practice to your
> certain knowledge?
>
> Your knowledge and opinions please.
>
> It is NOT my intention to quote your names and answers to my
> correspondent unless specifically given permission to do so.
>
> Thank you in advance for your help.
>
> Steve Mills
> Bath
> UK
>
> --
> Steve Mills
> Bath
> UK
> home e-mail: stevemills@mudslinger.demon.co.uk
> work e-mail: stevemills@bathpotters.demon.co.uk
> own website: http://www.mudslinger.demon.co.uk
> BPS website: http://www.bathpotters.demon.co.uk
--
Marcia Selsor
selsor@imt.net
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls
http://www.imt.net/~mjbmls/spain99.html
| |
|
