Cindy Strnad on thu 1 feb 01
I haven't done this, but . . .
I have been told by a fellow who has, that if one wants the trash can/drum
kiln to heat more, one can drill holes all around it to provide additional
oxygen.
Caveat: Be warned that galvanized metal releases seriously toxic fumes the
first time (at least) that it is heated.
1.) Create a pedestal base in the bottom of the drum using heavy
chicken/stock/etc. wire. Have wadded up newspaper under the wire pedestal
for starting purposes.
2.) Stack pots carefully, protecting layers from one another with wadded up
or hollow-forms of chicken wire.
3.) Fill with sawdust. (He didn't specify coarseness.)
4.) Top off with lighter fluid and then more wadded newspaper.
5.) Light both ends and ***keep a close watch***. We don't want any
Clayarters starting prairie or forest fires or anything like that.
This guy said he'd seen the whole drum glow cherry red with this
arrangement. I've seen wood stoves do the same when stoked over-zealously,
so I believe it can be done. Whether or not this is the effect you want with
a sawdust firing is another matter.
To fine-tune the burn, he recommended stuffing fiber or some other
heat-resistant substance into as many of the holes as you like. I suppose
you could also do this at the end of the firing, to reduce. Naturally, you
will use suitable protective gloves, tie back your hair, etc., to do this
uncomfortable chore.
I think I would smother the whole thing at the top with dense manure, cover
with sheet metal or the lid, and plug all the holes once I got it up to the
heat I wanted.
I won't give this gentleman's name, as he's not on the list, and I don't
know how to contact him to get his permission to share this. It's not a
secret technique of his, so don't worry--I'm not violating his privacy or
trade secrets or anything, but in case I've got anything wrong, it wouldn't
be fair to attach his name to it.
Cindy Strnad
Earthen Vessels Pottery
RR 1, Box 51
Custer, SD 57730
USA
earthenv@gwtc.net
http://www.earthenvesselssd.com
Jeffrey on thu 8 feb 01
I'm not sure that you were asking a qwuestion here, but I've drilled holes
in my trash can and it definitly helps keep the sawdust smoldering. It does
change the effect through, I get lighter shades of browns and blacks as a
result. It also took less time to complete the whole smoldering process in
my can with holes.
-Jeffrey Tsai
Leona Stonebridge Arthen on sat 10 feb 01
I have an oil drum type sawdust kiln. Never had oil in it - was used for
packing before te plastic barrels got so popular. Holes drilled all around
at various heights. I put pots near the bottom, fill with sawdust and
light the top. Once it gets going, I clamp on the metal lid and keep an
eye on it. It smolders down slowly over a day and a half before reaching
the bottom. Good firing, lots of smoke but never gets glowing hot.
Heavier metal than the trash can kind. i especially like firing it on a
crisp fall day.
Leona
---
Leona Stonebridge Arthen
leona@javanet.com
Worthington, Massachusetts/USA
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