search  current discussion  categories  kilns & firing - raku 

sawdust tweaking

updated fri 14 dec 01

 

Ron Collins on wed 12 dec 01


Lowell....we had a second wheel made, that is twice as large, for the =
blower. They did a great job on the blower, when we finally got =
it.....The blower is attached to a washing machine motor, as the =
fountain motor was too small. We have not tried out the larger =
flywheel, which Ron thought would give us twice the air and twice the =
sawdust with the same motor, allowing us to reach higher =
temperatures....... Before we change, however, I will try raising the =
first shelf, so enlarging the firebox. If that doesn't get us to =
temperature in a reasonable time, then we will try the second =
flywheel.....I know that I need to fix my burned up pyrometer...but =
.....it will take a month or two to get the parts here.....but the kiln =
and the two different burners are all working..just need to keep after =
it, having never seen a sawdust kiln work before.....best wishes, =
Melinda ps...a pot of beans cooks great on the kiln with propane, not =
long enough to get them cooked with sawdust......

LOWELL BAKER on thu 13 dec 01


I don't know if the larger blower is the answer. You need to
determine if you are blowing the heat out of the kiln. I have fired
many kilns like the one we built for you with a vacuum cleaner.
These kilns will go as high as you wish.

My best guess is that you will find the smaller blower and a larger
fire box will be your answer.

How is your article coming?

Keep me posted.
Lowell