Debbie Jestin on thu 3 jan 02
Hi, I'm a little surprised that we didn't get a more lively discussion
going on this subject. I was hoping I could learn more about reduction and
the firing methods. As of now I really know nothing. I know practise is the
answer, but it's discouraging to ruin load after load, when throwing decent
pieces is an on going struggle. My husband doesn't think I'll ever get this
kiln(Olympic updraft,2327G) to fire properly because of the design.
I suppose getting a good book on reduction firing would help. Any
suggestions? It would need to have a section on updraft kilns.
The reason I thought cone 6 reduction would be a good thing is one could use
the same clay and glazes for either ox or reduction.
Marcia Selsor on thu 3 jan 02
I think you are correct. Keep working on the Olympic 2327G. I believ you can
master the firing.
Marcia
Debbie Jestin wrote:
> Hi, I'm a little surprised that we didn't get a more lively discussion
> going on this subject. I was hoping I could learn more about reduction and
> the firing methods. As of now I really know nothing. I know practise is the
> answer, but it's discouraging to ruin load after load, when throwing decent
> pieces is an on going struggle. My husband doesn't think I'll ever get this
> kiln(Olympic updraft,2327G) to fire properly because of the design.
> I suppose getting a good book on reduction firing would help. Any
> suggestions? It would need to have a section on updraft kilns.
> The reason I thought cone 6 reduction would be a good thing is one could use
> the same clay and glazes for either ox or reduction.
>
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Jocelyn McAuley on thu 3 jan 02
Hi Debbie,
I agree, learning to fire can be frustrating, especially when you have to
load up the kiln each time with your own work (I learned to fire in a
studio setting that required us to learn by firing the entire studio's
work-easier to get kiln loads that way!).
Perhaps this didn't elicit as much discussion as you hoped due to this
being a periodic subject with this group. I would recommend strolling
around the archives.
As far as books go, it's kind of hard to learn from a book given how each
firing really varies according to your stack, the weather, the kiln, your
kiln god... you get the picture! However, given all that I found Nils Lou
book, the Art of Firing to be helpful when learning basic principles of
firing.
Again I urge you to look up our past posts on firing. potters.org has
posts orgainized by subject- peek in the firing/gas section.
Another idea might be to find a local potter you can apprentice
with. Hang out and help with their firing and loading and sample the
firing styles around you.
Good luck
Jocelyn
--
Jocelyn McAuley ><<'> jocie@worlddomination.net
Eugene, Oregon
http://www.ceramicism.com
Mike Gordon on fri 4 jan 02
Hi Debbie,
I agree with the advice about finding a friend. Where do you live???
Maybe there is a potter bud that could walk you through the firing...
keep a good log of what you do during the firing , time,gas settings,
damper openings, etc. It helps to have a reference so you don't repeat
bad mistakes, Mike Gordon, Walnut Creek, Ca.
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