Dawn Christensen on thu 3 oct 02
HI
I have built a few pieces larger than I normally work and it has been
suggested that I build a steel wire basket to help me lift it in and out of
the kiln. Does anyone else have any suggestions on this? Thanks in advance.
Dawn
Dale Neese on thu 3 oct 02
When I have fired large Raku work I have made a stiff wire sling. The wire
that I have used is a stainless steel wire. (I found this whole roll on the
side of the road. Possibly had fallen off a vehicle, so it worked for me.)
Take two pieces of wire that will encircle the piece to be fired, lay them
out evenly in an X or cross twisted together at the middle. Set your piece
in the middle of the cross over the twist. Then bring the four ends up over
the top of the piece, twist together making a loop at the top. Leave plenty
of room so that the wire will be relaxed, not touching the piece when firing
in the kiln. Use a length of sturdy rebar with a hook bent on the end to
slide in the wire loop to remove the piece from the kiln. You need to custom
make a sling for the piece, trying it out on the bisque work before glazing.
Gently slipping it on the glazed ware before firing. When lifting the work
from the kiln the sling should gently close in to hold the pot until you
lower it in the reduction chamber.
Dale Tex
"across the alley from the Alamo"
San Antonio, Texas
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