Susan Setley on tue 3 feb 04
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In a message dated 2/3/04 11:37:07 AM, coneten@HOTMAIL.COM writes:
>
> Barbara,
> You've already received great advice - basically keep them separate. If you
> are new to this, it will be tricky for you to try to handle too much at the
> same time. Raku is exciting and so much fun. But it also moves very fast. 3
> pieces in one pit when you're new to it is probably 2 too many to handle.
> Rather, live with the temporary disappointment of not getting everything fired
> than getting what you do manage to fire ruined. There will be another day,
> another firing. There always is.
> Also, always remember a couple of rules I always tell new people around the
> Raku site:
> Rule # 1 - No matter what it is - assume it is HOT. Be protected or just
> don't touch.
> Rule # 2 - Don't get gloves wet. When you touch something hot with wet
> gloves, the water turns to steam and it hurts - really really hurts! See rule #
> 1.
>
> S
>
>
>
This is all VERY good advice. Make sure you have gloves, fire-resistant
sleeves, fire-resistant apron, and welder's type mask. Pull your hair back in a
band if you have long hair -- I have seen hair singed even with a mask. In
addition take a lesson from our masks. One has a plastic visor... melted on one
side. They really do protect.
You might consider wearing a dust mask as well as you can really get a
lungfull of smoke.
I would urge you to not do it by yourself. Use tongs to pull the piece out of
the kiln and place it in the can, and I think the suggestion to start with
one piece is really good.
ALSO -- surely you hve some pots around you're not wild about? practice
handling them with the tongs WHILE you're wearing the gloves. All that gear can be
pretty restrictive.
Have a bucket of water out there. You might want to immerse the pot to stop
the color change. You might need it to put out a shoe. :)
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