Cate Loveland on wed 11 feb 04
Having been alerted through clayart that Barbara K needed help, and after
reading all the excellent suggestions from clayarters, spouse Bob ("I'm tech
support") and I trekked down to Green Valley AZ to see what we could do.
The kiln is huge. 3' high, 3' diam, with 3 ports for burners and a large
flue. Using all suggestions relevant, with much gratitude, Bob closed off one of
the burner ports, raised the fire box, used a kiln shelf for a damper, and
yeeHAW! We were rolling. Their digital pyrometer read 100 C higher than ours,
but ours was newer and we knew it worked so they will make adjustments. Hit
temperature in 45 minutes, no flames coming out the flue even when nearly shut.
Glaze was mature.
We're still recommending that they put another layer of ceramic fiber on,
just because the kiln is so huge...also lay something down at the bottom to keep
air from being sucked in around the edge.
And when it was all over, we retired to a lovely restaurant with the Green
Valley crew and had a wonderful dinner,
Thanks to all who sent in suggestions, and to the folks in GV who made the
day so pleasant.
Cate in AZ and Bob ("I'm tech support")
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