After building the Fox Hole Kiln we tried to fire it three times... Each firing was a learning opportunity, but unfortunately, it also showed me that it wouldn't work...
After an initial few hour warm up, the kiln would reach cone 4 in the front within 12 hours and then flame would start to reach out the chimney. But upon firing for another 12, 16, and finally 24 hours longer, their would be no temperature increase and the clay started collapsing off the walls.
For the third attempt I tried to tweak out the kiln (added height to the chimney, better designed grate system, looser stack of work, installed a damper on the chimney, and tried to add more air flow in the front) but none of that seemed to have any response and it felt like I was just wasting wood...
But I don't mean to sound negative about it because it was a wonderful opportunity and teacher for how I want my work and ideas to develop. It felt great to stoke up the front and watch as that flame would work through the kiln to come out the chimney!
You can see some pictures of firing the kiln at : http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefflthompson/sets/72157600420270182/
1 comment:
Great Blog--love your stuff
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