Loaded and Ready to Fire

I just finished glazing and loading the kiln yesterday and will fire it tomorrow when it can have all my attention since it doesn't have any electronic controls and must be checked every hour. During the first few hours of firing the damper is kept completely open and the temperature rises quickly.  But after several hours when the 08 cone melts (about 1730F), the damper is slid almost shut and reduction begins.  From this point on the temperature increase is much slower (the fire is being starved for oxygen) and care must be taken that the kiln does not stall.

Except for needing cone packs, the kiln is ready to fire.

Starting to Glaze

It is time to start glazing the ware from the last two bisque firings but so far I have made limited progress.  I don't yet have a spray booth set up in the studio so I must wait for dry and warmer weather when I can use the compressor and spray gun outside.

This is what I have accomplished so far. 

The pieces, mostly jars, have been wiped with a damp sponge to remove the clay dust and then the glaze poured inside, swished around for an even coating and then poured back into the bucket.  

This glaze is the celadon that I often use inside bowls and jars because it is food safe and a lovely celery green color.  The chemistry of glazing is interesting - this pink colored unfired glaze will become green after a reduction firing.