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.
Very cool!
ReplyDeleteYou always check to make sure there aren't cats hiding in there, don't you?
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