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fiber/salt/itc

updated mon 30 jun 97

 

Joyce Lee, Jim Lee on sat 31 may 97

I haven't filed the ITC posts because I didn't think they applied to me.
However, I'm thinking about using my small (12 cubic foot, 8 stacking
space) Geil fiber kiln for salt firings. Does anybody know if this will
ruin the kiln for reduction firings? Should I have a separate kiln for
salt? Can you think of any answers to questions I should be asking but
don't know enough to formulate? Life span of fiber if salt fired
exclusively? I love the look of woodfire and saltfire (am I not
original?) but think that woodfire is too labor intensive for me...not
sure, just thinking maybe it is. Does anybody have any thoughts to share
on these rambles? Thank you.

Joyce
Gotta get outta the Mojave but can't stand to leave my little studio
just yet. Don't you just love clay?

Sheila Clennell on sun 1 jun 97

>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>I haven't filed the ITC posts because I didn't think they applied to me.
>However, I'm thinking about using my small (12 cubic foot, 8 stacking
>space) Geil fiber kiln for salt firings. Does anybody know if this will
>ruin the kiln for reduction firings? Should I have a separate kiln for
>salt? Can you think of any answers to questions I should be asking but
>don't know enough to formulate? Life span of fiber if salt fired
>exclusively? I love the look of woodfire and saltfire (am I not
>original?) but think that woodfire is too labor intensive for me...not
>sure, just thinking maybe it is. Does anybody have any thoughts to share
>on these rambles? Thank you.
>
>Joyce
>Gotta get outta the Mojave but can't stand to leave my little studio
>just yet. Don't you just love clay?

joyce: Generally reduction and salt kilns are not one and the same.
There is generally some residual salt left over from the last salt firing.
My experience so far with ITC is somewhat premature with salt glazing. I
am currently coating a soft brick kiln with ITC 100. The kiln will be used
for salt and reduction glaze firings. I will report on Clayart in due
time. We fire 2-3 times per week so I can probably give your some answers
within a month or so. I have fired ITC coated fiber squares in wood salt
with no apparent salt build up at all. I have even put them in the firebox
and all is well. I'd spray the Geil with l00 and salt away, but then I mix
a ton of clay for a test! Tip toe to the cliff if thats your way.
Best of luck,
Tony Clennell
Potter

Sheila and Tony Clennell
Gleason Brook Pottery
Box l0, RR#2,
Wiarton, Ontario
NOH 2TO
Canada

Phone # 1 (519) 534-2935
Fax # 1 (519) 534-0602
E-mail clennell@bmts.com