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raku post firing reduction containers

updated mon 7 apr 08

 

Steven Branfman on sat 5 apr 08


In a message dated 4/2/08 12:11:05 AM, LISTSERV@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG writes:


> This message is addressed to any and all experienced rakuers. I'm new to
> raku and have just recently set up a propane kiln. I have Steve Branfman's
> book and find it very helpful. However I am still uncertain about how best
> to set up my post-firing reduction containers.
>
> I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
> using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such a
> lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
> confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry that
> it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
> it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
> is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
> newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
>
> Thanks so much.
>
>
Hi Conrad,

Thanks for using my book!

The key to post firing effects is maintaining control. In order to do this
you must have appropriate containers and lids. With these two things you can
control the degree of post firing reduction.

Containers should be as small as possible using one container for each piece
that you fire. A small container allows for a more confined and thus more
controllable atmosphere around the piece.

Lids should be tight fitting. If your lid is not you can make a paper gasket
from newspaper. Take a few sheets, fold them into a strip about 4" wide, soak
the strip in water, and place the strip over the rim of the container. This
will make the lid fit tight and the water will prevent most if not all of the
smoke from leaking out.

Now......do you always want tight fitting lids? Do you always want to snuff
out all of the flames? These are questions of method and only you can answer
that.

Any more questions? Let them fly!

Steven


Steven Branfman
43 Chinian Path
Newton, MA 02459
ph: 617/964 0442
cell: 617/447 3500
studio: 781/449 7687
fx: 781/449 9098
e: Sbranfpots@aol.com
www.americanpotters.com/gallery.tpl?ID=309928794111903





**************
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Frank Colson on sun 6 apr 08


"A picture is worth a thousand words" Seeing several types of systems for
raku post firing, i.e. Brandfman"s book, page 80,88, 89,& 96 for starters,
illustrate the concept easy and direct. Or, just go "smokeless" and get
equal results!

Frank Colson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steven Branfman"
To:
Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2008 5:41 AM
Subject: Raku post firing reduction containers


> In a message dated 4/2/08 12:11:05 AM, LISTSERV@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG writes:
>
>
>> This message is addressed to any and all experienced rakuers. I'm new to
>> raku and have just recently set up a propane kiln. I have Steve
>> Branfman's
>> book and find it very helpful. However I am still uncertain about how
>> best
>> to set up my post-firing reduction containers.
>>
>> I have a 10 gallon galvinized can with a rather loose-fitting lid. I am
>> using shredded newsprint as my reduction material. On the plus side such
>> a
>> lid can be moved on and off the top of the can quickly. Although I have
>> confirmed that the lid fits snugly enough to snuff out flames I worry
>> that
>> it's not air-tight enough. I have 2 questions; "how tight is tight?" when
>> it comes to the lid and, how should I load the container with wares, that
>> is, stacked up? (within reason of course and separated by layers of
>> newsprint) or placed only on the bottom of the can?
>>
>> Thanks so much.
>>
>>
> Hi Conrad,
>
> Thanks for using my book!
>
> The key to post firing effects is maintaining control. In order to do this
> you must have appropriate containers and lids. With these two things you
> can
> control the degree of post firing reduction.
>
> Containers should be as small as possible using one container for each
> piece
> that you fire. A small container allows for a more confined and thus more
> controllable atmosphere around the piece.
>
> Lids should be tight fitting. If your lid is not you can make a paper
> gasket
> from newspaper. Take a few sheets, fold them into a strip about 4" wide,
> soak
> the strip in water, and place the strip over the rim of the container.
> This
> will make the lid fit tight and the water will prevent most if not all of
> the
> smoke from leaking out.
>
> Now......do you always want tight fitting lids? Do you always want to
> snuff
> out all of the flames? These are questions of method and only you can
> answer
> that.
>
> Any more questions? Let them fly!
>
> Steven
>
>
> Steven Branfman
> 43 Chinian Path
> Newton, MA 02459
> ph: 617/964 0442
> cell: 617/447 3500
> studio: 781/449 7687
> fx: 781/449 9098
> e: Sbranfpots@aol.com
> www.americanpotters.com/gallery.tpl?ID=309928794111903
>
>
>
>
>
> **************
> Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides.
>
>
> (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv00030000000016)
>
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