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wood kiln at the farm, firing wood with gas

updated tue 27 oct 09

 

David Hendley on mon 26 oct 09


No one can tell you what kind of wood kiln is best for you.
The best way to decide is to find some pots you really like
and then see what kind of kiln that potter uses.
A wood kiln is a tool, and a demanding one. There is no
reason to build one unless you want the "mark" of that tool
on your work.
You should also know the source of your wood fuel before
you design your kiln. You want the wood to fit into the
kiln with minimum, hopefully no, extra cutting or splitting.

There is no reason to go to the trouble and expense of
buying and installing a gas tank, lines, and burners just
"in case" you might want to augment your wood kiln with
gas. I built burner ports into my first wood-fired kiln,
blocked them off, and never used them. My current kiln
has no provision for using gas, and has never needed it,
nor have I wanted to use it.

I am the only potter at the Texas Clay Festival, by the
way, who fires only with wood, and have done so
for 20 years.

David Hendley
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com






----- Original Message -----

> Mel and All
> I am going to build a wood fire kiln at my farm east of Austin TX 25 mile=
s
> and am awaiting the book before building a kiln this spring. If anyone
> would
> like to get involved please contact me off list so the details can be sen=
t
> as when and where comes to fruition. Mels farm firings seem like a nice
> way
> to share and learn the wood fire.There will be no cost or fee. The hard
> part
> is choosing a design! I may even want to have a small one and a big
> one.Then
> I met someone at Gruene Tx clayfest yesterday who suggested I add gas to
> get
> the first part done up to 1600 or 1800.There are so many variables
> involved
> that ironing them out will be fun!
> Looking forward to the Book. Thanks to all who contributed!
> John Goode
> watermarktile.com
> handmadeceramictile.com

Brandon Phillips on mon 26 oct 09


if i get in next year you'll have to share that title. maybe you and i
can have our own little club.


> I am the only potter at the Texas Clay Festival, by the
> way, who fires only with wood, and have done so
> for 20 years.
>
> David Hendley
> david@farmpots.com
> http://www.farmpots.com