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reduction vs oxidation

updated sat 7 aug 99

 

inthestx@esper.com on tue 3 aug 99

It's wonderful ho folks are so willing to share the information
they have gathered both from personal experience and passing on
informationd gleaned otherwise. I rally look forwart to my time
checking out Clay art info , it prevents me from using this computer
for a boat anchor.
I have recently had the wonderful good fortune to get my grubs on a
40 cubic foot downdraft reduction kiln. It has two Alfred burners with
propane orifices. I can hardly wait to try all those great reduction
glazes that until this point I have only been able to drool at.
The thought has occurrdd that this is REALLY going to be
diffrent from oxidation in a community owned and operated kiln.
Luckily , the potter from whom I am purchasing it is willing to help me
set it up . SO finally , my questions - The potter suggests I should
get some kind of pre-burner that will cause the homemake Alfred burners
to be safer - Any suggestions ? Something I may be able to tackle
myself ? What kind of information should I have available for the
probably non-potter person that will be changing the orifices over to
natural gas . Will I be loosing the kilns ability to reach cone 10 by
changing over to natural gas ? Will it take an incredibly longer time
to get up to temp?
Finally , before I stop bending your ear, any tips for a potter new
to reduction with a great desire to always make a better - and
generally - bigger pot ? Thanks in advance - Sandi

Marc Ward on fri 6 aug 99

Sandi,

you wrote;

<<probably non-potter person that will be changing the orifices over to
natural gas . Will I be loosing the kilns ability to reach cone 10 by
changing over to natural gas ?>>>

You need to provide more info before anyone can accurayely help you. Here is
a note from our catalog;

NOTE: Natural gas hook up involves many variables. The available pressure,
length of pipe run and the number of turns, pipe size, and the meter capacity
all affect the amount of gas that can be delivered to the kiln. Please
consult with us if you have any questions.

I suggest you call befor you proceed much further....

Marc Ward
Ward Burner Systems
PO Box 333
Dandridge, TN 37725
USA
423.397.2914 voice
423.397.1253 fax
wardburner@aol.com